Two days in Istanbul is more than enough time to discover this remarkable city’s stunning architecture, lively streets, and historical landmarks. Istanbul offers you a distinctive mix of ancient mosques, scenic hills, and bustling marketplaces, where the scent of spices is in the air.
Every experience in this vibrant city has the potential to be a memorable one, from exploring Ottoman palaces or cruising along the Bosphorus to tasting traditional Turkish cuisine.
Adhering to an itinerary—although allowing for occasional changes of plan—will help you balance your visits to historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with luxury experiences, such as booking a Turkish bath or dining out—all in 48 hours or less.
Day One
10 a.m.: Savor a Delicious Turkish Breakfast
Menemen
To kick off your two-day itinerary in Istanbul, start your first day with an authentic Turkish breakfast in one of the city’s picturesque neighborhoods, such as Karaköy by the water or Balat, home to the old Jewish quarter.
These neighborhoods are home to charming little cafés and restaurants where you can savor fresh breakfast flavors, including menemen scrambled eggs sautéed with tomatoes, green peppers, feta, and other cheeses.
Simit
You can also sample simit, a round, crisp, sesame-crusted bread ideal for dipping in creamy kaymak, a honey-covered clotted cream.
A proper Turkish breakfast requires a glass of fragrant Turkish tea or thick, unfiltered Turkish coffee as well. Outdoor seating options at various cafés allow you to soak in the city’s ambiance before you head out for your day of sightseeing.
11:30 a.m.: Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Two days in Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the city’s spectacular history. To this end, you should investigate the Hagia Sophia, one of the city’s best places to visit, and the nearby Blue Mosque.
The Hagia Sophia, originally built in the sixth century, is a historical monument that evolved from a Byzantine church and cathedral into an imperial mosque, then a museum, and now, a mosque once more.
Inside, you will be awed by this building’s enormous dome and decorative mosaics, and outside, its four minarets. The interior also features enormous chandeliers bathing the golden walls and magnificent roundel calligraphy panels in warm light.
Once you’ve experienced the architectural glory of the Hagia Sophia, proceed to the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, located across the scenic Sultanahmet Square.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, was built in the 1600s under Sultan Ahmed’s watchful eyes. Its grand interior showcases Ottoman artistry, cascading domes, six slim minarets, and blue Iznik tiles.
The serene atmosphere inside is enhanced by gentle light filtered through stained-glass windows. Before you feel the soft carpet beneath your feet, remember that this mosque, like Hagia Sophia, is an active place of worship; you must wear modest clothing and remove your shoes to enter.
1:30 p.m.: Lunch near Sultanahmet
Adana kebab
After exploring some of Istanbul’s most famous sites in the morning, it’s time for some lunch in the historic Sultanahmet district. You’ll find appealing eateries, rooftop bars, and cool cafés nearby that serve traditional and modern Turkish fare.
If you’re a meat lover, try a succulent adana kebab for a hearty meal. This dish features spicy minced meat grilled over charcoal on a skewer.
Pide
Another option is to bite into some pide, a Turkish flatbread served with toppings such as cheese, minced meat, or sujuk, a spiced, fermented sausage. A lighter lunch option might include a plate of mezes snacks featuring small, flavorful dishes such as hummus, eggplant-based baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
Quite a few Sultanahmet district restaurants offer terraces or outdoor spaces with stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline so diners can enjoy their food while taking in the scenery.
2:30 p.m.: Explore the Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace will teach you a thing or two about the Ottoman sultans. Between the 15th and mid-19th centuries, this palace served as the sultans’ primary residence and administrative center.
Today, the palace operates as a grand museum complex, showcasing the Ottoman Empire’s magnificence through its diverse collection of jewels, regal clothing, weaponry, and sacred relics.
