Itinerary Summary
Two days walk the Sultanahmet core - Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with its harem and Golden Horn view. A public ferry crosses to the Asian side for Uskudar an…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, an Istanbulkart and a Dusk Walk in Sultanahmet
10:00
2.5h
Airport transfer and Sultanahmet check-in
Ride the M11 metro and Marmaray to Sirkeci and walk to your hotel, or take the Havas bus if you have heavy bags. The metro option is cheaper and avoids the ring-road traffic.
📍 Istanbul Airport (IST)
18:00
1.5h
Sultanahmet Square at dusk
Walk the square as the floodlights come on between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, when the crowds thin and the call to prayer carries across. The Hippodrome obelisks are lit after dark.
📍 Sultanahmet, Istanbul
19:30
1.5h
Balik ekmek dinner at Eminonu
Take the tram one stop to Eminonu for a grilled fish sandwich from the boats under Galata Bridge. Eat at the low tables by the water rather than walking with it.
📍 Eminonu, Istanbul
💡 Pro Tip: Both IST and SAW connect to the old city by metro and bus, taking 60 to 90 minutes. Buy an Istanbulkart at the airport; one card works for trams, buses, the Marmaray and ferries, and can be topped up at machines. The city runs on UTC+3. Entry rules depend on your passport, so see the Turkiye visa section before booking.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$39035%
Comfort hotels in Sultanahmet or Beyoglu, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$22020%
Balik ekmek, Kumpir, Menemen breakfast and Kunefe
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to see Istanbul properly?+
Four to five full days covers the Sultanahmet sights, Topkapi, a Bosphorus cruise and the Beyoglu quarter without rushing. This 6-day plan adds the Asian side and a full strait cruise, a comfortable pace. If you only have three days, cut the Asian shore and keep the old city plus one cruise.
Is the Istanbulkart worth buying and where can I use it?+
Yes. The Istanbulkart is a reloadable transit card that works on trams, metro lines, public buses, funiculars and city ferries, including crossings to Uskudar and the Bosphorus ferries. Buy it at airport or major station machines and top up as you go. It costs less per ride than single tickets and saves queueing at kiosks.
Should I stay in Sultanahmet or Beyoglu for a 6-day Istanbul visit?+
Sultanahmet puts Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi within walking distance, which suits first-time sightseeing. Beyoglu, around Istiklal Avenue and Galata, has more restaurants, bars and evening life and is a short tram ride from the old city. For this itinerary, Sultanahmet first and Beyoglu for the last two nights works well.
Can you visit the Asian side of Istanbul on a public ferry?+
Yes. City ferries from Eminonu and Karakoy cross to Uskudar and Kadikoy in about 20-30 minutes, and the Istanbulkart covers the fare. Uskudar has the Mihrimah Sultan mosque and a waterfront promenade, while Kadikoy has a lively market and food street. Ride at sunset for the best light on the old city skyline.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $900–1,350 (≈ €780–1,170), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
Budget Spreadsheet
Download the customizable budget template for this itinerary.
Unlock Budget DownloadPrint / Save as PDF
Open a print-ready version, then choose Save as PDF in the print dialog.
Unlock Print / PDFYou May Also Like
- Byzantine & Ottoman Monuments: Istanbul, Ephesus & Pergamon in 7 DaysTurkiye · 7 days · Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights
- Pamukkale & the Anatolian Hot Springs: 6-Day Wellness TripTurkiye · 6 days · Wellness Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights
- Turkiye on a Plate: Istanbul, Antalya & Gaziantep in 9 DaysTurkiye · 9 days · Foodie Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights