The historic crossroads between the East and West – Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – was founded in 660 BC. Sitting on the two continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the 15th largest city in the world. It’s full of culture and history. Nowadays Istanbul is a unique place split by the Bosphorus River where there are modern skyscrapers next to historic monuments. Asking yourself how long to spend in the city? While many people we spoke to spend ~2 days, we recommend spending 4-5 to get the full feel for the city. Keep reading for how to spend 4 days in Istanbul.
Airports: How to get to Istanbul
When it comes to getting to Istanbul, it can feel daunting at first. It’s not always super clear how to get to the center from the airport, which airport to arrive at, etc. Let’s dive into some basics.
Visitors have two options – Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) and Istanbul International Airport (IST). There is technically a third airport – Ataturk International Airport (ISL) – but it is no longer open to commercial flights. We flew into IST from Italy on a Turkish Airways flight and had a great experience.
- SAW – Located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is ~50 min drive from the historic center and the less popular of the two airports due to its distance from the main attractions.
- IST – Located on the European side of Istanbul. It is ~35-40 min drive from the historic center and the most popular of the two airports due to also being on the European side. Note: This airport is also one of the most glamorous I’ve ever been to! Amazing shopping for souvenirs, a lounge that looked like the lobby of a 5-star hotel, and more.
Things you need to know about the airport situation:
- Quadruple-check which airport you are going to. We flew into IST on an international flight. Then for our flight to Cappadocia from Istanbul, we flew out of SAW. I was sure we were flying out of IST for our trip to Cappadocia. Halfway through the drive, I realized we were going to the wrong spot and had to re-route!
- Don’t forget to get your visa before customs. Depending on your country of citizen you may or may not need a visa. For US citizens a visa is required. You can also pre-buy your visa online (more info here). It was $30 for a 90-day visa. Depending on citizenship it can be $25-$70 for a visa. We found it easier to get our visa at the airport right before customs. NOTE: It is cash only!
Getting to Istanbul from the Airport:
Prior to the trip, we did a lot of research and every article said the same thing: avoid cabs at all costs. 350% accurate, but we’ll get into details later. That means for getting into the city you’ll want to pre-arrange a car. You can either work directly with your hotel (~$50 one way) or through a private car service.
4 Days in Istanbul: Where to Stay
Where you stay in Istanbul really depends on how much time you have in the city.
- Stay in the Historic Center if: you only have 1-2 days
- Stay in Karaköy / Galata if: you have 3+ days
Here’s why. The historic center is centrally located to most of the top attractions. Think: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace. However, the area itself feels very touristy (almost uncomfortably so). The Karaköy and Galata areas have a feeling of being upscale and more local.
We were in the city for 4 days and stayed in the historic center. We stayed at the Celine Hotel Ottoman Mansion in the historic center and absolutely loved it! Service was great, rooms were cozy and clean, and breakfast was included. However, we were far from the hip bars and restaurants, and after a long day of walking, we were too tired to hop over to the other side.
4 Days in Istanbul: Arriving in Istanbul (Day 1): Balat
My strategy every time we travel is to keep day 1 casual. I don’t make bookings or reservations because we don’t know how we’re going to feel upon arrival. Hungry? Tired? I like to leave it open to exploring.
For day 1 we decided to check in and go local. This included a trip to the historic neighborhood of Balat. Balat is one of those hidden gem neighborhoods – a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It’s a bit off the tourist track so not quite as busy. However, we loved it so much that we went twice! Get lost amongst the streets filled with antique stores, cafes, and colorful homes.
About Balat: The UNESCO World Heritage site is most well-known for being the former Jewish quarter, founded in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition. It then became home to a variety of minorities, including Greek Orthodox. As you tour the area you’ll notice a mix of architecture from the various periods and groups.
What to see and do in Balat:
- Take photos in front of the colorful homes on Kiremit Street
- Check out the antique shops – you can find these while roaming the streets. One of my favorites was Antikacılar Çarşısı.
- People watch on a sidewalk cafe – we went to Maison Start
- Visit the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
- Church of St. Mary of the Mongols – Byzantine architecture
- Dinner at Barba Vasilis – was recommended by a local and was our favorite meal of the trip.
A note on getting to Balat: The one downside to visiting Balat is it’s not walking distance from the main attractions which means you’ll need to get there by some form of transportation. The easiest option is to get an Istanbul Card which allows you access to the ferries, buses, and tram. Google Maps was very accurate and we used the app to route us using the bus.
4 Days in Istanbul: Arriving in Istanbul (Day 2): The Historic Main Attractions
The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern are all within walking distance of each other so they can easily be shifted around depending on your schedule. For us, the below schedule made the most sense to avoid the height of the crowds.
