WHAT TO DO IN ISTANBUL IN 2 DAYS
Are you headed to Istanbul and wondering about the best 2-day in Istanbul itinerary? If you want to find out about the best things to do in 2 days in Istanbul, read on because I am happy to share my travel tips.
There exists no other city in this vast world that sprawls across two continents as Istanbul does. But that is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reasons for venturing into this delightful metropolis!
Istanbul is the treasure trove of historical and religious marvels, where the ancient and sacred intertwine harmoniously with the modern and avant-garde.
And here’s a secret: even with just two days in Istanbul, you can see the main sights and attractions the city has to offer, you just need to do some planning so you make the most out of your stay.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR 2 DAYS IN ISTANBUL ITINERARY
Here are some quick travel tips before we talk about your 2-day Istanbul itinerary.
PIN ME FOR LATER – ISTANBUL ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS
Getting Around Istanbul
Getting to/from the airport is easy via the shuttle bus or taxi/private pick-up service. However, what is the best way to get around in Istanbul itself if you stay for 2 days?
👟 Well, most of the time, walking is the best option. I walked a lot – but I am also very used to walking long distances. Wearing comfortable shoes is just the most important thing when I walk a lot.
🚋 The tram and metro are affordable and reliable and good options if you get tired or do not want to walk that much. For this itinerary, you will not need them often but only if you get from one neighborhood to the other.
🚕 I normally avoid taxis but I just took a taxi for 2km because this itinerary is quite busy and walking can be exhausting. If you use a taxi, here are some tips to avoid scams: Only take official taxis, they are painted yellow and are named “Taksi ” and make sure that the counter is on once you are in the taxi. I showed the taxi driver my location on Google Maps on my phone and also could see if he uses the shortest way possible. However, you can avoid taxis, and will be fine to get around on foot, and public transportation.
🚗 Renting a car is – in my opinion – a bad idea. There is traffic, the city center is crazy and most places can easily be reached on foot so you avoid headaches if you do not drive yourself.
🛥️ Boat cruises in Istanbul are also a good mode of transportation to see the city – and it is part of this itinerary so you will find out more about it later on.
Where to Stayl
I recommend staying in Sultanahmet, which is the old part of Istanbul. I booked two different hotels, and both of them were close to Sultan Ahmad Square.
Hotel Poem is a small but lovely boutique hotel with friendly staff and a great breakfast! Check out rates here and book before it is fully booked (it is quite small).
Hotel Spectra Sultanahmad is another option. I booked it just for the views from the breakfast room, and those views did not disappoint. Find out more about the hotel here.
If you are a hostel person and are looking for a good hostel in Istanbul, this place might be a perfect fit for you.
Best Time to Visit
Istanbul is a popular travel destination all year round. Expect a lot of crowds in the summer months. If you can, pick spring or fall for your trip to Istanbul though winter in Istanbul might also be a fun time to visit.
Solo Female Travel Tips For Istanbul
I traveled to Istanbul by myself. My Turkish Airlines flight – without any explanation – arrived more than 2 hours late in Istanbul, so I arrived in the middle of the night. I took the airport shuttle and just had to walk a few hundred meters to my hotel – at that moment, it felt uncomfortable. It was raining, it was cold, it was dark, and there were not many people around.
BUT that was the only short moment I felt uncomfortable. I think Istanbul, overall, is a safe place to visit as a solo female traveler. Since so many people visit Istanbul you don’t stand out from the crowds when traveling alone. If you exercise common sense, there is no reason not to travel alone in Istanbul.
Be aware of your political statements, democracy is going downhill in the country.
People are friendly and nice, and it is easy to do small talking to locals (if they speak English).
There is so much to do – even solo – that I did not have time to feel bored.
PLACES TO VISIT IN ISTANBUL IN 2 DAYS
Without further ado, here is how to spend 2 days in Istanbul.
TIP: You might want to check out the Museum Card if you plan to visit many attractions as it could save some money. However, you normally will not be able to skip the lines with the card.
DAY 1 IN ISTANBUL
I recommend exploring Sultanahmet – the old town – only and visiting the main attractions here for the first day.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
One of the top places to visit in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was a Christian Cathedral commissioned by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. But it did not stay a mosque for long.
So, even loud protests by many could not stop the religious and conservative Turkish government from converting it. Especially, because Hagia Sophia has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1985 and UNESCO must be given prior notice of any modifications. So, the status of the World Heritage Site is now evaluated and we´ll have to wait for the result.
As a museum, it was one of the busiest places in the city – long queues were the result. I haven’t seen what the situation is like since it became a mosque again. Regardless of the lines, I recommend visiting it as it is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.
