Day 1: Old City

Blue Mosque

Dating from the 17th century, this architectural masterpiece is well-known for its exquisite architecture and the six elegant minarets. Its name, Blue Mosque, comes from the thousands of blue and green toned tiles adorning its' walls

Hippodrome

During the Ottoman era, the Hippodrome was especially used for chariot races, leading to its Turkish name ‘At Meydani’- literally ‘Horse Square’

Hagia Sophia

Built as a basilica for the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian I, in AD 536 this masterwork of Roman engineering was for over 1000 years the largest enclosed space in the world. It was the emperor’s statement to the world on how wealthy and capable his empire was

Basilica Cistern

Also known as the Sunken Palace. It can hold up to 1 million cubic meters of water and it counts with 336 columns which support the ceiling. Fishes swim around the bases and its illumination turns this basilica into a kind of mystical place. Don't miss the upside-down heads of Medusa that forms the bottom of two columns

Topkapi Palace

First built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century, this magnificent palace is where sultans of the Ottoman Empire ruled over their territories for over 400 years. The palace was home to many generations of sultans and their wives, who were confined in the famous Harem

Gulhane Park

Is the oldest public park in Istanbul. Once part of the grounds of Topkapi Palace it offers a nice break from the crowds. By spring time it’s one of the top spots to enjoy the Tulip Festival

Day 2: Bazaars and the Golden Horn

Grand Bazaar

Being one of largest covered markets in the world and the oldest one, the Grand Bazaar has more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you can find all kinds of stuff...from leather clothing to jewelry and hand-woven fabrics

Suleymaniye Mosque

Built between 1550 and 1557, Istanbul’s largest mosque, was designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also chose to be buried here

Spice Market/ Egyptian Bazaar

The Spice Market hosts 88 shops, all under the same dome. You will feel refreshed while smelling the spices and herbs, tasting delicacies, seeing the vivid colors and hearing the sounds of the crowd

Chora Church

In Greek, Chora means ''country''. This lovely church lies just outside old Constantinople's city walls. It has magnificent mosaics and frescoes representing the genealogy of Christ and New Testament stories and has been described as one of the most beautiful surviving works of Byzantine architecture

Cross the Galata Bridge

Watch all the fishermen while fishing and admire the beautiful view of the Golden Horn

Galata Tower

Is one of the city’s best viewpoints. The top of at 67 meters so that provides you a panoramic view of the city. Built in 1348, the tower has been modified over the centuries, at one time being used as an observation tower to spot fires

Day 3: Bosphorus and the Asian side

Dolmabahçe Palace

Sumptuous and ornate, the Palace was home to six sultans from 1856 to 1924. Built in the 19th century using 14 tons of gold leaf, Turkey’s most glamorous palace balances traditional Ottoman architecture with the European styles of Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo.

Bosphorus Cruise

If you want to enjoy the amazing skyline view of all the minarets, domes and palaces then you should take a cruise! Starting from the Golden Horn, passing in front of Ortakoy, the Bosphorus Bridge and the wealthy Bebek district, you will have the opportunity to get to know other beautiful parts of Ýstanbul

Ortakoy

This is a beautiful neighborhood on the banks of Bosphorus. You can find dozens of bars and restaurants full of delicious food and a great view of the city. Try Kumpir, a delicious staffed baked potato...Ortakoy is famous for this delight

Explore Asia

Uskudar & Maiden’s Tower: Uskudar is a disctrict on the Asian side, right on the banks of Bosphorus. A lovely place to sit and admire the sunset falling down over Istanbul. The Maiden’s Tower is a small Tower located on a tiny island very close to Uskudar. YOu can go there by boat, go up to the Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city