During your visit, you can explore the expansive courtyards and check out the ornate tiles, arched pathways, and precious artifacts like the emerald-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
Harem, Topkapi Palace
The museum also houses the Harem, decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays and tiles. Members of the sultan’s family and their concubines once resided here, providing you with a rare glimpse into the opulent lives of the Ottoman elite. The palace’s terrace also offers sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
4:30 p.m.: Wander Around the Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
Set aside time to visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and most expansive covered markets, where you will be plunged into an array of sensory experiences.
With 4,000 shops, 61 covered streets, and hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, this animated marketplace is a shopper’s dream come true, where you can discover unique Turkish goods and souvenirs.
Shop for handwoven carpets and intricate ceramics featuring Ottoman designs alongside dazzling gold jewelry and aromatic spices.
Haggling is expected at the Grand Bazaar, so be prepared to use your negotiating skills when searching for bargains. Stroll around, sample some complimentary apple tea, and relish the historical beauty of this ancient market center.
6:30 p.m. Option 1: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
Dolmabahçe Palace
Toward the end of your first day in Istanbul, why not treat yourself to a sunset cruise along the Bosporus?
Under golden twilight hues, the city transforms as your boat passes iconic sites like the waterside Dolmabahçe Palace, the 18th-century Ortaköy Mosque, and the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, which separates Europe from Asia.
River cruises usually last a couple of hours and typically include refreshments, including Turkish tea and raki, which is an alcoholic spirit. You can also opt for a dinner cruise to enjoy a meal while you glide past minarets and palaces along the shore.
6:30 p.m. Option 2: Whirling Dervishes Show
Whirling Dervishes Show
If you don’t fancy a river cruise, perhaps a little religious culture is the answer. If that’s the case, you can attend a Whirling Dervishes Show to witness the mystical Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, during which the Dervishes perform their sacred dances to get closer to God.
Dressed in flowing white robes, the Dervishes, ascetics who are part of the Sufi religious order, spin gracefully to live music, creating a deeply meditative, almost otherworldly experience.
The Hodjapasha Culture Center is a well-known historical spot that hosts performances every evening. These dances will let you experience the spiritual depth of this beautiful art form. Because Dervish shows attract many visitors, try to buy your tickets beforehand.
9:00 p.m.: Dinner in the Karaköy District
Meze
Treat yourself to a delicious meal in Karaköy, one of Istanbul’s most fashionable neighborhoods, full of trendy eateries, where historic portside charm meets modern dining.
If you like seafood and fish, visit Galata Fish Mekan or Karaköy Lokantasi for grilled sea bass, or try Sokak Karaköy, a well-known restaurant, for some shrimp casserole.
You’ll also encounter dining spots that serve modern interpretations of traditional Turkish mezes, full of fresh flavors. Examples include smoked eggplant puree, octopus salad, and walnut-stuffed figs.
Enjoy your evening meal with the wine that Turkey is known for or the refreshing, yogurt-based drink ayran. Karaköy’s vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere and lovely waterfront views create the ideal setting for reflecting on the first day of your two-day Istanbul itinerary.
Day Two
9:00 a.m.: Enjoy a Serene Morning at the Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque
It’s time to begin your second day in Istanbul by visiting the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, which stands high above Istanbul’s Third Hill.
The 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, is a religious sanctuary and retreat. The morning hours usually bring fewer crowds, which is a boon.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque’s soaring domes, intricate Iznik tiles, and elegant calligraphy create a peaceful ambiance. Soft light shines through the stained glass windows in the morning, adding to the calming vibe.
This expansive site also reveals a spectacular panoramic view of the Golden Horn, which divides Istanbul’s historical peninsula from its more modern districts.
Visit the adjoining gardens and the tomb of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, an influential leader of the Ottoman Empire. When you leave, stop by a local café to enjoy Turkish coffee or tea before continuing on to your next destination.
10:30 a.m.: Go Shopping at the Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
At the Spice Bazaar or Misir Carsisi, you’ll discover a realm filled with vibrant scents and colors alongside centuries of trading traditions.