TIPS FOR VISITING HAGIA SOPHIA
- Entry is free now
- Open every day – 24 hours a day
- Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims
- Remove your shoes before entering the mosque
- Dress moderately (scarves for women, cover your arms and legs for men and women)
- If possible avoid weekends & Friday prayer at noon because it will be more crowded with the locals
- Tours are available (for a fee)
- You will probably need around 60-90 minutes for Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)
Then you should visit the Blue Mosque – another mosque just next to the Hagia Sophia.
The Blue Mosque was completed in 1616 and is beautiful inside and out. While it actually is not really blue from the outside, it has 20,000 handmade mosaic blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior, which is where it derives its name.
The Blue Mosque was built to rival Hagia Sophia, and I must say, from the outside, it is surely more impressive and stunning than the neighboring building. Visit the Blue Mosque website and check the prayer times.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE BLUE MOSQUE
- Entry is free
- Open every day – 24 hours a day
- Open to Muslims and Non-Muslims (it’s closed to non-worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers)
- Remove your shoes before entering the mosque
- Dress moderately (scarves for women, cover your arms and legs for men and women)
- If possible avoid weekends & Friday prayer at noon because it will be more crowded with the locals
- You will probably need around 20-60 minutes for the Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet Square
2 days in Istanbul will most likely be quite stressful, so plan in enough short breaks here and there. After visiting the Blue Mosque, it is time for such a break.
The two main attractions mentioned earlier are located on Sultanahmet Square – one of the major public areas in Istanbul. I loved Sultanahmet Square! As busy as it is, it is also pretty and a great place to sit down and watch people.
Also, the little snack stalls that offer delicious snacks, like corncobs and chestnuts, are amazing (and also quite affordable for most foreign tourists)… I could have snacked and watched people all day, but there is more to do and see.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Palace is the next major attraction to visit. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was built in the 15th century of the Ottoman period. It was used for the longest time as a royal palace and was the residence of Ottoman sultans and the center of state management and education.
The palace covers around 700,000 square meters, most of which are actually the Royal Gardens (Hasbahçe).
It is a museum now and one of the best places to learn about its history as you’ll find many weapons, porcelain, Islamic manuscripts, Ottoman treasures and jewelry, and more that date back to those times. There is also an extra section with the Harem – it is where the wives and concubines of the sultans lived.
Given its size and importance, it can take several hours to go through the palace.
TIPS FOR VISITING TOPKAPI PALACE
- Open every day except Tuesdays
- The museum pass is accepted
- An admission ticket without a Museum Pass is 100 TL – but you can buy skip-the-line tickets for this one as well. Check them out here.
- To see the Harem you have to pay an extra fee of about 70 TL.
- Plan in between 2-4 hours for visiting Topkapi Palace
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a popular sight close to the main attractions mentioned above.
Cisterns were built all around the city to meet the population’s water requirement – in the case of a siege. The Basilica Cistern was the largest in Istanbul, providing water to the Tokpaki Palace and other buildings in the area. Check out skip-the-line tickets here.
TIPS FOR VISITING BASILICA CISTERN
- The entrance fee is 20 TL
- Open 7 days a week between 09.00 – 5.30 pm
- You will need about 30-90 minutes to see the Basilica Cistern
If you visit all the places mentioned above, you will have a busy first day in Istanbul and you might want to have dinner and end your day. There are more attractions located on Ahmed Sultan Square. It is easy to see them on the first day, and it does not take much time, so you will probably more or less pass them.
The Fountain of Ahmed III
One of the other things to see in Istanbul is the Fountain of Ahmed III located on Ahmed Sultan Square.
It was built in the 18th century and is known as one of the most beautiful samples of Turkish rococo styles.
Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed
You can also visit the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed – the construction of the Mausoleum started shortly after his death in the 17th century.
- It is free to visit (but dress accordingly and be respectful when visiting).
Bosphorus Cruise
Depending on how fast you have been, you could then end your day at the Bosphorus River on day one or start your second day here.
If you are like me, you will enjoy hopping on a boat/ferry and seeing Istanbul from a different perspective. Those Bosporus boat cruises take a couple of hours, so it is nothing to squeeze in quickly.
- You can buy tickets on the spot if you like or check out prices here and book in advance.
- If you want to book a Bosphorus boat cruise with dinner and entertainment, click here.
Extra: Sulemaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque is another well-known mosque in Istanbul and is the largest mosque in the city. It is located on the Third Hill of the city, near Istanbul University, and if you have some free time on your hands, then check out this mosque, too.
