Istanbul 4 Days Itinerary

📍 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Taksim Morning: Arrive in Istanbul and take the bus to Taksim Square. Check into your hotel (or drop bags of early!). Lunch: Enjoy a local cafe with Turkish eggs, halloumi, and sharing platters. Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. Stroll along Istiklal Street for shopping and street exploration. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam for a relaxing scrub and tea (an ABSOLUTE MUST)! Evening: Walk along the Bosporus and explore local markets. Head to Galata Tower for views, sunsets and famous cheesecake at Viyana Kahvesi Galata. Dine at Galata Rooftop Ocakbaşı with stunning views of Istanbul. Day 2: Sultanahmet and Bazaars Morning: Take the tram to Sultanahmet and visit the Basilica Cistern (opening time!). Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and nearby Arasta Bazaar (I would recommend the world famous Jennifer’s Hammam for authentic Turkish textiles and towels). Lunch: Indulge in chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta at Gülhane Şark Sofrası. Afternoon: Relax at Gülhane Park with a book or people-watching. Alternatively, you could take a tour around the Topkapi Palace (I personally decided this was too expensive). Explore the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and the Spice Bazaar for vibrant sights. Evening: Cross the Galata Bridge at sunset. End the day with cocktails and mezze at a rooftop restaurant like Baracouda with Bosporus views. Day 3: Islands and Kadıköy Morning: Take the ferry to Heybeliada Island (or whichever island takes your fancy) Rent e-bikes to explore scenic island paths (I did the island in about an hour. You could spend longer here and visit some of the beaches too!) Have lunch at Ada Pide, enjoying traditional pide and lahmacun. Afternoon: Ferry to Kadıköy and explore Moda Pier and its lively streets. Sip a quirky drink at Walter’s Coffee Roastery, inspired by Breaking Bad. Evening: Watch the sunset with takeaway manti by the pier. Enjoy a unique cocktail at Fahri Konsolos before ferrying back to the hotel. Day 4: Brunch, Balat, and Departure Morning: Enjoy a Turkish brunch at Sazende Music, featuring menemen and other delights. Shop along Istiklal Street for jewelry and souvenirs. Afternoon: Explore Balat’s colorful streets and boutique shops. Return to Taksim, pick up luggage, and head to the airport. Evening: Relax with a buffet-style meal at the airport before your flight home. 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Basilica Cistern – An underground marvel with atmospheric lighting and towering marble columns. 2. Blue Mosque – Stunning interiors adorned with intricate blue tiles; don’t miss the serene courtyards. 3. Hagia Sophia – A historical masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman architecture (even admired from outside). 4. Grand Bazaar – A maze of vibrant shops offering everything from jewelry to ceramics. 5. Spice Bazaar – A sensory delight of spices, teas, and Turkish delights. 6. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam – Experience a traditional Turkish hammam with soothing treatments and warm relaxation. 7. Galata Tower – Iconic views of Istanbul and perfect for a dessert break nearby. 8. Gülhane Park – A tranquil spot near Topkapi Palace, ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic. 9. Heybeliada Island – Scenic bike rides and quiet charm in the Princes' Islands. 10. Balat – Colorful streets with boutique shops and quaint cafes. 11. Bosporus Waterfront – Breathtaking views, local markets, and rooftop dining at sunset. 🚇 Transportation As soon as your arrive, buy an IstanKart travel card as soon as possible (found at most tramline stops). It makes using all public transport (tram/train/ferry/bus) so easy and it is very simple to use! Also very cheap (the ferry was £1!) 🍜 Local Cuisine Menemen – A traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) – Poached eggs served with yogurt and drizzled with chili-infused butter. Lahmacun – Often called "Turkish pizza," it’s a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, spices, and vegetables. Pide – Boat-shaped bread topped with cheese, meats, or vegetables, perfect for sharing. Kebabs – Try chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta for a classic Turkish experience. Baklava – Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, a must-try dessert. Turkish Delight (Lokum) – A sweet, chewy candy infused with flavors like rose, pomegranate, or pistachio. Manti – Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce. Simit – A sesame-crusted bread ring, perfect as a snack or with Nutella for breakfast. Turkish Tea (Çay) and Coffee – Essential beverages, often served with desserts or after meals. Meze Platters – A variety of small dishes, including hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Künefe – A warm dessert made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, and syrup, topped with pistachios. 🏠 Accommodation Choose your accommodation and location carefully. You want to think about where you’re going and you might want to be close to the ferry services! Taksim Square was perfect for my trip, although the hotel itself was disappointing. Read the reviews!