Highlights of Istanbul in Two Days

Visit the most interesting places in Istanbul in just two days.

Start your first day early and visit Büyükada, the largest one of the Princes' Islands. After you leave the island, head to Topkapı Palace, the former sultans' residence which now serves as a history museum. After that, walk to the iconic Galata Bridge which links the two parts of Istanbul historically divided by both culture and faith. Climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of the city and continue to Istiklal Street, one of the busiest boulevards of Istanbul bustling with life at any time of the day or night. Taksim Square is where you finish the first day.

On the second day, you will explore the old city of Istanbul further. Start with the Suleymaniye Mosque and admire the magnificent Ottoman architecture. Then head to the Grand Bazaar, a major shopping location where you can hunt for fairly priced souvenirs, smashing golden jewelry or clothes. Your next stop is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, one of the dominants of the old part of Istanbul. It's also known as the Blue Mosque for the blue paint which decorates its interior. The Blue Mosque is a stone’s throw away from Hagia Sophia, which is your next stop. Originally a place of worship, it has been open to the public as a museum since 1935. After that, head to Basilica Cistern, an enormous underground chamber which used to store water for the whole city. If you've got some time left, stop by at Egyptian Bazaar to buy some herbs, spices and souvenirs.
1 Day 2 Day

Day 1: Highlights of Istanbul in Two Days

Büyükada

The largest one of the Princes' Islands. It is a favourite getaway for both locals and tourists, as there is almost no motor transport.

Salutation Gate -… @ Sygic Traveler

Topkapı Palace

Built in the 15th century, this palace used to be the sultans' residence.

Galata Bridge

The iconic two-story bridge, which links two parts of Istanbul historically divided by both culture and faith, is a must-see.

Galata Tower

Completed in the 14th century, it was the tallest point in the city and it still dominates the skyline of Istanbul.

Istiklal Street

One of the busiest boulevards of Istanbul is bustling with life at any time of the day or night.

Republic Monument

This extensive square is the centre of the modern part of Istanbul. It is dominated by a sculpture named The Independence Monument, which is…

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Day 2: Highlights of Istanbul in Two Days

Muslims praying towards… @ Antonio Melina/Agência Brasil

Süleymaniye Mosque

Designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, this mosque is a spectacular example of Ottoman architecture.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul @ Jiri Parimucha

Grand Bazaar

A major shopping location where you can hunt for fairly priced souvenirs, smashing golden jewelry or clothes.

Sultan Ahmet Square

The main square of the ancient Constantinople where chariot races used to be organized.

The Blue Mosque

One of the dominants of the old part of Istanbul is also known as the Blue Mosque, thanks to the blue paint used to decorate the interior.

Hagia Sophia - Fountain @ Sygic Traveler

Hagia Sophia

Called "The Church of the Divine Wisdom", this majestic building, which held the title of the largest church in the world for over nine…

Basilica Cistern

This enormous underground chamber was built in the 6th century and it stored water for the whole city.

Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar

At this covered bazaar, you can buy many various kinds of spices, tea, Turkish delight, souvenirs and a lot more.

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