Wondering how and what to explore in Istanbul for 2 days? I’ve handcrafted this detailed 2 days in Istanbul itinerary to take the guesswork out of planning a trip to Istanbul! Plus, I’ve shared an interactive map and a couple of handy tips to rock your visit to the Turkish capital.
Istanbul 2 day itinerary: An Introduction
The capital of Turkey, Istanbul is the economic, cultural, and historical core of the country, and that being so, visiting Istanbul forms an important part of any itinerary for Turkey.
Straddling two continents – Asia and Europe, Istanbul at first looks and feels perplexing, intimidating, and chaotic, however, soon you’ll realize that there’s more to it than meets the intimidated eye – as you lose yourself in the tangled mayhem and wild energy that keeps this city alive – it’ll quickly grow on you!
The city of beautiful chaos – as I call it – Istanbul elegantly bridges ancient history with modern charm. It’s a unique blend of rich culture, history, architecture, cuisine, and a vibrant character. After, it’s the capital city of Turkey, one of the world’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
I spent a week in Istanbul during my recent visit, tbh, No other city has captured my imagination quite like Istanbul. It quickly grabbed the top position on the list of my favorite cities in the world. Chill out, Copenhagen & Vienna – you guys still hold a special place in my heart
I explored diverse neighborhoods and scoured the nooks and crannies to uncover the untapped treasures that reverberate with narratives of rich history, vibrant culture, and the authentic essence of local life to bring together refined and impeccable itineraries for my readers.
I have already shared a one-day itinerary, and here I’m writing this two-day itinerary, and plan to write three-day and four-day itineraries for Istanbul soon. Depending on the time, you can refer to the respective itinerary.
All the itineraries include the highlights, plus, a few offbeat gems assuming that first-time visitor
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Two Days in Istanbul Itinerary: Interactive Map
Detailed 2 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
If you just have 2 days in Istanbul – clearly, you need to have a well-thought-out itinerary for Istanbul in your arsenal if you want to make the most of your time.
Relax. We have you covered!
Day 1 of 2 days in Istanbul Itinerary: Sultanahmet + Fener & Balat
On day 1, you’ll explore two of the beautiful neighborhoods – Sultanahmet and Fener & Balat in the district of Fatih.
The first half of your day is dedicated to Sultanahmet and the later half of the day to Fener & Balat. You can do it the other way around too.
The neighborhood of Sultanahmet aka the Old City is the historic core of Istanbul. It is home to some of the most iconic historical sites and architectural marvels that define the city’s charm.
8 am: Fuel Your Day with a Hearty Turkish Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast. Known as Kahvalti, the Turkish breakfast is a unique and special culinary and cultural experience you must have when in Turkey.
With a wide array of locally sourced ingredients including a selection of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, creams, honey, butter, various types of bread, and various forms of eggs – Turkish breakfast is a feast for the senses!
There are many amazing places in Istanbul to enjoy a traditional breakfast. If you are starting your day in Sultanahmet, I’d recommend Myterrace Cafe & Restaurant, Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant, Serbethane Cafe & Restaurant, Begonville Cafe & Bistro, and House of Medusa.
If you start your day in Fener & Balat, head to Velvet Cafe and Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen.
The catch is that most restaurants open between 9 am to 11 am barring a few that open at 7 am, so choose a restaurant that opens early so you can start your day bright and early (vital as you only have two days) or grab a quick meal at your hotel, start your exploration, and then head to a restaurant at around 11 am for the breakfast.
9 am: Explore Hippodrome and its Historical Ruins
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was one of the majestic and noteworthy public squares in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
It served as a center of action where all the social events, political gatherings, imperial processions, and sporting events like chariot racing and athletic competitions took place.
While the original structure is no longer intact, you can still witness the remnants of the monuments and statues that once adorned the Hippodrome – Egyptian Obelisk (Obelisk of Theodosius), Serpentine Column, Walled Obelisk (Obelisk of Constantine VII), and Column of Constantine (Burnt Column).
Today, the Hippodrome’s location is marked by urban spaces near iconic attractions like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, making it a centerpiece of the historic core of Istanbul and is known as Sultanahmet Square.
Exploring the square and its monuments doesn’t take much time. Plus, it’s a perfect place to admire and capture the jaw-dropping architectural beauty of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
9:30 am: Explore Blue Mosque
With its cascading domes, intricate blue tiles, and harmonious design, the Blue Mosque (named after the blue tiles that adorn its interior walls) aka Sultan Ahmet Mosque enchants its visitors endlessly.
Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I between 1609 and 1617 to rival the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque came to become one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul.
