Istanbul is one of those cities with rich history, culture, and modern life colliding in the best way possible. I never get tired of visiting this city, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a popular stopover city so if you only have 48 hours, this two-day itinerary will help you hit the major attractions while mixing in some lesser-known spots with all of the insider tips you’ll need. I’ve been to Istanbul twice, so I’ve got a pretty good idea of the essentials you’ll need to see during your time there. This itinerary covers iconic landmarks, historical sites, local food spots, where to shop, and even where to relax. Plus, I’ve got suggestions on where to stay, so you’re all set for your whirlwind stay in Istanbul.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or just want something chic but still affordable, I’ve got you covered.
Where to Stay:
For Budget Stays:
If you’re looking for more affordable hostel options in Istanbul, here are a few more spots that give you a great vibe and good value for your money:
- The Sultan Hostel (Sultanahmet)
- Prices: $27-40 per night
- This one’s perfect if you want to stay close to Istanbul’s main sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It’s a friendly, social hostel with a chill atmosphere. Their private rooms start at only $25 USD.
- Cheers Hostel (Sultanahmet)
- Prices: $20-50 per night
- This is a well-known spot for solo travelers, it has a great social vibe and is super close to the city center. Their private rooms start at $47 USD.
- Taksim Hostel (Beyoğlu)
- Prices: $20-40 per night
- A super affordable option in Taksim, this hostel gives you easy access to both nightlife and cultural sites. The vibe is chill, and it’s got great reviews for cleanliness and friendly staff. Private rooms start at $70.
For Mid-Range Stays:
If you’re looking to step it up from hostels but still keep it affordable, here are some mid-range stays in Istanbul that’ll give you comfort, style, and a great location without breaking the bank:
- Hotel Amira Istanbul (Sultanahmet)
- Prices: $60-100 per night
- This hotel is a cozy, friendly hotel just minutes from iconic sights like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the main tourist sites.
- Hotel Poet (Galata, Beyoğlu)
- Prices: $100-150 per night
- A stylish hotel that blends modern amenities with historical charm in the Galata neighborhood. It’s great for a chill, artsy vibe and it has easy access to cafes and nightlife.
- The Beverley Hills Istanbul (Taksim)
- Prices: $120-180 per night
- If you want to go bit more luxe without going full-on five-star, The Beverly Hills in Hotel in Taksim is your spot. It has comfy rooms with sleek designs that make it perfect if you want a little extra oomph.
Getting Around:
When visiting Istanbul, the currency is Turkish Lira (TRY), and it’s best to use the Istanbulkart for all public transport like buses, trains, trams, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a contactless smart card you can buy for around 10 TRY at kiosks or vending machines, and then load with credit. You can buy the Istanbulkart at metro stations, tram stations, ferry docks, official Istanbulkart offices, and some convenience stores near transport hubs like Taksim and Sultanahmet. I mostly walked around and used public transportation a few times during my time in Istanbul. For this itinerary you will mostly be walking by foot from place to place, but for longer distances you’ll want to grab an Istanbulkart or use an Uber. Note that ordering Ubers in Istanbul is basically ordering a taxi, there are no private drivers. When you order an Uber, you will get an estimate of what the ride will cost. When you get in, make sure to confirm the final price with the driver. The driver has to manually input the ride’s price in the meter once your ride is completed.
Day 1: Hitting the Must-See Attractions
Breakfast:
First things first: breakfast. If your stay doesn’t offer breakfast, head to Old Town Coffee for an authentic and affordable Turkish breakfast to start to your day. Don’t forget to try some Turkish coffee too, it’s so delicious and it’s a must. Old Town Coffee is close to all the main attractions and skips the touristy prices. Other good options are` Harab’be Cafe or Old Ottoman Cafe and Restaurant for similar vibes.
If you’re all about the “Instagram or it didn’t happen” life, Cafe Privato and Lokma are perfect, but they’re a little out of the way but you can go there if you’re feeling extra.
