Istanbul – one of the best cities in the world – offers endless opportunity to explore food, culture and history. As an extremely unique city of both Europe and Asia, it is close enough to the UK for a convenient flight time but also gives you that little culture shock. As a city that has been through so much historically; there’s nowhere quite like it’s blend of energy and imperial power. We will be sharing our weekend itinerary, and how to make the most of your stay.
TIP💡Despite public opinion, we felt safe in Istanbul overall. Like any busy city, be mindful of your belongings, however; we didn’t feel any higher significant risk compared to other cities. Remember to dress modestly to respect the culture – shoulders covered and over-knee length bottoms!
Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet
Undoubtedly one of the most famous sights of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque (also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is an iconic symbol of architectural significance. Dating back to the 1600s, it is still open today as a place of worship but also for tourists alike. Be mindful that it can get very busy during peak touristic hours and prayer times, and you must dress moderately and respectfully to enter. The views, particularly inside and within the courtyard, are staggering. A must visit for your trip.
Hagia Sophia Mosque and History & Experience Museum
Located in Sultanahmet Square, ideally located opposite the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum we feel is a spot that is often overlooked. From a multitude of advice and suggestions pre-visit, nobody mentioned this museum quite as much as we feel it deserves. It is essential for your understanding when visiting the mosque itself. We thoroughly enjoyed the immersive experience, where it explains the historical significance of the building, dating back to 537 AD. The significance of this site to us is profound, as it stood as a Christian cathedral for nearly a thousand years. The majestic scale and presence of the building leave you speechless, the grandeur undeniable, and the energy and atmosphere carries the heavy imprint of centuries of faith, conquest, and evolution.
TIP💡You must visit the museum BEFORE you visit the mosque. It provides you with invaluable historical knowledge that you can bear in mind when exploring the majestic interior.
Galata Tower
With a spectacular view of the Galata Tower from the window of our air bnb, it is located in the heart of Beyoğlu. Expect bustling alleys and hectic crowds amongst it’s cobbled streets. Every corner is lined with delicious food & coffee spots. Unfortunately, we did not get the opportunity to reach the top of the tower as it was closed for construction, but it is equally beautiful on foot. We recommend climbing to the top – it is supposed to have the most spectacular view of the city!
TIP💡There is a fabulous place, Guney Restaurant, to have a traditional Turkish breakfast right at the foot of the tower. You’d expect this to be a huge tourist trap, however, we thoroughly enjoyed the food and the service.
The Bazaars
The bazaar culture of Istanbul is an integral part of the city culture. In all honesty, they are not somewhere we would return to when visiting Istanbul again. However, for a first time visit, they are definitely worth an explore. The spice bazaar is full of exotic spices, teas and Turkish delight. To experience an Arabian nights atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like getting lost among the spice bazaar’s colourful stalls. The grand bazaar dates back to the 15th century, and is known as one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It is a spectacular experience to wander through, taking in the sounds, smells and colours of the magical interior.
Basilica Cistern
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the basilica cistern. It’s worth noting it’s a relatively quick visit, and although pricey, we would recommend pre-booking skip-the-line tickets if this is within budget. The queues and crowds can get extremely busy, and with such a short tour duration, we found it maximised value. We would highly recommend, it has huge historical significance, with beautifully illuminated roman columns and sculptures. The moody lighting creates such a mystical feeling – this must be included in your Istanbul Itinerary!
Taksim Square
Taksim square is a central hub of Istanbul for shopping, nightlife and restaurants. We didn’t spend much time here, however it’s great for a casual stroll. Also, we caught a day where Galatasaray S.K were playing, so were graced with crowds of (friendly) atmospheric football fans flooding the square with red and yellow.
TIP💡you’ll find lots of stalls in taksim square selling “wet burgers”. This is an infamous street food whereby a burger patty is steamed and soaked in a tomato based sauce. You must try. YUM
Bosphorus Cruise
A Bosphorus cruise is a non-negotiable on a trip to Istanbul! Ideally, there are many different types and prices to choose from, to suit your budget and time scales. You can pick up tickets for a 2 hour tour for as little as £4. However, you could also go all-out and pay more for a private yacht tour with drinks and snacks included. Be sure to check what the tour includes, as not all allow you to stop off on Istanbul’s Anatolian (asian) side. We booked our tour through viator.
Istanbul is an incredibly vast city, offering an abundance of cultural experiences and endless opportunities to explore. It’s a place you can return to time and time again, with each visit revealing something new. We hope you make use of our Istanbul Itinerary, and we already look forward to our next journey back.
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