Completed with Ottoman and Byzantine architectural elements, it features a grand central dome surrounded by smaller semi-domes and arches and six minarets.
Entry to the mosque is free. It’s open every day from 8:30 to 19:00 during the summer and 8:30 to 17:00 in the winter. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque outside the prayer times.
As one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul, it’s almost always crowded, so it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Also, be aware that it’s an active place of worship so it’s vital to dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their arms, shoulders, and legs, and women should also cover their heads.
11 am: Head to Hagia Sophia
Stands across from the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia aka Ayasofya, another significant historical and architectural landmark in Istanbul and a bucket-list-worthy attraction.
This super-old architectural marvel (537 AD) served as a cathedral, mosque, museum, and now a mosque again, over the centuries. Imagine all the history it has seen!
Its walls hold a ton of history – you can only imagine. Besides, the admirable beauty of its immense dome, fascinating interior, and unique juxtaposition of Byzantine mosaics of Christianity and Islamic art!
The Hagia Sophia is open all days of the week and is free to enter. As it’s a functional mosque now, it closes for prayers.
Save yourself the hassle of an insanely long queue at Hagia Sophia by signing up for a skip-the-line guided tour.
Walk the Sogukcesme Sokak to Topkapi Palace
After you are done awing at the Hagia Sophia, make your way to Topkapi Palace through a narrow picturesque cobbled street, Soğukçeşme Sokağı aka Street of the Cold Fountain.
Running between Ayasofya and the walls of Topkapi Palace, the street looks attractive with a row of twelve pastel-colored re-created Ottoman-style houses (9 of them house a luxury hotel – Ayasofya Konaklari – Hagia Sophia Mansions Curio Collection by Hilton).
The street is also home to a Carpet Museum and a Byzantine cistern that now operates as a unique underground restaurant, the Sarnic.
Before you enter the Imperial Gate of Topkapi Palace (Bab-i Humayun), don’t forget to check out the beautiful rococo-style fountain of Sultan Ahmed III right at the palace’s entrance!
12 pm: Discover the Grandeur of Topkapi Palace
As soon as you enter the sprawling grounds of Topkapi Palace, you’ll be in for a regal journey.
Its palatial courtyards, pavilions, gardens, halls, imperial rooms, and ornate chambers narrate tales of opulence and power that once defined the Ottoman Empire.
With its rich interiors including intricate tiles, ornate decorations, and artistic Islamic calligraphic art, the Harem section is particularly impressive. It’s worth the extra fee!
A visit to the Sultan’s Privy Chamber (Has Oda) lets you witness an impressive collection of invaluable artifacts including the sacred relics important to Islamic history, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword.
Also, don’t miss the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the fourth courtyard, known as the Imperial Garden.
Topkapi Palace Museum is open every day except Tuesdays from 9:00 to 18:00. You must check the timings and entrance ticket prices on their official website as they are subject to change.
With so much to see and learn, you can easily spend a day exploring the palace complex, however, as you don’t have the luxury of time, it’s best to book a skip-the-line guided tour like this to save time and learn more about the history in a vivid manner.
3 pm: Traditional Lunch at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine
A glut of senses? It’s time to take a break and indulge in authentic Ottoman flavors at Matbah Restaurant.
I loved this place! It has elegant, refined, and intricate decor and exudes a historic vibe. Plus, the food and services are top-class.
You might want to try their saffron-infused rice pilaf with rich lamb and apricot stew and of course, one of the decadent Ottoman desserts such as kadayif or balli gemici boregi.
4 pm: Enter the Underground World of Basilica Cistern
As you descend the 52-step stone staircase into the cool dimly lit chambers of mysterious Basilica Cistern aka Yerebatan Sarnici or the Sunken Palace, an ancient underground reservoir that once supplied water to the city, it feels like you are in a parallel universe.
Largest of hundreds of ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul, visiting Basilica Cistern is an intriguing and creepy yet beautiful experience.
With over 336 dripping marble & granite columns amassed from the ruins, supporting a roof adorned with vaulted brick arches, the Byzantine cistern showcases the engineering prowess of the time.
The Medusa heads at the base of two columns add to the entire experience. Placed in unusual orientations, the origin, as well as the odd placement of the heads, is shrouded in mystery, while several theories and interpretations have surfaced, over the years.
The other-worldly architecture and beautiful reflections make for a great photo op!
5 pm: Take a Quick Stroll at Arasta Bazaar
I loved Arasta Bazaar for its laid-back and authentic shopping experience.
Located super close to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern, you’ll find small, locally owned shops selling traditional handicrafts and artisanal goods.