8:00 AM: Start your morning early with the Sultanahmet Square
Also known as the “Hippodrome,” Sultanahmet Square is the heart of what connects the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cisterna. Historically, the square was the heart of Constantinople during the Byzantine Era. It saw horse racing, chariot racing, and even the circus. There are a couple of monuments worth seeing on your way through it such as the Statues of Porphyrius, the Walled Obelisk, and the Obelisk of Thutmose III.
8:30 AM: Enter the Blue Mosque right at opening time
Officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), the Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1617. It gets its nickname from the blue tiles on the inside. Fun fact: there are more than 20,000 Iznik tiles throughout the mosque.
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:45 PM (closed during prayer times )
- Time Needed: 35 – 40 min
- Attire: Cover your shoulders, legs, and head. For women, I recommend carrying a scarf around to use for entry to mosques.
9:15 AM: Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia has a unique history that started in 537 AD – prior to becoming a mosque, it was a Byzantine church. Then it became a museum before being turned back into a mosque. Within the Hagia Sophia, visitors will notice Islamic and Christian symbols. Over time, the Christian symbols have started to be covered up (such as the four angels on the ceiling). As you walk through the Hagia Sophia you’ll see stunning gilded mosaics.
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed during prayer hours)
- Time Needed: 35 – 40 min
- Attire: Cover your shoulders, legs, and head.
- Tip: Many tours talk about a “skip the line pass.”The reality is everyone still has to wait in the security line (which is the only line there is to enter). So what you’re really paying for is a tour guide to show you around the mosque and you still have to wait! We recommend skipping as it is so loud in the Hagia Sophia that you’ll barely be able to hear the guide. Instead, google the mosque’s history while inside to read about it.
Brunch at the GRACE Rooftop Restaurant
After the early start to your morning, you’ll need some sustenance. The reality of eating in the historic center is that nearly everything is overpriced. That being said we did have a few good meals! We chose to have lunch at the Grace Rooftop Restaurant which has incredible views of the Blue Mosque and has the perfect instagrammable moment.
- Location: Inside the Lady Diana Hotel
- Hours: daily 8:30 AM – 1:30 AM
- Tip: Make a reservation and arrive early for the best table options.
Looking for other dining options in the area? We also like Hidden Garden and House of Medusa.
1:00 PM: Visit the Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s major historic landmarks with Ottoman Sultans residing there for 400+ years. The architecture is opulent and the history is incredibly rich.
- Entrance: 750 Turkish Liras (~$28 USD) for the main entrance. To include the Harem section, it is an extra 350 Turkish Liras (~$13 USD). It is also slightly more if you would like a “Skip-the-Line” ticket.
- Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 9AM – 6 PM (hours change depending on the season)
- Time Needed: 2 – 4 hours
- Tip: Go during the week as there are significantly fewer people.
4:30 PM: Take a Guided Tour of the Basilica Cistern
The Cisterna Basilica is said to be the largest in the city. Originally built between the 3rd – 4th centuries by the Roman Empire, the cistern was used to collect and store water for the people residing in the area. While you can walk around on your own, a tour is 150% worth it as there are so many tiny details that require a guide to fully understand.
We ended our day with a guided “skip-the-line” tour of the Basilica Cistern booked with Ayhan through Airbnb Experiences. It was semi-private, very informative, and Ayhan felt like a friend guiding us around the area.
- Tour Price: ~$25 (Does not include the entrance ticket ~$12)
- Tour: ~1 hour
4 Days in Istanbul: Arriving in Istanbul (Day 3): Bazaars + Bridges
10:00 AM: Start your morning at the markets
I’m going to be really transparent on this one. Every guide lists Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market as a “must-do” activity. If there’s something you can skip on your trip it’s a visit to these two spots. If. you’re imagining a historic-looking bazaar with cool souvenirs to bring home, this isn’t really it. They’re mainly full of cheap souvenirs and fake goods. But if you must visit these two head there in the morning when they open to avoid the crowds.
Grand Bazaar
- Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30 AM – 7 PM (note: go around 10 AM – that’s when all the stalls will be open)
Egyptian Spice Bazaar
- Address: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 7 PM (note: go around 10 AM – that’s when all the stalls will be open)
12:00 PM Have fresh fish for lunch in Eminonu
The neighborhood of Eminonu, located along the Bosphorus is a buzzing spot. Between being a transportation hub for the ferries, a pick up/drop off spot for the Bosphorus cruises, and a popular fishing spot – it’s a great place to people watch!
In the area, you’ll also find plenty of casual fish restaurants to choose from. You can try the classic Turkish street food of Balık ekmek (it’s delicious and cheap but fun fact the fish is actually from Norway). Or you can opt for some fresh grilled fish with veggies from the area. You can’t go wrong with most of the spots – just Google them to double-check before you walk in! There are even some floating restaurants which are lots of fun.
