How Many Days Do You Need to Tour Istanbul?
No matter your interests - history, culture or shopping - Istanbul will have plenty to keep you occupied! Spend a few days here using an Istanbul Tourist Pass and explore all its iconic sites.
Staying in Sultanahmet will put you within walking distance of some of the most significant sites, like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Don't forget long pants and a shirt when visiting mosques as shoulders and knees must remain covered at all times.
1 day
If time is tight, two days in Istanbul might be enough. All the main attractions can be reached via walking within easy distance in Sultanahmet district - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are all approximately 5-minutes walk apart, creating an excellent itinerary for religious sites and history enthusiasts with limited travel time.
Three days in Istanbul will allow you to discover some lesser-known attractions, like the Museum of Islamic Science and Technology - an exquisite collection of Islamic science from across the world, including war technology, clocks and astronomy - as well as experience some classic Istanbul activities such as getting scrubbed at a Turkish Hamam or watching Whirling Dervishes perform live, or simply relaxing with an apple tobacco water pipe (nargile).
Ideally, five days is enough time to fully appreciate all that Istanbul has to offer as well as experience its culture and cuisine as a whole.
2 days
If this is your first trip to Istanbul, a three-day itinerary should provide ample opportunity to see all of its top attractions and understand its storied past. However, for an in-depth experience we suggest adding one additional day. This will allow more time to explore fascinating districts such as Beyoglu and Cihangir as well as Asia side of town including colorful Balat.
On your first day, start off at Sultanahmet where the majority of Istanbul's iconic attractions can be found. Spend the rest of your time discovering nearby neighborhoods such as Istiklal Street, waterfront Uskudar or Kamlica hilltop Kamlica on Asia side. If time allows on a third day itinerary, a Bosphorus Cruise might just be perfect!
Spring or autumn are generally considered the optimal times for visiting Istanbul; crowds are much lighter compared to summer months and temperatures are ideal for strolling through city streets during the daytime. Unfortunately, though, this season can also bring unpredictable and rainy conditions; but regardless of these potential drawbacks it still worth it visiting! Get more info local tour guide istanbul
3 days
As a first-time visitor to Istanbul, three days should be enough time to experience all its top attractions. You'll want to visit both the Blue Mosque (famous for its blue-hued tiles) and Hagia Sophia; as well as explore quaint neighborhoods featuring incredible architecture; experience special Turkish bath sessions; or shop the Grand Bazaar!
Start off day one of your tour in Sultanahmet Square - the beating heart of old Constantinople. The square served as the sporting hub during Byzantine rule, yet today there is plenty to do here, from cobbled walkways surrounded by flowers beds to water fountains.
Afternoon visitors should visit Galata Tower for some of the city's finest views. Standing 66 m (217 feet), this medieval stone tower provides expansive vistas of Istanbul skyline. From here, stroll along Istiklal Street for lively shops and cafes before proceeding to Grand Bazaar - an iconic covered market with thousands of stalls!
4 days
Istanbul, located between Asia and Europe, is one of the world's premier tourist spots. Boasting an array of must-see attractions, this city deserves your full exploration. Take your time discovering every corner and delight yourself with all that this magnificent city has to offer!
To maximize your experience, it is wise to spend at least three days exploring Istanbul. This will give you plenty of time to visit all of its top attractions while still giving yourself enough free time for leisurely sightseeing and relaxing in your surroundings.
As when visiting mosques, visitors should remember that women must cover their heads and shoulders and men should wear long pants. Also consider packing sunscreen and sunglasses just in case the sun shines brightly.
Discover Istanbul by taking a Metrobus tour or riding its modern tramway. A ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait can also help bring local culture alive for visitors. Additionally, bazaars and souvenir shops abound. From handmade Anatolian rugs to Turkish coffee, Istanbul has it all and making sure that haggling occurs can only enhance your shopping experience!
5 days
Istanbul offers many landmarks to see and experiencing the city can be both stimulating and overpowering. To fully experience all that the city offers, 2-3 days should be enough time.
One full day in Sultanahmet may be enough time for visitors to see its main attractions if you make quick tours, including visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
If you have three days in Istanbul, take your time exploring the Asian side on day 2. Here you can experience local restaurants and street food while strolling down Uskadar promenade.
Your final day in Ortakoy should include exploring and experiencing a Turkish bath (hamam), which is a traditional Turkish ritual. When visiting, be prepared to be covered in thin cloth known as peshtemal for optimal coverage! You could also visit Grand Bazaar on this day; one of the world's largest covered markets with over 4000 stalls spread out across 61 streets!