A Weekend in İstanbul: Travel Tips
There are many things to do on the weekend in İstanbul. Here are travel tips
Spontaneous trips are in! The list of the most popular destinations for a spontaneous break is headed by the dazzling metropolis of Istanbul – closely followed by Crete, Lisbon, Barcelona and Milan. / A Weekend in İstanbul: Travel Tips
In the following we have created the ultimate itinerary for you for 48 hours in Istanbul with a balanced mix of highlights and absolute insider tips.
İstanbul Day 1: Morning
On the first day we take on the most important sights of Istanbul, which fortunately for us are only a few minutes’ walk away from each other. First, head to Sultanahmet Square, the heart of the historical peninsula. In addition to the Hippodrome, an ancient horse racing track, one of Istanbul’s landmarks is enthroned here and adorns countless postcards of the city: the Sultanahmet Mosque. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the magnificent church is the only six-minaret mosque ever built by the Ottomans. Inside, the walls are lined with mosaic-like, shimmering blue tiles, giving the structure its nickname of the Blue Mosque. When you visit, make sure to appear outside of prayer times (in the morning between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.).
Our next program item is the world-famous Hagia Sophia, which is only five minutes away. The former Byzantine church was converted into a mosque in 1453 and later into a museum. In late antiquity and the Middle Ages it was considered the eighth wonder of the world and is still regarded as an architectural masterpiece today. Tip: If you are interested in the historical background, we recommend taking part in one of the many tours that let you experience the three UNESCO World Heritage sites (Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque) in a very special way and with historical details of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires attend.
Afternoon in İstanbul
We treat ourselves to a coffee break at 360 Istanbul. The upscale restaurant above the roofs of Istanbul serves Turkish as well as international cuisine and invites you with a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the Bosphorus. Hopefully strengthened and with enough caffeine in our blood, we then stroll to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site: the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Plan enough time for the visit, because the former residence of Ottoman sultans is not only spacious, but above all full of historical evidence that will immerse you in a world from 1001 nights.
Our next stop will also be oriental: the Grand Bazaar. The labyrinth of winding streets and colorful stalls is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and not only makes strollers’ hearts beat faster. Hobby photographers, foodies and those who want to feel the old spirit of Istanbul will feel transported back in time in the colorful world of countless shops and commercial streets, banks, exchange offices, mosques, fountains, hammams, restaurants and coffee houses. Have a cup of tea, soak up the atmosphere and chat about life with the locals. Tip: For Turkish pastries at their finest, just follow the smell of freshly baked apple pie and apple biscuits, which will lead you to one of Istanbul’s favorite pastry shops – Day Day Pastanesi – right by the Grand Bazaar.
Day 1: At evening
In the evening, take the T1 tram line from the bustling Sultanahmet district to the Kabataş station. There, the Dolmabahçe Palace and the mosque of the same name adorn the banks of the Bosphorus. Kabatas Ferry Terminal is just around the corner. From here, you can take a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side, enjoying spectacular views of the city’s skyline and lights.
Alternatively, we recommend booking a sunset boat tour. A very special sightseeing experience between the continents awaits you with a glass of wine. Look out for Topkapi Palace and take spectacular photos from Maiden Tower Kız Kulesi. Also, let the magic of Ortaköy and Mecidiye Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge and Cıragan Palace work their magic on you. Worth it!
İstanbul Day 2: Morning
Breakfast the next morning at the lesser-known Roots Studio Café in the Galata district. The small atmospheric eatery is located on the top floor of the “KTSM” building with a wonderful sea view. It is also the ideal starting point for visiting an absolute insider tip in Istanbul: the Arap Camii. The Arab Mosque is the largest mosque on the Golden Horn side. In addition, it is the only one in Istanbul converted from a Gothic church, with a square high tower and rich wood carvings. It is therefore fundamentally different from all other mosques in the city and can be visited completely free of charge. A thoroughly worth seeing piece of Istanbul’s history, in which the city’s first prayer is also said to have been read.
From here we are drawn to the 68 m high Galata Tower, part of the old city wall and landmark of Galata. The tower features a circular observation deck with 360-degree panoramic views of the Old City, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus. According to legend, one of the first attempts at flight took place here in 1632. The scientist Hezarfen Ahmet Chelebi is said to have jumped from the tower on self-made wings and flew over the Bosphorus to the Asian part of the city (supposedly with success).
Afternoon
In the afternoon we stroll towards Istanbul’s longest and oldest shopping street, Istiklal. There we board the historic red tram T2 and chug leisurely to the popular Taksim Square. During the short drive we get a unique insight into the hustle and bustle of the city and mingle with the locals. After an exciting afternoon full of impressions, we finally have a good time in a nearby hammam. The historic Ağa Hamam, built in 1454 by the Ottoman prince Fatih Sultan Mehmet, awaits you on Turnacıbaşı Street. It is one of the oldest Turkish baths in the city and has only been welcoming tourists since 1984. You can choose between various packages with all kinds of massages, peelings and bubble baths and let yourself be pampered in a wonderfully historical ambience.
The Instagrammers and hobby photographers among you will find some of the most popular Instagram spots in the city in the Galata district. One of them is Hoca Tahsin Street, which is one of the most beautiful streets in Istanbul. The street is also known as Umbrella Street because of the many colorful umbrellas hanging from a net above. The SALT Galata Gallery, a modern art cultural complex in Istanbul, is also a highly photogenic attraction thanks to its beautiful white arches and distinctive checkerboard floor.
Weekend in İstanbul: At evening
Last but not least, there is a culinary highlight on the program that will round off your weekend in Istanbul. Walk to the busiest bridge in Istanbul, the Galata Bridge, under which there are numerous cafes and shisha bars as well as countless fish restaurants. At the southwest end in Eminonu you will find small boats where fish is grilled and sold. Order a so-called Balik Ekmek here, Istanbul’s cult fish sandwich. If you’re feeling bigger, you can instead order a whole fish platter at the exclusive Fish Port Restaurant under the bridge, and watch the sunset gradually tint the sky over the Golden Horn with a pink glow. Afiyet olsun (Engl. Bon appetit)!
