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Istanbul: city view and main sights to see
📷 Alexxx Malev · CC BY-SA 3.0
✦ TRAVEL GUIDE · TURKEY

What to see in Istanbul in 4 days

4 days 16 experiences 9 where to eat from 15€

4-day itinerary for Istanbul (Turkey) tailored to your budget: what to see, where to eat and skip-the-line tickets with booking links. Build your personalized plan for free.

Practical info · Istanbul

📅
Best time to visitSpring & autumn
🗓️
Ideal length3-4 days
💶
BudgetBudget · €
🚶
Getting aroundTram & walking
Known forHistory, religious heritage and food

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Day 1Sultanahmet

Whirling Dervishes Show
Sufi ceremony of the whirling dance of the Mevlevi dervishes.
from 25€
Turkish Bath at Cağaloğlu Hamam
Historic hammam from 1741 with steam bath and traditional massage.
from 55€
Free Walking Tour of Istanbul
The Byzantine and Ottoman historic center on foot. Tip-based.
Free
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
The basilica-turned-mosque, a jewel of Byzantium.
from 25€
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
The mosque with six minarets.
Free
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern
The underground cistern of columns and Medusa heads.
from 23€
Topkapi Palace
The palace of the Ottoman sultans.
from 30€
🍽️ Balıkçı Sabahattin
Fish and traditional meze.
~30€
🍽️ Karakol Restaurant
Turkish cuisine.
~22€

Day 2Bosphorus and Galata

Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
Sumptuous 19th-century Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus.
from 30€
Ortaköy Mosque
Ortaköy Mosque
Neo-Baroque mosque by the Bosphorus, beneath the strait bridge.
Free
Bosphorus Cruise
Sail between two continents along the strait.
from 15€
Galata Tower
Galata Tower
360º views of the old town and the Golden Horn.
from 30€
Galata District and Istiklal
Galata District and Istiklal
The city's liveliest pedestrian avenue.
Free
🍽️ Çiya Sofrası
Authentic Anatolian cuisine in Kadıköy.
~15€
🍽️ Karaköy Güllüoğlu
The best baklava in the city.
~8€

Day 3Grand Bazaar and Eminönü

Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest covered markets in the world.
Free
Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque
The great Ottoman mosque overlooking the Golden Horn.
Free
🍽️ Pandeli
Historic blue-tiled restaurant above the Spice Bazaar.
~30€
🍽️ Hamdi Restaurant
Kebabs and views over the Golden Horn.
~22€

Day 4Fener and Balat

Fener and Balat Neighbourhoods
Historic neighbourhoods with colourful houses, Greek churches and steep alleys.
Free
Church of St George (Patriarchate of Constantinople)
Church of St George (Patriarchate of Constantinople)
Seat of the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate, with a gilded iconostasis.
Free
🍽️ Asitane
Restaurant serving Ottoman palace cuisine revived from historic recipes.
~45€
🍽️ Green Corner
Café for a quick stop.
~11€

💡 Indicative prices. The current price is shown when you book on Civitatis.

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Frequently asked questions about Istanbul

How many days do I need to see Istanbul?

With 4 days you can see the must-sees of Istanbul. Our tool organizes each day by area so you don't waste time getting around.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is spring and autumn. That said, Trip Planner builds your itinerary for any season and adapts it to your pace.

How do you get around Istanbul?

It's best explored by combining the tram with strolls through the historic centre on foot. Plus, our plan groups each day by area so you barely waste time getting around.

How much does it cost to visit Istanbul?

It depends on your budget. With Trip Planner you set how much you want to spend per day and the plan adapts, combining free and paid activities.

Where can I buy skip-the-line tickets?

Every bookable activity includes a direct link to Civitatis to buy the ticket or tour online and skip the lines.

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