1 Day in Istanbul: Ultimate Guide
1. Hagia Sophia
• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Cost: Free (though donations are appreciated)
• Overview: Start your day with this architectural wonder, blending Byzantine and Ottoman elements. Originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, it’s one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
2. Blue Mosque
• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Just across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and iconic six minarets. It’s an active mosque, so dress modestly.
3. Topkapi Palace
• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
• Cost: 200 TL (~$10 USD)
• Overview: Discover Ottoman history at Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of sultans for over 400 years. Highlights include the Harem, treasury, and gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Balikci Sabahattin
• Address: Cankurtaran, Seyit Hasan Kuyu Sk. No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Fresh seafood with traditional flavors
• Cost: 200-300 TL per person ($10-$15 USD)
• Luxury: Mikla
• Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Modern Turkish with stunning Bosphorus views
• Cost: 700-900 TL per person ($35-$45 USD)
4. Grand Bazaar
• Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Cost: Free (shopping is optional)
• Overview: Wander one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It’s an ideal spot to buy authentic Turkish goods, from spices to handwoven carpets.
5. Basilica Cistern
• Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: 30 TL (~$1.50 USD)
• Overview: Finish with this atmospheric ancient cistern. Known for its eerie, captivating ambiance, the underground chamber is supported by 336 marble columns and features the iconic Medusa heads.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
• Address: Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish grilled meats, especially known for its köfte (meatballs)
• Cost: 150 TL per person ($8 USD)
• Luxury: 360 Istanbul
• Address: İstiklal Cd. No:163, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Fusion, with panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline
• Cost: 500-700 TL per person ($25-$35 USD)
Hotel Recommendation:
Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul: If you have an unlimited budget, this is the place to stay in Istanbul... And if it's not - it is definitely worth a visit... have a drink out back overlooking the water after a long day of seeing the sights!
You can find your own favorite place here:
Annual Events in Paris to Consider:
1. Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): This month-long festival celebrates Istanbul’s symbolic flower, the tulip, with millions of blooms decorating city parks, especially Emirgan Park, Sultanahmet Square, and Gülhane Park.
2. International Istanbul Film Festival (April): Held every April, this prestigious film festival attracts international filmmakers and cinema lovers. Screenings are hosted in theaters across the city, primarily in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy.
3. Istanbul Music Festival (June): Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, this festival showcases classical music performances at historic venues like the Hagia Irene, the Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center, and Topkapı Palace.
4. Istanbul Jazz Festival (July): This event draws jazz, soul, and blues fans from all over the world, with performances in historic sites and cultural centers throughout the city.
5. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar): These religious festivals bring a unique atmosphere to Istanbul, with mosques decorated, and local events and meals shared among families and friends.
6. Istanbul Biennial (Every two years in September-November): This contemporary art exhibition, held at various venues throughout the city, showcases innovative works from local and international artists.
7. Republic Day (October 29): A national holiday with parades, concerts, and fireworks along the Bosphorus, marking the founding of the Turkish Republic.
8. International Istanbul Book Fair (November): This event gathers book lovers and publishers from around the world, offering a rich program of readings, signings, and workshops at the TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center.
Do you have a travel tip for your favorite place(s) to visit when in Istanbul, Turkey? If so... drop us a comment below!