Istanbul in 2 Days: The Best Itinerary (+ FREE Map)

The Best 2 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

My wife Nes and I explored the city for several days in September, and we absolutely fell in love with it. To help you have the most amazing experience, we’ve sorted out and put together the very best things to do in two days in Istanbul.

To get the free itinerary map, keep scrolling further down!

Tip: You should consider purchasing an Istanbul Tourist Pass. It offers free access to about a hundred attractions in the city (skip-the-line entrances included), guided tours and more. If you plan to enter a maximum of attractions, this getting this pass can be the most cost-effective option. Book it here.

Day 1 – Fatih District

On Day 1 of this itinerary, we’ll explore the district of Fatih, on the European side of Istanbul. It’s the most touristic and popular place of Istanbul because of the Old Town (Sultanahmet) and its iconic landmarks. There’s a lot to do here, enough to keep you busy all day!

I recommend starting the day no later than 9 am so you can execute this itinerary at a reasonable pace. Wear comfy clothes and good sneakers or walking shoes because you’ll be covering quite a few miles! Also, opt for outfits that aren’t too short, and if you’re a woman, bring along a headscarf since we’ll be visiting some mosques.
 

1. Step into the Blue Mosque

Let’s start the visit on Sultanahmet Square, the heart of the Old City where you’ll find Istanbul’s most prestigious landmarks. Among all of them, I suggest stepping into the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
 

 
It’s one of Istanbul’s most famous mosques, and a popular tourist attraction yet still an active place of worship. Built way back in the early 1600s, this outstanding mosque impresses with its 6 minarets, 13 domes, and 20,000 blue tiles inside, giving the mosque its name.

Popular with both worshippers and tourists, be prepared for long queues and crowds, especially in high season, that’s why this is the first step of this itinerary.

Just a heads-up: all mosques in Istanbul closes for a little while 5 times a day for prayers, and appropriate clothes is required for all. You also must take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance, or keep them with you in the plastic bag sometimes provided in major mosques.

2. Discover Hagia Sophia

Right across from the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet Square, you’ll find my favorite mosque in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. It’s such an eye-catcher, you can’t miss it!
 

 
Hagia Sophia started as an Orthodox cathedral in the 6th century, turned into a mosque in the 15th, was a museum for a while, and then became a mosque again in 2020. It’s a real gem of Byzantine architecture and even inspired many other mosques in the city.

Inside, there’s much to discover with unique features due to its mixed Christian and Muslim past. Just like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is also popular among tourists and an active place of worship, so expect long queues and closures 5 times a day.
 

3. Explore Topkapi Palace

Just behind Hagia Sophia is the amazing Topkapi Palace. Now turned into a museum, this gigantic palace used to be the home for Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries.
 

 
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as many of the others mentioned here, you’ll discover the splendor of Ottoman architecture and Turkey’s fascinating history through numerous exhibitions, a harem, and gorgeous gardens.

Several buildings are spread over some 70 hectares, so a full visit to Topkapi can take a full half-day! But with only two days in Istanbul, I’d say stick to a 2-hour visit so you can fit in everything else. So, keep an eye on the time while visiting!

4. Take a stroll between the Basilica Cistern’s columns

Only a 5-minute walk away from Topkapi Palace, you’ll find the Basilica Cistern, which may be the most fascinating visit of this 2-day Istanbul itinerary.

This massive underground water storage, dating from the 6th century, was built by the Romans to supply water around the area. It’s a magical place, with a kind of mystical, romantic dim light, and adorned with 336 marble columns, each standing 9 meters tall.
 

 
The stagnant, fish-filled water creates beautiful reflections on the columns and ceiling, and the reddish light creates a unique atmosphere. For movie fans, you might recognize the Basilica Cistern from the James Bond movie “From Russia with Love” released in 1963.

5. Shop at the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Next, let’s dive into the heart of Istanbul life with a visit to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, just a quick 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square.
 

