Two days is enough to cover Istanbul's headline sights on both sides of the Golden Horn without sprinting. Day one stays in the old imperial core around Sultanahmet, while day two crosses into the livelier Beyoğlu district and the Bosphorus shore.
Two days is enough to cover Istanbul's headline sights on both sides of the Golden Horn without sprinting. Day one stays in the old imperial core around Sultanahmet, while day two crosses into the livelier Beyoğlu district and the Bosphorus shore.
Begin early at the Hagia Sophia, whose vast dome makes it worth arriving before the crowds build. Cross the square to the Blue Mosque and the adjacent Hippodrome of Constantinople, then descend into the cool, atmospheric Basilica Cistern. Spend the early afternoon at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, pairing it with the nearby Istanbul Archaeology Museums for a deeper look at the region's ancient history. Wrap up the day getting pleasantly lost in the covered lanes of the Grand Bazaar.
Start at the domed Süleymaniye Mosque, then head north across the Golden Horn to climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views over the city. From there, stroll the length of pedestrian Istiklal Avenue down to bustling Taksim Square, stopping for tea or a quick bite along the way. In the afternoon, visit the ornate Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus waterfront, a striking contrast to the more austere Topkapi from the previous day, before an evening stroll along the water.