3 Day City Guides
Do you have an adventurous soul? If your answer is a ‘yes’, then explore the city on foot. (Location 133)
Trams are also an ideal means of transportation, as you explore the city of Istanbul. Not only are they fast, but they provide astounding cityscape sights as well. The Zeytinburnu-Kabatas Tram is arguably the best tram to get around the sought-after spots of the city. (Location 139)
As you take a ferry ride along the city, you get a chance to see the beauty of Istanbul from a completely different perspective. (Location 143)
As a tourist in this nirvana, you should consider investing in an AKBIL pass, a sophisticated electronic ticket system that you can use for fare payments on the city’s public transportation systems. (Location 147)
You can buy this ticket at the Taksim Square’s bus stop in Istanbul. (Location 150)
For the first day of your trip to Istanbul, you will be wandering around Sultanahmet, the historical peninsula and the old city of Istanbul. Here, you get to feast your eyes on a breathtaking collection of architectural marvels, such as the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. (Location 160)
Finally, you’ll be capping of your day with a “Hamam”, a relaxing traditional Turkish bath that soothes your senses, and travel weary body. (Location 163)
For your first stop of your first day adventure in the city of Istanbul, make your way to the opulent Topaki Palace, (Location 168)
After enjoying the lovely offerings of the Topaki Palace, head off to the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), which is located just a few yards away from the palace. (Location 190)
Feeling hungry after your first two stops? Well, feed your grumbling stomach, and please your taste buds with the delightful dishes served at the Sarnic Restaurant. Located at the back of the Hagia Sophia, the Sarnic Restaurant is famous among its (Location 205)
locals for its romantic ambiance and piquant dishes, such as the pepper steak, baklava with ice-cream, and seafood with oyster sauce. (Location 206)
Next on your agenda is the iconic Blue Mosque, or also called as Sultan Ahmet Mosque. (Location 217)
No trip to the city of Istanbul is complete without a visit to the mysterious Basilica Cistern. (Location 230)
Shopping at one of the largest covered market in the world With more than 3,000 shops and 60 covered streets, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is truly one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. (Location 239)
Recommended time of arrival: 4 pm to 5pm (Location 248)
A perfect way to end a day of full of fun and adventure is to indulge in a soothing Turkish bath with your family or loved one at the Suleymaniye Haman. (Location 252)
A historic building with an array of hamam and spa services Are you a solo traveler who wants to experience a soothing hamam? Then, the Ayasofa Hurrem Sultan Hamam should be your top choice. Housed in beautiful historic building, this hamam facility not only offers hamam, but it also has a broad range of spa and services, including back massage, aroma explosion, and many more. (Location 263)
A Blissful Journey to the Modern Side of an Ancient City (Location 272)
After spending a day enjoying the sights of the city’s historic side, it’s time for you to embark on a journey to the modern world of Istanbul. For your second day, you will be paying homage to some of the modern amusements of the city, such as the Istikal Caddesi and Istanbul Sapphire. (Location 279)
To start your second day on a high note, make your way to the Taksim Square, Istanbul’s version of New York’s famed Times Square. (Location 284)
Haven’t had your breakfast yet? As mentioned, the square is teeming with cafes and restaurants, including Lokanta Maya, La Mouette, Fish, Mikla, and a whole lot more. (Location 288)
In the square’s center, for instance, you will find a monument known as the Monument of the Republic, which was built in 1928 to immortalize Turkey’s independence after the Turkish war. (Location 290)
Looking for more city sights of Taksim? Then, take a stroll along the Ataruk Cultural Center, Taksim Gezi Park and Istanbul Metro. (Location 292)
Take a leisurely stroll along the city’s most stylish street Locally known as the most fashionable street in all of Turkey, the Istikal Caddesi is an animated, crowded and splashy cobbled street. (Location 297)
Also, while strolling along the street, don’t forget to sample the Dondurma, which is a term for traditional Turkish Ice Cream. (Location 303)
The ultimate shopping experience in Istanbul From Istikal Caddesi, head back to Taksim Square, hop on the metro, and disembark at the Sisli Stop. Afterwards, look for the Istanbul Cevahir Mall, to enjoy the ultimate shopping experience in the city. One of the world’s largest shopping all, (Location 314)
Get a bird’s eye view of the city from a skyscraping observation deck (Location 327)
Rising over 50 floors above the ground, the Istanbul Sapphire is a towering figure that dominates the stunning skyline of Istanbul. With an impressive height of 26 meters, this lofty skyscraper is currently one of the top 10 tallest buildings in Europe. (Location 328)
Take snapshots of the sky-high buildings at Istanbul’s skyscraper district From the Istanbul Sapphire, take a taxi ride bound for Maslak, one of the city’s major business districts. (Location 347)
An Epic Night of Entertainment in Istanbul (Location 355)
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub: A small and cozy bar with genuine world-class beers Drawing hordes of nocturnal party goers every night, Beyoglu’s U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is arguably the hottest and most beloved bar in all of Istanbul. (Location 363)
Escape the City Buzz with an Idyllic Tour to Buyukada (Location 417)
Do you want to get away from the buzzing sounds of the city? For the last day of your Istanbul getaway, you’ll be taking a relaxing full-day trip to the idyllic Princes’ islands. In this laid-back expedition, you’ll explore the island of Buyukada, (Location 422)
Upon arrival, you will have the option to explore this charming island in an exciting fashion with horse drawn carriage. (Location 425)
A visit to this island is an absolute must for anyone visiting Istanbul. Formerly known as Prinkipo, Buyukada is quite popular among Istanbul’s locals, for a number of reasons. Blessed with a wealth of pristine white sand beaches, the island is a tranquil paradise for those who want to get soak up the sun. (Location 438)
How to get there From Istanbul, go to the Kabatas dock, and look for a ferry bound to the island’s wharf. The cost for this one-way trip is 5 TL per person. As for the travel time, a ferry ride to Buyukada takes an hour and a half. To check the schedule for the departure of these ferries, visit ido.com.tr (Location 445)
Eat your breakfast Once you’ve reach the island’s wharf, walk straight ahead, and look for the Saat Medyan, the island’s main square with a gaudy clock tower. On the left side of Saat Medyan, you will find a few cafes and vendors serving delectable breakfast. A must-try is their Turkish weekend breakfast, made up of scrambled eggs, tea, jam, olives, tomatoes, and cheese with slices of sucuk. (Location 458)
When it comes to Kebab, very few restaurants in the country are as good as the Sultanahmet Buhara Kebab house. (Location 487)
Rated as one of the top restaurants in Istanbul, the Shadow Restaurant is contemporary Turkish restaurant with an upbeat vibe, and extremely friendly staff. What’s more, it serves titillating Turkish dishes and tasteful cocktails. (Location 493)
Kumkapi Fener Fish Restaurant is, (Location 497)
without a doubt, the best seafood restaurant in the city. Here, you get to feast on a variety of signature seafood dishes, such as spicy salad fresh-rocket and grilled sea-bass. Also, the restaurant has a friendly service, great atmosphere, and soothing music. (Location 497)