 
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest covered markets, with over 4,000 stores spread over some sixty streets. You’ll find everything from carpets to clothes and shoes, lamps, jewelry, leather, and much more. So if you’re looking for a souvenir, you’ve come to the right place!

Not too far from there is the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. It’s a vibrant, fragrant place, packed with shops selling a dazzling array of spices, herbs, dried fruits, and all sorts of foods you’ve never seen before.

6. Take in the view at Suleymaniye Mosque

Just about 10 minutes from the Spice Bazaar, you’ll find the stunning Suleymaniye Mosque, sitting atop a small hill. It’s a bit of a climb to reach it, but trust me, the effort is totally worth it, especially at sunset.
 

Built in the 16th century, it’s a little away from the heart of the old town, which makes it a little less touristy than the others, to our great delight. And thanks to its position atop the city’s highest hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn.

Like the other mosques we visited on this first day, the Suleymaniye Mosque is an active place of worship, so it’s closed during prayer times. And, as always, remember to dress appropriately!
 

7. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant

The hill on which the Suleymaniye Mosque stands is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs with rooftops offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus. You’re sure to spot some of them on your way to the mosque!
 

 
After a full day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like relaxing on one of these rooftops to soak in the view a bit longer. They’re all pretty great, so you can hardly go wrong with your choice. If I had to pick one, I’d suggest Giriftar Cafe for its stunning views of both the Golden Horn and the Suleymaniye Mosque.

If you’re traveling in late summer, spring, or autumn, make sure you bring a good jacket and a scarf as it gets chilly after dark. If you’re too cold, or if you’re traveling in winter, you can still enjoy the view from inside, thanks to the large windows.
 

Need to shorten your stay? Check out this 1-day itinerary in Istanbul instead!

Day 2 – From Galata to Beşiktaş

On our second day in Istanbul, we’re heading to the other side of the Bosphorus to explore the districts of Galata and Beşiktaş. They’ve got a vibe all their own, different from what we saw yesterday, but just as rich in must-see monuments that are key to Turkey’s cultural capital city.

As on the previous day, be sure to wear something comfy and shoes made for walking because we’ll be on the move a lot. But you can pick any style you like, no headscarf needed since we won’t be visiting any mosques.

Also, the day is quite packed so I recommend being at the first step of this itinerary by 9 am at the latest.

Without further due, let’s go!
 

1. Try a traditional Turkish breakfast

Ok, you can’t leave Istanbul without sampling a real traditional Turkish breakfast. But you should be warned: it’s copious, more like a brunch, so I hope you have an appetite in the morning!
 

 
Called Kahvalti in Turkish, it’s a savory meal composed of various specialties including kasar cheese, bal kaymak, menemen (an egg casserole with onion, tomatoes, and peppers), olives, fresh vegetables, simit, boregi and more. Usually, it’s served with çay (traditional black tea), but if you’re all about coffee like I am, Turkish coffee is a nice alternative.

Near Galata Tower (the second step of today’s plan), one of the best places to try Turkish breakfast is Cafe Privato. In this restaurant, everything is fresh and you’ll have a lot of options to customize your meal. Plus, it opens early, at 8 am!
 

2. Climb Galata Tower

Let’s burn off those breakfast calories by climbing the famous Galata Tower! Extremely popular, it’s best to get there as early as possible to avoid the queues.
 

 
This 14th-century tower has quite a past – it started as a lookout for ships and potential threats, then turned into a prison, and even served as an astrological observatory.

Now, the tower is known for its observation deck which provides a unique view of Istanbul. You’ll especially love the view of the Fatih district and its mosques, which we explored on our first day.

3. Walk down Istiklal Street to Taksim Square

Now, let’s head over to visit one of the city’s most famous squares, Taksim Square.

This is the heart of modern Istanbul, buzzing with loads of shops, hotels, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. In the middle of the square, you’ll find the Republic Monument, celebrating the birth of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
 

Istiklal Street

The best way to reach there is along the bustling Avenue Istiklal. This is a one-kilometer pedestrian street packed with shops, restaurants, tea rooms, and local eateries called Lokantassi. The real charm of this avenue? The historic red streetcars that trundle along it. You’ll love taking shots of them!

