Overview
I set off for Istanbul with friends for 5 days
Online, you’ll find suggestions that you need at least 7 days to fully explore the city. I’ll walk you through what we saw day by day and what was essential to make this trip truly satisfying.
The Gateway to the East: I left home constantly hearing this title associated with Istanbul. By the end of the trip, I’d say (just my personal opinion) that it might not be the most accurate nickname. A megacity with 15 million inhabitants, it boasts a history that spans from the Eastern Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire, with a strong identity often tied to religion.
Accommodation
For convenience, we chose a small hotel right in the center, just next to Sultanahmet Mosque.
It was cheap but effective! Getting around Istanbul can be stressful, so staying centrally and walking as much as possible was definitely the right choice.
Itinerary and Tips
Day -1
We arrived at the huge international airport in the evening, and it took over an hour to reach the city center – the traffic is wild. I was traveling with friends, and given the late hour, we decided to rest up and start early the next morning.
Day -2
We woke up very early, thanks to the loud call to prayer from the nearby Sultanahmet Mosque just after 4:00 AM! After a big breakfast, we set off towards the beautiful yet lesser-known Suleymaniye Mosque. It was a cold weekday morning, and the sun had barely risen. A large crowd was outside the mosque, preparing for the ritual washing of hands and feet.
The atmosphere was mystical. We watched respectfully, feeling a little out of place but fascinated nonetheless.
Next, we made our way to Hagia Sophia, stopping first at Topkapi Palace. This was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and later their headquarters. Now, it’s a museum packed with artifacts ranging from weapons to manuscripts and relics.
We’d pre-booked tickets for all the main attractions, which turned out to be a smart move given the long lines at the ticket counters.
To be honest, I don’t have much patience for museums and I know you could easily spend a whole day at Topkapi, but after a couple of hours, I was itching to get back out into Istanbul’s lively streets.
A few steps away is the majestic Hagia Sophia. Its history is fascinating – first a church, then a mosque, later a museum, and now once again a mosque. The interior is stunning, but it doesn’t quite have the same spiritual vibe as a fully functioning mosque.
Just a short walk away, we visited Sultanahmet Mosque, which was noticeably busier with both locals and religious tourists.
The carpets inside give off that characteristic “old” smell, but it’s a must-see.
Lunchtime! I’ll talk more about food later, but Turkish cuisine is fantastic – although it’s tricky to find places that are still authentic and not too touristy.
In the afternoon, we visited the attraction that surprised me the most: the Basilica Cistern.
This underground water reservoir is connected to an incredible network of Roman aqueducts. Maybe it was the lighting, or the echo inside, but the whole experience was magical.
On the way back, we took a 20-minute walk to see the Bizans Surlari and the old city walls, stopping by Ayasofya Mosque on our return. That evening, we followed a recommendation from the hotel for dinner – and it was a mistake.
We ended up in a typical tourist trap: expensive, with average food.
But just a few streets away, we found a cozy local spot offering shisha, and we spent the night hanging out with the locals.
Day -3
In the morning, we visited the Fatih Mosque, which gave us the same incredible vibes as the day before. Then we took a ride across the Marmaray, wandering aimlessly through streets that led us to Mihirimah Sultan Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque, Marmara University, and the Bosphorus shore.
This is a unique district worth visiting to see a different side of life in Istanbul. We finally found a more authentic place to have lunch, far from the tourist crowds.
In the afternoon, we boarded an evening cruise on the Bosphorus. The cold was biting, but the views of Dolmabahce Palace and Maiden’s Tower were stunning. The city lights up beautifully at night, offering a different perspective that’s definitely worth it.
Dinner consisted of the famous “balik ekmek” (fish sandwich). Let’s just say it’s for those with strong stomachs – not exactly unforgettable! We capped off the night at a touristy rooftop bar with shisha.
Day -4
We dedicated the day to exploring the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. These two places are unmissable, with their vibrant colors, scents, and chaos. Tea vendors rush through the streets, and a few tiny spots sell amazing Adana Kebabs. Many stalls have shifted toward catering to tourists, but there are still some hidden gems for the locals.
Prices are always inflated for tourists, so haggling is a must!
In the afternoon, we crossed Galata Bridge and headed toward Taksim Square via Istiklal Avenue, with its iconic tram. We relaxed in a café near the square, then made our way to Galata Tower.
Built by the Genoese during the Middle Ages, the tower was used by the Ottomans for observation. You can buy a ticket to go inside and up to the top – it’s well worth it.
On our way back, we crossed Galata Bridge again and watched dozens of fishermen packed tightly together, trying their luck. Below the bridge, there’s a row of restaurants. We tried one, and like many others in Istanbul, it turned out to be pretty touristy.
Day -5
We had a few hours before our flight, so we decided to check out the Istanbul Modern Museum.
The installations are near the port area, and the interior is often compared to New York’s MoMA. If you’re into modern art, it’s worth a visit. But then it was time to say goodbye to Istanbul.
We took a shuttle to the airport, which took an hour and a half, and then off we went!
Food
Turkish food is amazing: gozleme (flatbread with meat and vegetables), Turkish pide with cheese and spices, kofte (meatballs), kebabs, and delicious sweets like baklava and lokum.
But there’s a catch – it’s tough to avoid the tourist traps.
We really struggled to find authentic spots. My advice? Venture out to the less touristy neighborhoods. Sure, having hundreds of restaurants near your hotel is convenient (and we tried some of them), but it’s definitely worth putting in the effort at least a couple of times to seek out authentic restaurants.
My Impressions
Right when you arrive, you feel like you’re in a bustling megacity. You don’t get that relaxed, gentle vibe of smaller cities.
Here, you’re thrown into the whirlwind, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Culturally, Istanbul is exceptional, and aside from the traffic, it’s fairly tourist-friendly.
Be wary of scams, though – they could ruin your trip.
People often call Istanbul the “Gateway to the East,” but I didn’t get that sense. Or at least, not until I traveled further east to Baku or Uzbekistan.
I’d say Istanbul is more of a crossroads where cultures have intersected along trade routes between Europe, Asia, and the Arab world, though it’s aligned itself more with the Arab world.
It’s a city I’d like to revisit because it’s hard to fully understand in just one trip.
If I close my eyes, I can still see the tea sellers rushing through the bazaar.
Top Picks:
- Basilica Cistern
- Galata Tower
- Sultanahmet Mosque
Have a question? Drop it in the comments below!
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