Things to do in Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu and a ferry to Kadıköy
Istanbul is two continents, three old districts and a ferry ride between them, so a short trip works best when you pick one side of the Golden Horn per day. Sultanahmet holds the big sights, Beyoğlu and Karaköy the evenings, and Kadıköy across the water the most relaxed meals. Plan the sights early in the day, before the queues.
The short answer
- First trip
- Base yourself in Sultanahmet or Karaköy, see the old city on foot, and use ferries and the tram for everything else.
- Where to stay
- Sultanahmet for the sights, Karaköy or Galata for restaurants and bars, Beşiktaş for the Bosphorus and quieter streets.
- How many days
- Three full days covers the main sights without rushing. Add a fourth for the Asian side and a Bosphorus cruise.
- Best time to go
- April to early June and September to October, when it is warm and dry and the heat of July has gone.
- Book ahead
- Topkapı Palace Harem tickets and a Bosphorus cruise slot in spring and autumn. Hagia Sophia entry rules change, so check before you go.
- From the airport
- Istanbul Airport is about 45 minutes from the center by Havaist bus or the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, then a transfer.
Where to stay in Istanbul, in brief
Sultanahmet
first visit and the big sights
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı are all within ten minutes on foot, and the T1 tram stops at the door. It is quiet and short of good restaurants after dark.
Karaköy and Galata
restaurants, coffee and nightlife
Across the Galata Bridge, this is the best area for dinner and a drink on a rooftop. It is steep underfoot, and you reach the old city by tram in about ten minutes.
Beyoğlu and Cihangir
lively evenings and independent shops
Close to İstiklal Avenue and Taksim, with cafés, bars and live music. Streets around Taksim can be loud late into the night, so ask for an upper floor at the back.
Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus
a calmer base on the water
Ferries, a fish market and Dolmabahçe Palace are close. You trade a short walk to the sights for a long tram or taxi ride.
Things to do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
The sixth-century domed building is a working mosque, and visitors enter outside prayer times. Go first thing and dress to cover shoulders and knees.
check the official ticket rules a week before
Blue Mosque
Free to enter outside prayer times, with a short wait in the queue. Women should carry a scarf for the hair, which is lent at the door if you forget.
Topkapı Palace
The Ottoman sultans' palace on the headland, with courtyards, treasury and the Harem. Allow three hours and buy the Harem ticket at the same time.
a few days ahead in spring and autumn
Basilica Cistern
A Byzantine underground water store with 336 columns. Go early or late, as midday is crowded and dim.
a few days ahead in season
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the maze, the Spice Bazaar the easier stop for tea, Turkish delight and spices. Haggle politely and walk away when the price is silly.
Bosphorus ferry
Public ferries from Eminönü run up the strait to Anadolu Kavağı for a fraction of the price of a private cruise. Sit on the upper deck on the right.
Galata Tower and Karaköy
Views over the Golden Horn from the old tower, then down the hill to the cafés of Karaköy. Go before sunset, as queues grow in the evening.
Kadıköy and Moda
Cross to the Asian side by ferry, then walk the market, the seafront and the cafés. It is where local people go on weekends.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Istanbul can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Istanbul, and which to pick- Topkapı Palace Harema few days ahead in spring and autumn
The Harem has its own timed entry and sells out on busy days.
- Bosphorus cruise or sunset boata day or two ahead in season
Evening departures fill, and a booked seat avoids the touts at the quay.
What to skip in Istanbul
- Restaurants with touts on the street in Sultanahmet
They sell a menu to a passing crowd, with prices that rise at the bill. Walk five minutes toward Karaköy or Kadıköy instead.
- A rushed Grand Bazaar for souvenirs
Prices start high and the stalls look alike. Buy tea, spices and sweets at the Spice Bazaar, and leave carpets to people who know what to look for.
Best time to visit Istanbul
April to early June and September to October are the best months, with warm days, clear light and less heat than July and August. Tulip season in April is the prettiest.
Winter is cheaper and quiet, with rain and a few cold weeks, and snow is rare. Ramadan changes opening hours for some places, but the sights stay open.
- From Istanbul AirportHavaist buses go to Sultanahmet, Taksim and other districts, and take about 60 to 90 minutes in traffic. The M11 metro to Gayrettepe is faster, and then you change line.
- Tram, metro and funicularThe T1 tram links Sultanahmet, Eminönü and Karaköy. The Kabataş to Taksim funicular saves a steep climb. Buy an Istanbulkart at a kiosk and top it up.
- FerriesFerries between Eminönü, Karaköy and Kadıköy are cheap and the best way to see the water. Taxis are slow at rush hour, so use them late at night.
Istanbul in three days
- Day 1
Hagia Sophia at opening, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace in the afternoon. Dinner in Karaköy.
- Day 2
The Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar in the morning, a ferry up the Bosphorus after lunch, and Galata Tower at sunset.
- Day 3
Cross to Kadıköy by ferry, walk the market and Moda seafront, then return to Beyoğlu for a last evening on İstiklal Avenue.
Day trips from Istanbul
- Princes' IslandsFerries from Kabataş or Eminönü reach Büyükada in about 90 minutes. There are no cars, so you hire a bicycle or take a horse carriage.
- BursaThe first Ottoman capital, about two hours by fast ferry and bus. It has an old covered bazaar, green mosques and the original İskender kebab.
Istanbul: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
Three full days covers the old city, the bazaars, a ferry and one evening in Beyoğlu. A fourth day gives you time for the Asian side or the Princes' Islands.
Where is the best area to stay in Istanbul for a first visit?
Sultanahmet is the most convenient for the sights. Karaköy or Galata is better if you want good dinners, and a short tram ride still brings you to the old city.
Is Istanbul safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally safe, with the usual care in crowded places. Watch for pickpockets on trams and around the bazaars, and agree taxi fares or use the meter.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to early June and September to October. The weather is warm and dry, and the crowds are smaller than in high summer.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Many nationalities can enter visa-free or with an e-visa. Check the official government site for your passport before you book, as rules change.