DAY 2 IN ISTANBUL
After a busy day 1 in Istanbul, it is time to continue your 2-day Istanbul trip.
Grand Bazaar
Of course, you have to visit the Grand Bazaar. But a word of warning: if you visit at the wrong time, it is crazy and hectic and crowded. After checking out the Grand Bazaar, I needed to sit down and take a looooong break.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE GRAND BAZAAR:
- Open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, except Sundays
- Depending on which streets you visit, you might have to pass a security check
- Definitely haggle and do not accept prices immediately (you might get “discounts” of 30-50%)
- Plan in between 1-4 hours for the Grand Bazar
Galata Bridge
After the Grand Bazar, it is time to visit another area of Istanbul. It is time to cross the Galata Bridge.
You could take the tram (or do a boat ride), but I recommend walking towards Beyoglu from the Old Town. Make sure to look back because the views are gorgeous. You will then arrive in a hipster area of Istanbul – Beyoglu.
TICKETS AND TOURS
- Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
- Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the main landmarks in Beyoglu. The 66-meter-high medieval stone tower – sitting on a hill about 38 meters above sea level – offers panoramic views over Istanbul.
I did not get up there myself though because the lines…the lines were long and so I skipped it.
The tower was built in the 14th century as an addition to the Galata Wall for defense purposes and was the Galata Walls’ main tower. It also served as a dungeon for slaves before being converted to a depot for the boatyard. There was such a fun and relaxed vibe here that you should not miss out on this area – Even if you don’t climb the stairs to enjoy the views.
TIPS FOR VISITING GALATA TOWER:
- Entrance Fee: 30 TL
- Opening hours: 1 April – 1 November from 8:30 am until midnight and from 1 November – 1 April from 10:00 am to 8 pm
- Two elevators take you to the top – or you climb the 146 stairs
- There is also a cafe and restaurant at the top
Beyoglu
After that, you can have lunch or just a coffee – food and drinks are reasonably priced in Beyoglu, and the cafes are the cutest I have seen in Istanbul (there are indoor and outdoor cafes).
Tram
There is an old red tram – similar to the ones in San Francisco – that you can use for a small amount (less than 1€). It will take you all the way up to Taksim Square and back (you need a separate ticket for each ride).
I hopped on it, but it was so busy that I did not find a seat and was squeezed in with many others. So, my tip is to make sure to wait for the tram and be on time, so you can be one of the first to get in, grab a seat, and have better views.
It will be almost impossible on a busy day to take a picture of the tram without tons of people standing in front of it! They all want a souvenir picture.
Istiklal Street
As I was visiting Istiklal Street on a Saturday, I experienced the busiest shopping street I have ever seen – probably. This long shopping street, pedestrian and tram only, is a hectic and bustling place with many international shops.
Personally, it was not my favorite place in Istanbul – if you are into shopping, then this is the place to see. If you aren’t, you could skip it.
Taksim Square
Taksim is the heart of modern Istanbul and is probably best known at the moment as the place where the demonstrations against the current president, Erdogan, started.
However, it is also where all the fancier restaurants, shops, and hotels are, but apart from that, there are not that many interesting sights or attractions. It is not really a must-see place with only 48 hours in Istanbul in terms of attractions, but due to the place’s importance, I have still added it to this Istanbul itinerary.
From there, you can either take the tram back to Beyoglu and end your day there.
Alternatively, you can take the underground and go back to Galata Bridge, and then either walk back to Sultanahmad or end your day at the Bosporus. I loved the numerous cafes and restaurants in Sultanahmet.
So, if you had lunch in Beyuglou already, then I suggest having dinner in one of the many cafes or restaurants in the old town of the city.
Hammam
Extra: If you have time and want to relax, I definitely suggest visiting a Turkish Hamman.
While I have not visited any in Istanbul, I did on other Turkey trips and highly recommended them. Because 2 days in Istanbul can be crazy and hectic, what better way is there to relax and enjoy than in a Turkish bath where you can end your day with a relaxing massage?
THOUGHTS – ITINARERY FOR ISTANBUL IN TWO DAYS
Embarking on a two-day trip to Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring historical and religious sites, contemporary wonders, charming cafes and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and mouthwatering culinary delights. This city, straddling two continents, offers a unique blend of past and present, catering to all types of travelers, including vegetarians and vegans.
I think 2 days in Istanbul is a good (and the minimum) amount to spend in the city. Whether you are a solo traveler, or traveling with your partner, friends, or family, Istanbul will not be boring.
This 2 days in Istanbul itinerary will be fun and exciting – the city is so vibrant and interesting. You will not be able to see all of the highlights, but you will get a good idea and cover the main attractions.