1:30 PM: Cross the Galata Bridge into Karaköy
From Eminou you can cross the Galata Bridge on foot and end up in the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy. The famous Galata Bridge connects the old city with the modern side. Karaköy makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll as it is full of chic cafes, trendy restaurants, and boutiques. We enjoyed walking through the little streets as we made our way to the Galata Tower.
Tip: Karaköy is a great spot to grab a quick snack at one of the little cafes.
3:00 PM: Check out the View from the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower Museum was originally built as a watchtower in 507-508 AD to protect what was then Galata. It was then destroyed in 1204 during the Fourth Crusades and later rebuilt in the 1300s. It has one of the best views of the Istanbul skyline (you can see the Golden Horn, the Asian side of Istanbul, and more).
- Hours: Change depending on the season. Summer hours are 8:30 AM – 11 PM daily.
- Entrance: 650 Turkish Liras (~$24)
- Tip: Buy your tickets in advance online as the ticketing lines get quite long.
4:30 PM: Walk down İstiklal Avenue and end up at Taksim Square
After the Galata Tower and before dinner, take a stroll down İstiklal Avenue to Taksim Square. The Avenue is filled with a mix of traditional dessert shops and modern chain clothing stores like Mango and Zara. While a walk down this street and Taksim Square are potentially skippable if you’re short on time (in our opinion), it is interesting to just see the sheer volume of people in the area! Taksim Square is considered the heart of modern-day Istanbul with plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels nearby.
7:00 PM: Dinner with a View at the Izaka Terrace
End the evening with a fancier dinner at sunset on the Izaka Terrace rooftop. The ambiance, food, and views make for a romantic evening in the city.
- Location: Inside the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
- Hours: 12 PM – 2 AM Daily
- Tip: Make a reservation for a bit before sunset to enjoy the view in the daytime and evening.
- Order the: Manti and the Beef Sashlik Kebab
4 Days in Istanbul: Arriving in Istanbul (Day 4): Traditional Turkish Baths & an Adventure
8:30 AM: Breakfast with a View
After seeing Nova Santiye Cafe on Instagram this was the one spot I knew we had to check out and it lived up to the hype! Located in the historic center, the cafe is on the most stunning rooftop. First start with photos in the photo corner before heading to the other side for rooftop. It was our favorite breakfast of the trip!
- Location: Süleymaniye, Siyavuş Paşa Sk. No: 24, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Hours: 8 AM – 12 AM
- Photo price: Prices vary depending on if you opt for the photographer, videos, drone footage, groups, and renting an outfit. We went with the basic package for $20/pp.
- Tip: We arrived around 8:30 AM (they open at 8) however, they were still setting up the photo area around that time. So you could get away with arriving around 9 AM.
10:00 AM: Experience a traditional Turkish bath
Is it even a trip to Turkey without a traditional Turkish bath experience? While there are spas all over the city offering Turkish baths, we opted for the historic Suleymaniye Hammam. The hammam has been around since 1550 (built from 1550 to 1557) and was often visited by the Ottoman Sultan Suleyman. It was designed by well-known Turkish architect Mimar Sinan. It is a 90-minute experience that starts in a hot room made of warm marble slabs before you are scrubbed down with soap by the masseurs.
- Location: Süleymaniye, Mimar Sinan Cd. No:20, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- Reservations: The experience is cash only and by reservation. The slots open up 7 days early, so plan to book a time quite a few days in advance (especially during tourist season).
- Tip: We booked a 10 AM slot (the first available), and we had the Hammam to ourselves for the first part of our experience.
12:30 PM: Take the ferry to the Asian side to visit the Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is a stop one of our friends who is a local told us about. As soon as we Googled it, we knew we had to go. It’s on the Asian side of Istanbul and a bit off the tourist track. Just taking the ferry across the Bosphorus felt like an activity on its own and it was of course way cheaper than an official Bosphorus cruise! This felt like a true little hidden gem and we really enjoyed seeing the Asian side of the city.
About the palace: Commissioned in 1843 by Sultan Abdül Mecit, Dolmabahçe Palace is Turkey’s largest palace. It was the first designed in the European style and was said to have been built to cover up the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Fun fact: It has the largest collection of Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world.
Once you arrive on the Asian side, there are a few shops and restaurants. Pick up a few items to go (like sandwiches) which you can enjoy in the park next to the palace.
- Entrance: Palace only 60 Turkish Liras (~$2.50), Picnic Area only 25 Turkish Liras (~$1)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9AM – 4PM
- Tip: Depending on where you’re coming from, find one of the Istanbul Tourism offices. They were able to help us figure out exactly where to go and which ferry to take as Maps wasn’t being very helpful.
Thanks for reading our itinerary for spending 4 days in Istanbul!
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