Tip: I recommend having lunch when on Istiklal street as you’ll have plenty of choice. If you’re not very hungry because of the heavy Turkish breakfast, you can prefer grabbing something to eat on the go or packing some snacks for the afternoon.

4. Discover Dolmabahçe Palace

The biggest visit of the day is the stunning Dolmabahçe Palace. Honestly, I think it’s my favorite palace among all those I visited, so I couldn’t recommend it more!

From Taksim Square, you can either walk for about 20 minutes or take the bus line DT1 in the direction to Vadi. This bus will take you there in about 10 minutes only. Count about 2 to 2,5 hours to visit the palace.
 

 
Now a museum, Dolmabahçe Palace used to be where the Ottoman sultans lived right up until the Empire turned into a republic. Built by the water in 1843 and blending Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, it’s easily the most stunning palace in the country. It boasts one of the world’s largest crystal chandeliers and a crystal staircase, nothing less!

5. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus River

Taking a Bosphorus cruise is the perfect way to see the best of Istanbul and experience both its European and Asian sides. Especially at sunset, because Istanbul offers incredible sunset moments!
 

 
As you glide along the river, you’ll be treated to views of beautiful palaces and historic buildings right by the water. There are various cruise options to choose from, but I highly recommend this 3-hour sunset cruise. It departs from Kabatas Port, which is about a 15-minute walk from Dolmabahçe Palace.

On this boat trip, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner while watching a show of traditional dances, all with the backdrop of a stunning sunset and dusk.

Istanbul 2 Days Itinerary Overview & Map

Here’s an overview of the itinerary we’ve seen above, with timing info for you to better picture your trip. Of course, feel free to remove or add steps as you wish!

Day 1: Fatih District

• 9 am – Blue Mosque
• 9.40 am – Hagia Sophia
• 10.30 am – Topkapi Palace
• 12.30 pm – Basilica Cistern
• 1.30 pm – Lunch break
• 3 pm – Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
• 6 pm – Suleymaniye Mosque
• Evening – Dinner at a rooftop restaurant

Day 2: From Galata to Beşiktaş

• 9 am – Try a traditional Turkish breakfast
• 10.30 am – Galata Tower
• 11.45 am – Walk down Istiklal Street to Taksim Square
• 1 pm – Lunch break
• 2 pm – Dolmabahçe Palace
• Evening – Night cruise on the Bosphorus River

To get your free Istanbul 2 day itinerary map, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

Extending your Istanbul Trip

If you ask me, the perfect amount of time for exploring Istanbul is 4 days or 5 days as it allows you to thoroughly explore the city, both the European and Asian parts.

So, if you’re lucky to stay more than 2 days, even only one day more, here are more amazing activities to do and places to see in Istanbul:

European Side:

• Visit Ortakoy Mosque: I think this is my second favorite mosque after Hagia Sophia. Seriously, it’s a gem not to be missed!
• Enjoy Karakoy at night: Karakoy is a cool neighborhood not far from the Galata area, and it’s really lively, especially at night. You’ll find trendy bars and restaurants to enjoy the nightlife in Istanbul here.
• Attend a Whirling Dervishes show: This is the most unique experience you could have in Istanbul! It’s an old traditional ceremony with music and whirling dancers (the Dervishes), mystical and fascinating.

Asian Side:

• Discover Kiz Kulesi: Also known as Maiden Tower, this little tower in the middle of the water is superb. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, it’s well worth a look!
• Wander around Kadikoy: It’s a really lively area, day and night, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars along with beautiful old-colored houses and buildings everywhere.
• Try a guided food & culture tour: This tour is an easy and tasty way to discover both the European and Asian sides by indulging in traditional food and drinks. If you’re a foodie, then just go for it!

Kiz Kulesi at sunset

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Spending one or 2 nights in Istanbul? I’ve handpicked the most convenient accommodations to follow this itinerary, which are either in the Fatih area (Sultanahmet) or Galata/Taksim.

If you’d like to enjoy the nightlife in Istanbul, you should prefer staying in the Galata/Taksim area. If not interested, Sultanahmet is a great choice (but the early morning prayer call will certainly wake you!).

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Saint Sophia: housed in a 19th-century building about 5 min walk from the metro station, this lovely hotel offers wide comfy rooms (kudos to the bathroom!) and exceptional views of Hagia Sophia.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Hostel Le Banc: It’s one of the cheapest options very close to Galata Tower, with very good service (9.5 on Booking!). It offers both dormitory beds and private rooms for an exceptional price, with tasty breakfast options.

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – The Bank Hotel Istanbul: You’ll have a wonderfully luxurious stay in this 5-star hotel. Located only 4 min walk from Galata Tower, this place provides high-standard rooms with a wide choice for breakfast and excellent staff.
 

How to Get Around Istanbul

Istanbul is a huge city, so knowing how to get around in Istanbul is essential. You can follow this 2 days in Istanbul itinerary by walk only, which is, I think, the best option. But if for whatever reason you prefer to use some transport, here are the options available:

🚆 Public transport: Istanbul has an extensive and well-developed public transport system including subways, trams, buses, funiculars, and ferries. To use all of the city’s transportation, simply buy an Istanbulkart for 70 TRY (2,2€) at any vending machine you’ll find in the subway or tram stations and then charge it with the amount you want. A one-way trip costs 15 TRY (0,48€).
 

This is the Istanbulkart, the card to buy to use the transportation

🚕 Taxi & Uber: there are taxis everywhere in Istanbul, easily recognizable by their yellow color. They’re quite cheap compared to many other European cities, but make sure the taximeter is switched on before you get in. Also, Uber is available in Turkey.

🚗 Car: Don’t rent a car when in Istanbul! It’s one of the most jam-packed cities in the world, so get ready to spend more time commuting than sightseeing if you choose the car. Buses and cabs also get caught up in traffic jams, so reaching your destination might take longer than you think.

Tip: I suggest having an internet connection when getting around Istanbul, whether you’re walking or using public transport. If you don’t have an international phone plan, Pocket-Wi-Fi is the best solution for groups (a small portable router that lets you stay connected anywhere). If you’re traveling solo, purchasing an eSIM is the budget-friendly choice.

FAQ About Visiting Istanbul in Two Days

Is 2 days in Istanbul enough?

With 2 days in Istanbul, you’ll have a good overview of the city as you’ll be able to discover the city’s main sights and feel the city’s lively atmosphere.

However, I personally think it’s best to spend at least 4 days in Istanbul. The city is huge with plenty to do and various districts with different vibes, so taking an extra day is by no means a waste of time.
 

When is the best month to travel to Istanbul?

Nes and I absolutely loved traveling to Istanbul in mid-September as it offers the best of both worlds. The temperatures were perfect to wander around the city all day long, about 17°C (62.6°F) in the morning and 25°C (77°F) in the afternoon, with lots of sunshine all day long and amazing sunsets. There are still lots of tourists at this time of the year, but nothing compared to the high season (July-August), so it’s really worth it.

If September isn’t possible for you, then I recommend spring (April to early July) or fall (October to early November). Everything is cheaper in these months and you’ll avoid the queues and crowds.

What to wear in Istanbul?

You can dress as you like in Istanbul. It’s a modern and cosmopolitan city, pretty safe, where you’ll see people in all kinds of outfits, from skirts and skinny jeans to shorts and tank tops. Only super short beachwear might get you a few extra glances, as in any other big city.

When it comes to visiting mosques, though, there are some dress rules. Women must have their shoulders and legs covered at least down to mid-calf, and heads covered. Men must have their knees and shoulders covered. Don’t worry if you forget – some mosques lend long skirts free of charge at the entrance, but it’s better to bring your own.
 

Required dress code to enter mosques in Istanbul

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I hope you have a wonderful Istanbul 2 day trip! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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