Istanbul First-Time Classics in

The three great Old City monuments, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar, plus a Bosphorus cruise on the last day.

Following the order most first-timer guides suggest: on day one, focus on Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet; day two covers Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque; day three is a Bosphorus cruise, followed by Galata Tower and İstiklal Avenue. Staying in the Old City keeps everything within walking distance, so the pace is brisk without feeling rushed, which suits a first visit. Save the Asian side and day trips around the city for next time.

July and August are hot and the queues are long; spring and autumn are the most comfortable.

Day by day

Day 1 · Sultanahmet Old City Core

Istanbul（Blue Mosque、Hippodrome of Constantinople、Hagia Sophia、Basilica Cistern）

About 1.5 hours to the Old City by airport shuttle bus or metro. After dropping off your bags, the main sights are a 5–10 minute walk apart.

Mosques are closed to visitors during prayer times. Women should bring a headscarf, and clothing should cover the knees and shoulders.

Stay: Sultanahmet

Day 2 · Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar

Istanbul（Topkapi Palace、Grand Bazaar、Süleymaniye Mosque、Spice Bazaar）

Walk to Topkapı Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, walk along the tram line or take the T1 tram to the Grand Bazaar, then walk downhill to the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar.

Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so plan around these days.

Stay: Sultanahmet

Day 3 · Bosphorus Cruise and Galata

Istanbul（Galata Bridge & Eminönü、Bosphorus Strait Cruise、Galata Tower、İstiklal Avenue & Taksim Square）

Take a Bosphorus cruise of about 1.5–2 hours from Eminönü pier. On the return, walk across the Galata Bridge and uphill to Galata Tower and İstiklal Avenue, then head to the airport in the evening.

The queue for Galata Tower can be long, so arrive early or book a time slot.

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