This covered market in Istanbul, constructed in 1664 with the New Mosque complex, will present you with a sensory explosion. Stalls are packed with colorful saffron and deep-red sumac spice, accompanied by the smells of cinnamon and mountains of dried fruits and nuts.
The atmosphere here is saturated with exotic aromas, freshly ground Turkish coffee, pistachio-filled treats, and the sweet fragrance of Turkish delight, or lokum. And just like the Grand Bazaar, haggling is a core component of the experience—so feel free to negotiate prices.
12:00 p.m.: Stop for Lunch Near the Spice Bazaar
Balik ekmek
After you finish exploring the Spice Bazaar, enjoy a tasty lunch nearby. Dining options abound, with excellent food choices in the Eminönü quarter around the Spice Bazaar.
One quick option is purchasing a delicious balik ekmek grilled fish sandwich served directly from boats along the waterfront. Pandeli Restaurant, located above the Spice Bazaar and filled with blue tiles, offers traditional specialties like slow-cooked lamb with creamy eggplant purée and stuffed grape leaves, all in a historical setting.
At Hamdi Restaurant, you can enjoy grilled kebabs while admiring the Galata Tower in the distance. Wander around and you’ll be presented with other lunch choices as well. After dining, order some yogurt ayran before heading to your next destination.
1:00 p.m.: Ascend the Galata Tower for Panoramic Views
Galata Tower
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to climb the Galata Tower for some tremendous views. This medieval, Genoese-built stone tower, reaching 67 meters or 205 feet, has been part of Istanbul’s skyline since the 14th century.
When you reach the top of Galata Tower via the elevator and some stairs, you will be rewarded with exquisite vistas encompassing the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the entire cityscape, from the minarets of the Blue Mosque to Istanbul’s modern skyscrapers.
You’ll find a restaurant and an observation deck on the ninth floor, where you can relax before going down either by the elevator or the stairs. Afterward, venture over to the pedestrian Istiklal Street, a reasonably short walk away, filled with shops, galleries, cafés, and historic buildings to explore.
2:30 p.m.: Head Underground at the Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern
You will enter a sixth-century subterranean cavern with an eerie yet mesmerizing underground landscape when you descend into the Basilica Cistern’s depths.
This massive underground water reservoir, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, is filled with arches, a couple of “hidden” Medusa head pillars, and 336 striking marble columns.
Soft-colored lights and the gentle sound of water dripping create a mystical atmosphere inside the cistern. It offers a calm and peaceful escape from the outside heat, too.
3:30 p.m.: Indulge Yourself with a Turkish Bath
Turkish bath
The best way to relax after two days of big meals and sightseeing in Istanbul is to indulge in a traditional Turkish bath or hamam. This ancient bathing custom originated centuries ago and delivers a restorative combination of thermal treatments and deep cleansing.
The Cemberlitas Hamam, built in 1584 and designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, is a great place to enjoy a Turkish bathing experience.
Hamam sessions typically involve relaxing on a heated marble slab surrounded by warm air, followed by an intense exfoliation session using a traditional kese scrubbing mitt.
Hurrem Sultan Hamam
Another location to try is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which offers an opulent bathing experience near the Hagia Sophia. In Karaköy district, you can also visit the beautifully restored Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, a budget-friendly traditional bathhouse.
When selecting a bathhouse, always review the separate arrival times and hours for men and women, which differ from site to site.
5:00 p.m.: Enjoy a Farewell Turkish Tea
Turkish tea
As you prepare to depart Istanbul, enjoy a last cup of authentic Turkish tea, embodying Turkish hospitality.
Savoring a cup of tea—usually served in small, tulip-shaped glasses—can help you reflect on your two-day itinerary in Istanbul. You can enjoy your tea plain or lightly sweetened, perhaps alongside a few baklava pastries.
For an unforgettable tea or coffee experience, visit Mandabatmaz café, which also serves terrific Turkish coffee, or visit a local çay bahçesi tea garden, wherever you are.
Read: Best Beaches In & Around Istanbul
Istanbul
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