Discover the Magic of Istanbul in Just Two Days

Oh, Istanbul! This city is where the vibrant tapestry of East meets West, offering a magical blend of cultures, cuisines, and histories. Wandering through its bustling streets, you’ll stumble upon ancient mosques, charming bazaars, and delightful street food at every corner. Whether you’re sipping Turkish tea overlooking the Bosphorus or getting lost in the wonder of the Blue Mosque’s architecture, Istanbul never fails to enchant with its unique charm and warmth.

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If Istanbul isn’t on your travel radar, it absolutely should be. I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about traveling to Istanbul. I’m not entirely sure why; perhaps I anticipated it being more chaotic and dangerous. However, to my pleasant surprise, I enjoyed the city far more than I had expected.

This city is a melting pot of history, culture, and beauty that captures the hearts of all who visit. But what if you only have two days to explore this metropolis? This Istanbul travel guide is your perfect companion, packed with tips to ensure you make the most of every moment.

Getting There and Around

Let’s start at the beginning—getting to Istanbul. Whether you’re flying in from Europe or further, you’ll likely arrive at one of the city’s two major airports. Istanbul Airport is the main hub, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves many low-cost carriers.

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and smoothly we exited the airport. Just 30 minutes after landing, we had already gone through passport control and collected our luggage.

Taxi

Once you land, you’ll need to make your way into the bustling heart of the city. A taxi is convenient but can be pricey. We left the city early in the morning and took a taxi back to the airport. We got a larger, more comfortable black car for 45€, but there are also cheaper taxi options available (around 30€).

Public Transportation

Metro is a great and cheap option to go to the city from Istanbul new Airport. You need to buy Istanbulkart, that cost 130TRY (around 3,6€). It does not come with a credit. Up to 5 people can use one Istanbulkart, so not every one need to buy own card.

A one-way metro ticket to Gayrettepe Station costs 25.80₺ (approximately 0.69€). Depending on your accommodation, you may need to transfer to another metro line from Gayrettepe Station. I recommend loading a minimum of 70TL per person onto your card for travel to Taksim, Sultanahmet, Karaköy, or Galata. If you decide to go further, it is recommended to top up with a minimum of 100TL.

SIM cards

Staying connected in Istanbul is key to navigating and sharing your adventures.While SIM cards can be quite pricey in Turkey, eSIM services like Airalo offer a convenient alternative. I purchased a 10 GB package from Airalo, which is valid for 30 days and cost €17.50. This price is more affordable than what you’d find at Istanbul Airport, and it activated immediately upon my arrival.

Where to Stay in Istanbul?

We stayed in the Beyoglu District, conveniently located near the Sishane metro station and Istiklal Street. I highly recommend this area, as it’s easily walkable to Sultanahmet or just a short tram or metro ride away. You can also stroll to the charming Cihangir neighborhood, perfect for breakfast, or head to Karaköy. There are plenty of excellent restaurants within walking distance.

If you have just one day, I recommend staying in the historic Sultanahmet area, as it’s just a short walk from iconic landmarks. However, I personally find it too touristy for an extended stay and would prefer accommodations elsewhere.

When to Visit Istanbul?

Timing your visit is crucial. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be sweltering and winter, though less crowded, might not suit everyone’s idea of a vacation.

We visited in mid-November, and the weather was pleasant for exploring—neither too cold nor too hot. Although it wasn’t a peak season or a weekend, the major tourist attractions still had long lines to enter.

Day One Itinerary

Morning Delights with Turkish Breakfast

Start your Istanbul adventure with a traditional Turkish breakfast—a feast in itself! Picture a table laden with olives, cheeses, fresh bread, and honey.

Cihangir is a delightful neighborhood perfect for discovering a cozy café to savor your morning ritual. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Doǧaciyiz Gourmet restaurant, which was truly satisfying. Other recommended spots in the area include Yiǧit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvalti, Limon Kahvalti Evi, and Van Kahvalti Evi.

Explore the History at Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

After enjoying your breakfast, head over to the Hagia Sophia. It’s just a short walk to the tram T1 (heading to Kabataş), and the ride will take approximately 10 minutes.

This architectural marvel stands as a testament to Istanbul’s complex history and is a must-see. Just a short stroll away is the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its majestic domes and beautiful blue tiles.

TIP! Be prepared for a long wait to enter, as this is one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. To visit the interior of the Blue Mosque, plan your visit outside of prayer times and ensure you are dressed appropriately. During prayer times, you can only access the gardens.

Afternoon at the Basilica Cistern

One of my favorite spots has to be the Basilica Cistern. This ancient underground water reservoir offers a cool respite from the bustling city streets above. The atmospheric lighting and reflections create a magical ambiance.

The Basilica Cistern welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 11:50 PM. Please note that ticket prices rise after 6:30 PM. If you’re looking to maximize your time in Istanbul, visiting after sunset is ideal since daylight isn’t necessary there.

Woman at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey.

Basilica Cistern: the best thing to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Explore the Grand Bazaar

No trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting the Grand Bazaar. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish carpets to spices, it’s easy to get lost in this lively marketplace. Bargaining is part of the experience, so be prepared to haggle for some unique souvenirs.

The Grand Bazaar: the best thing to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Evening Options

For dinner, head to the Galata Tower area. If you’re willing to splurge a little, the 360 Istanbul restaurant offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Alternatively, sample the street food—a döner kebab or simit is always a good idea.

Day Two Itinerary

Morning at Istiklal Street and Beyond

Begin your second day with a stroll down Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s bustling avenue filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites. Don’t miss the chance to ride the nostalgic tram that crosses the street.

Visit Galata Tower

For a stunning bird’s-eye view of Istanbul, visit Galata Tower. This iconic landmark provides panoramic 360-degree vistas of the city and is an excellent spot for photography. We chose not to enter the tower due to the long lines, which may be why an early morning visit is advisable to enjoy a quieter experience.

Woman in front of Galata Tower, Istanbul

Entry to the Galata Tower costs nearly €40. For a more budget-friendly alternative to enjoy the city views, consider visiting Restaurant 360 Istanbul. While entry is free, you’ll need to purchase a drink or meal. Although the food prices are higher than at other establishments, it remains a more economical choice than the Galata Tower, and you won’t have to wait in line to get in.

Unwind with a Coffee Break at Hoca Tahsin Sk Area

The Hoca Tahsin Sk area is famous for its colorful umbrellas suspended between the buildings, creating a picturesque scene perfect for your Instagram feed. Grab a coffee and soak in the atmosphere.

Stroll Across the Galata Bridge

Later, take a leisurely walk across the Galata Bridge. The views are stunning, and you’ll see locals fishing and the ferries chugging along the Golden Horn. It’s a quintessential Istanbul experience.

Afternoon at the Spice Bazaar

Next, immerse yourself in the exotic scents and vibrant colors of the Spice Bazaar. From saffron to Turkish delight, you’ll leave with your senses tingling. It’s also a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Must-Visit Sites for Next Time

While two days are packed with adventure, Istanbul has so much more to offer. If you find yourself returning, consider visiting Dolmabahce Palace, the serene Ortaköy Mosque (formally the Büyük Mecidiye Camii) or the Fener area. And if time permits, a sunset boat trip along the Bosphorus is a perfect way to end your stay.

Planning Your Next Adventure?

If Istanbul leaves you craving more, why not extend your travels to Georgia? The neighboring country offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences just a short flight away.

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