It’s a great choice for travelers who want to shop for traditional arts & crafts while immersing themselves in the city’s historic charm without the hustle and bustle of larger markets.
You can stroll through the market in half an hour or maximum, an hour if you buy more stuff.
5:30 pm: Shop at Grand Bazaar
An essential and all-inclusive experience, in my opinion, visiting the Grand Bazaar sums up the vibrant spirit, rich history, and dynamic culture of Istanbul. In essence, it’s a microcosm of the diverse culture of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar is an iconic marketplace with extraordinary architecture that dates back to the 15th century where over 4,000 shops sell traditional items.
You can find just about anything here – from textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, to spices, tea, coffee, and traditional sweet treats – a great place to buy keepsakes or souvenirs to bring back home.
As you navigate the bustling lanes, the shopkeepers welcome you with broad smiles, share interesting stories, and invite you for çay before they introduce you to their goods – a memorable cultural exchange, for sure.
You can buy as many items as you want, provided you know the art of haggling – a skill you must learn to shop at Grand Bazaar!
Note: After exploring Grand Bazaar, you have two options – either you explore other iconic bazaars and mosques nearby and then take a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise or head to the quiet neighborhoods of Fener & Balat for an alternative experience.
Option 1: Spice Bazaar + Hafiz Mustafa + Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
6:30 pm: Check Out the Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar is another iconic bazaar in Istanbul best known for its aromatic spices as the name suggests. It’s also known as Egyptian Bazaar as Egypt was an important source of goods then.
The intoxicating scents and conspicuous colors of various spices, herbs, dried fruits, teas, nuts, lokum (Turkish delight), and traditional Turkish sweets such as baklava – strolling Spice Bazaar is a wonderful sensory and culinary journey.
7:30 pm: Coffee and Baklava at Hafiz Mustafa 1864 Sirkeci
When in Istanbul, visiting the historic Hafiz Mustafa is a must. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of a trip to Istanbul.
And if you happen to visit their outlet in the Sirkeci neighborhood of Eminonu quarter, it’s more special because that’s where the story of Hafiz Mustafa started – the original shop!
Hafiz Mustafa is a renowned establishment that has earned its reputation and built a legacy through generations of mastering its craft, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Istanbul’s culinary heritage.
Cherish the long-standing history and culinary excellence by ordering a cup of Turkish coffee, more of a ritual than a beverage in Turkey, and a piece or two or maybe more (can’t stop at one) of baklava, the country’s beloved dessert.
Their baklava is the best! It’s known for its delicate layers, expertly balanced flavors, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Turkey also has one of the most intriguing tea cultures in the world!
8:30 pm: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Bosphorus is not just a waterway or passage that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul but defines the life and times of the city.
A dinner cruise on the Bosphorus is an immersive voyage that untangles the city’s historical and cultural threads while offering picturesque views of the city and its skyline, delectable cuisine, live entertainment, and a chance to unwind after a day’s sightseeing.
Option 2: Cafe Naftalin K. + Vibrant Streets of Fener and Balat + Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen
6:30 pm: Coffee at Cafe Naftalin K.
Located at a corner of a charming cobbled street in Balat, this cute little cafe with vintage decor, a rustic vibe, and a piece of tasteful music from an old turntable is a perfect spot for a cup of coffee coupled with a homemade cake.
7:00 pm: Explore Fener-Balat
As one of the oldest, most beautiful, and multicultural neighborhoods in Istanbul, Fener & Balat are perfect neighborhoods for those who want to experience Istanbul’s authentic side.
Located by the coast of Eminonu along the Golden Horn – Fener & Balat intrigue travelers and photographers for their historic colorful houses, a juxtaposition of synagogues and churches, cozy sidewalk cafes, art galleries (if you are an art lover, housed in a restored historic Bulgarian-style building, Camhane is sure to tickle your fancy), vintage stores, and the local feel.
Historical landmarks front and center, cultural institutions as a testimony of the coexistence of diverse ethnic communities, and colors galore – strolling the streets of Fener & Balat feels like exploring an open-air museum.
8:30 pm: Dinner at Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen
Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen is one of the most popular places to eat in Balat, for a reason, of course.
Its quaint setting, vintage decor, warm hospitality, and hearty meals make it a hit among locals and tourists alike.
Day 2 of 2 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
On day 2, you’ll explore the alternative neighborhood of Arnavutkoy in Besiktas district and the historic neighborhoods of Galata and Karakoy in Beyoglu district.
8 am: Explore the Hidden Gem of Arnavutkoy
I love places less frequented by tourists because they are the window into the city’s local and cultural side. A visit to one of the authentic neighborhoods lets you understand the city and its quirks, beautifully.
Arnavutkoy is one such place!
Arnavutkoy is home to Albanian immigrants, thus the name literally translates to the Albanian village.
Walking the narrow cobbled streets lined with well-preserved Ottoman houses and mansions, artsy boutiques and galleries, and trendy cafes – you know you are in for an immersive cultural experience.
The beauty, authenticity, and laid-back vibe of Arnavutkoy make it an oasis for travelers and photographers who love out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
As the neighborhood is located along the shores of the Bosphorus, it boasts picturesque views of the waterfront.
9 am: Traditional Breakfast at Besiktas Breakfast Street
Endless cafes and restaurants specializing in the art of traditional breakfast line Beşiktaş Breakfast Street make it an overwhelming task to decide where should you eat.
Take it easy. Just head to Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, the oldest establishment here that’s well-known for its quality breakfast spreads at inexpensive prices.
10 am: Explore Dolmabahce Palace
Located on the shores of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace beckons you with its grandeur, stories of the past, and panoramic views of the waters.
Dolmabahce is the largest and the most impressive palace in Turkey and holds great historical significance as it played a crucial role in the history of the Ottoman Empire.
It’s not only history that pulls visitors here but the palace’s awe-inspiring lavishness and state of art architecture adds a great deal to its charm.
From its intricate facade to opulent staterooms to its extravagant crystal staircase to the world’s largest crystal chandelier to meticulously landscaped gardens – Each and every architectural detail and element is a testament to the palace’s extravagance and attention to detail.
The palace is open from 9:00 to 16:00 every day except Mondays. You can visit the palace on a guided tour only. I’d suggest you book a skip-the-line tour in advance to avoid long queues and waiting times.
11:30 am: Wander Around Karakoy
Once Istanbul’s bustling port and commercial center, Karakoy gracefully embraces modernity while cherishing its historical roots.
It’s here that modern galleries, concept stores, trendy cafes, high-end designer boutiques, and contemporary street art stand shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional eateries, bustling bazaars, old workshops, and historic trams retaining its culture and heritage.
The beautiful and seamless coexistence of centuries-old landmarks with contemporary art spaces sets Karakoy apart!
Today, the vibrant heart of Istanbul, Karakoy is a joy to explore.
As you stroll down the lively streets of Karaköy, let your curiosity lead you through the winding alleys, where colorful murals and graffiti adorn the walls, revealing the spirit of modern Istanbul.
Admire the historic buildings capturing the stories of the past when maritime trade flourished.
Step into a local cafe (Coffee Sapiens, Karabatak, and Brew Coffeeworks are some of my favorites) and savor a cup of Turkish coffee, a tradition that transcends time.
As you step out of the cafe, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront while enjoying the view of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Explore Istanbul’s dynamic creative scene as you venture into local art galleries that dot the neighborhood. Space Debris Art, Elipsis Gallery, Juma Art, and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art are a few creative spaces to check out.
Pose under a canopy of umbrellas covering Hoca Tahsin Street for Instagram.
Admire the architectural beauty of Nusretiye Mosque and Tophane Fountain.
And ritualistically, you can’t leave Karakoy before you indulge in the devastatingly delicious flavors of baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, a sweet shop that evolved into a local institution, over the centuries. They, unarguably, make the best baklava in the city!
1:30 pm: Head to Galata Tower
Walk for about 900 meters to reach Banks Street aka Bankalar Caddesi, a cobbled avenue that once was the financial heart of the Ottoman Empire.
Lined with stately buildings adorned with ornate facades and intricate details that housed some of the empire’s first banks, some of them have found new life as galleries, boutique hotels, and trendy restaurants – the most notable being the neo-Renaissance imperial Ottoman Bank headquarters that houses Salt Galata.
Home to a library, a museum, an auditorium, workspaces, a bookstore, a cafe, and a restaurant, Salt Galata is a creative cultural institution that celebrates the city’s rich history, art, architecture, design, and innovation.
From here, climb the Camondo Stairs from Bankalar Caddesi to the Galata Tower. It’s not just another stairway but holds a historic and aesthetic beauty.
A blend of Neo-Baroque and early Art Nouveau architectural elements, this rounded staircase was thoughtfully designed by Abraham Salomon Camondo, a Jewish Ottoman-Italian banker in the 1870s to ease the journey between his residence and his office and his kids’ school.
2 pm: Lunch at F&B Culture
F&B Culture offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Galata.
They serve diverse cuisines from Turkish to European to Mediterranean, one is spoilt for choice.
Not to mention, the warmth, kindness, and attentiveness of the restaurant staff epitomize the spirit of hospitality, making every guest feel like a cherished member of the family.
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