First Stop: The Blue Mosque
After breakfast, take a quick 10-minute walk to the Blue Mosque from Old Town Coffee, one of Istanbul’s most iconic spots. It was built back in the early 1600s, it is famous for its six minarets and gorgeous blue tiles. The mosque opens at 8:30 AM, so get there as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds. It’s free to enter, but heads up: there’s a dress code. Cover your shoulders and knees, and ladies, bring a headscarf (or grab one at the entrance for free). Unfortunately while I was there, some parts of the Blue Mosque were closed due to ongoing renovations. However, I still got to see some of the beautiful tiles and was still amazed.
Next Up: Hagia Sophia
From the Blue Mosque, it’s just a 4-minute walk to Hagia Sophia. This place is a big deal. It was originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, it’s been a mosque, a museum, and now it’s a mosque again. The dome is incredible, and the mosaics are not to be missed.
Entry is €25, it’s a little pricey, but trust me, it’s worth it. The earlier you get there, the better, because the long lines can get wild. Same dress code rules as the Blue Mosque.
Relax at Sultanahmet Square
After Hagia Sophia, take a quick stop at Sultanahmet Square. It’s got fountains, gardens, and plenty of benches for you to relax and it’s a good place to snap some pictures. It has views of both Hagia Sophia and the Iconic Blue Mosque. If you’re lucky you may even get to hear the prayer calls across the 2 mosques which feels so reverent to experience. While you’re here, grab some street food from one of the vendors if you’re in the mood. I enjoyed Turkish ice cream (dondurma) and roasted corn.
History Time: Topkapi Palace
Next up, walk over to Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans used to live for over 400 years. It was built in 1459, and it is packed with opulent rooms, relics (like Prophet Muhammad’s sword), and stunning courtyards. This Palace gives you an overview of what life was like during the Ottoman Empire in Turkey. Tickets are a steep €45, so if you’re into history, it’s worth visiting and you’ll totally geek out here. You should allocate at least 2 hours here, but you can easily spend more time since it’s huge. But if museums aren’t your thing, feel free to skip it and save your energy (and euros) for shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
Lunch Break: Hidden Garden
By now it’s around 2:00 pm, and you’re probably starving. Walk 15 minutes to Hidden Garden, one of the best restaurants in the area and a low-key spot that serves delicious Turkish food. Try the lamb kebabs, mezes, or manti (Turkish dumplings, they were so good). If you’re in the mood for a view, you can alternatively hit up Queb Rooftop Restaurant for stunning views of Hagia Sophia, or check out Pleasure Terrace Rooftop Restaurant which has a roof terrace with stunning views. Seafront Lounge is another solid option with waterfront views and good prices.
Shop ‘Til You Drop: The Grand Bazaar
Next, it’s time to hit Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. This place is a maze of over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and ceramics to spices and textiles. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is perfect for finding unique Turkish souvenirs like handwoven rugs and kilims, fragrant spices and tea, vibrant ceramics and pottery, high-quality leather goods, traditional jewelry, beautiful textiles like scarves and towels, the iconic Evil Eye amulets, and handcrafted copper and brass items. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to haggle for the best prices. You can allocate about 2 hours to browse the Bazaar and see what good finds you will come across.
Unwind at a Hammam
After a long day of walking, treat yourself to a Turkish hammam. Think of it as the OG spa day, you truly haven’t experienced a proper spa experience until you’ve been to a Turkish hammams. Head to Çemberlitaş Hamamı, it’s a famous bathhouse from 1584 that is gorgeous and the perfect way to relax. Other great hammams include the Historical Vezneciler Turkish Bath (more budget-friendly) and Süleymaniye Hamamı, which has a more laid-back, family vibe. Prices usually range from $20 to $60, depending on how fancy you want to go.
