Istanbul 2 Days Itinerary

📅 Day 1: Historical Heart of Istanbul – Sultanahmet & Surroundings 🕌 Morning: • Hagia Sophia Mosque – Open: 09:00–19:00, free entry • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Open: 09:00–18:00, free entry (Note: Closed to tourists during prayer times) • Basilica Cistern – Open: 09:00–19:00, entry fee ~450 TL • Walk around Sultanahmet Square (the former Hippodrome), and see the Obelisk of Theodosius & German Fountain 🍽️ Lunch: Try Sultanahmet Köftecisi for traditional meatballs or nearby local cafés 🏛️ Afternoon: • Topkapı Palace & Harem Section – Open: 09:00–18:00, fee ~650 TL total • Stroll down to Gülhane Park – peaceful escape next to Topkapı 🌅 Evening: • Walk or dine by the Galata Bridge (great fish restaurants) • Optional: Sunset Bosphorus cruise (~1.5 hrs, from Eminönü Pier, ~200 TL) ⸻ 📅 Day 2: Cross-Continental Vibes & City Life ☕ Morning: • Start in Karaköy – hip cafés, street art, and ferry port • Take the Tünel funicular to Istiklal Street, walk to Taksim Square • Detour to Galata Tower (360° city view, ~650 TL, opens at 08:30) 🍴 Lunch: Eat in Cezayir Street or Pandeli Restaurant (inside the Spice Bazaar) 🛍️ Afternoon: • Explore Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar – open till 18:00 • Take a ferry to Kadıköy (Asian side) – experience local neighborhoods, coffee shops & street food 🌆 Evening: • Walk the Moda seaside in Kadıköy • Dinner at Çiya Sofrası (Anatolian dishes) or Viktor Levi (garden restaurant & wine bar) ⸻ 📝 Tips: • Use Istanbulkart for trams, ferries, metro (easy & cheap) • Wear modest clothes for mosques; scarf for women • Avoid midday mosque visits on Fridays • Book Bosphorus cruises or Galata Tower online to skip lines