Dinner to End the Day
If you’re hungry, wrap up your long day by taking a 5 minute walk to dinner to Doy Doy Restaurant which has delicious Turkish dishes like kebabs and grilled meats with prices ranging from $10-20. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Sultanahmet Fish House serves fresh fish and mezes, costing around $15-25 per person. For a more affordable option go to Köfteci Hüseyin which is a local favorite for tasty Turkish meatballs (köfte) at a very affordable price ($8-$15).
Day 2: Unveiling Istanbul’s Best-Kept Secrets: Galata and Balat
Breakfast in Galata Quarter
The next morning, start your day early in Galata, one of Istanbul’s most iconic neighborhoods. Galata Quarter is basically the spot if you’re in Istanbul. It’s where history, cool architecture, and modern culture come together. Head to Van Kahvaltı Evi to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with fresh simit, menemen (Turkish-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), olives, cheeses, honey, and tea. This café is very affordable and is a local favorite.
First Stop: Galata Tower
After breakfast, take a stroll to the star of the show, Galata Tower. Along the way I passed through the cutest cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and small coffee shops where I made a few stops along the way. Galata Tower is a medieval icon built way back in 1348 by the Genoese. Climbing to the top is a must for epic panoramic views of the city, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus.
Galata Bridge and Spice Market:
Make your way over to The Galata Bridge which is about 10 minutes from the Galata Tower. The short walk is scenic and gives you a chance to enjoy the views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s skyline along the way. You can cross the bridge right to the Spice Market (Mısır Çarşısı).The Spice Market feels like a sensory overload of vibrant colors, smells, and sounds as you stroll through endless stalls of spices, teas, sweets, and dried fruits. It was the perfect place for me to pick up unique souvenirs like Turkish delight and saffron.
Balat, The Colorful Side of Istanbul:
After exploring the Galata quarter, take a 10 minute taxi or take a 5 minute bus ride on the 99A to the Fermer stop to get to Balat. Balat is a neighborhood with rich culture known for its vibrant houses and historic atmosphere. Take some time to just walk through the colorful famous street Merdivenli Yokuş (The Street with Stairs). This is one of the bustling streets lined with vibrant, pastel-colored Ottoman-era houses that have become a hotspot. It’s definitely an instagram picture worthy location to get that “shot” at. Next, take a 10 minute walk to another notable street you can’t miss, Yıldırım Street. There, you’ll find a mix of colorful homes, cozy cafes, and small shops. It’s another great place to snap some insta worthy pics.
Lunch at Forno Balat
After exploring all morning, it’s time to grab lunch at Forno Balat. Try their Relish pide (Turkish flatbread with toppings) or lahmacun (thin Turkish pizza), served fresh from the oven. It’s affordable and full of flavor. If you’re craving more good eats in Balat besides Forno Balat, there are plenty of other awesome spots to check out. Other alternatives are Cafe Naftalin for a Turkish brunch with menemen and simit, and Balat Sahil Restaurant for seafood. If you’re in the mood for something more unique, try Asitane, where you can try Ottoman palace food.
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
After lunch time, walk 15 minutes to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, this is the spiritual heart of the Greek Orthodox Church, featuring stunning icons and history. The best part is this christian church is completely free to visit. Next, wander Along the Golden Horn Waterfront. You can enjoy the peaceful vibe, admire the old wooden houses, and watch the locals fishing.
End The Evening with a Bosphorus Cruise
I wrapped up the evening with a 2 hour Bosphorus Sunset Cruise to experience Istanbul’s skyline at sunset. The boat ride will go past iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, all beautifully lit up at night for an amazing time. This cruise includes tea or snacks for an extra cozy touch.
Night out at Nardis Jazz Club
After the cruise, I ended the night but if you’re up for more, stop by Nardis Jazz Club in Galata after the cruise. It’s a cozy venue that has great live music to end your day on a high note.
Wrapping Up
Istanbul truly is a city where the old meets the new in the most captivating ways, and this two-day itinerary is your perfect guide to a whirlwind visit exploring both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
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