How to spend 4 days in Istanbul

🇹🇷 Istanbul Itinerary Overview – 4 Days of Culture, Beauty & Bosphorus Bliss

🚩 Sightseeing Route

Explore Istanbul in layers—from its bustling squares and majestic mosques to island escapes and timeless waterways. This itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic experiences and delicious Turkish cuisine.

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🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions

📅 Day 1 – Heart of the City + Bosphorus Vibes
• Taksim Square: Start your day in this lively hub. Walk along Istiklal Street for shops, street performances, and local snacks.
• Bosphorus Boat Ride (from Beşiktaş): A heavenly 1-hour cruise with views of Europe and Asia, landmark bridges, and waterfront palaces.
• Galata Tower: Climb for panoramic city views and catch the golden hour.

📅 Day 2 – History & Markets
• Topkapi Palace & Museum: Explore Ottoman history, royal chambers, and stunning courtyards.
• Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in a maze of over 4,000 shops selling spices, carpets, jewelry, and Turkish delights.

📅 Day 3 – Spiritual Istanbul
• Blue Mosque: Marvel at the intricate blue tiles and majestic domes.
• Hagia Sophia: Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again—this is Istanbul’s crown jewel.
• Basilica Cistern: Go underground to this mystical column-lined reservoir, featured in films like Inferno.

📅 Day 4 – Island Escape
• Buyukada (Princes’ Island): A serene day trip. Rent a bike or walk through peaceful streets with no cars, just horse carriages and e-bikes. Enjoy seaside cafés and stunning views.

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🚇 Transportation
• Public Transport: IstanbulKart gives access to trams, ferries, metro, and buses—affordable and efficient.
• Taxi/Uber: Good for late-night travel or long distances; agree on the price or insist on using the meter.

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📷 Photo Spots
• Galata Tower rooftop
• Bosphorus cruise (sunset or sunrise)
• Blue Mosque courtyard
• Hagia Sophia interiors
• Büyükada coastline and colorful houses

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🍜 Local Cuisine – Must-Try Eats
• Kebabs at Şehzade Cağ Kebap or Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Taksim area)
• Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich) near Eminönü pier
• Meze & Raki dinner in a rooftop meyhane (e.g. Nevizade Street)
• Künefe or Baklava at Hafız Mustafa or Karaköy Güllüoğlu
• Simit & Turkish tea at a Bosphorus café

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🏠 Accommodation
• Airbnb in Taksim Area:
• Budget-friendly, central, and well-connected
• Walking distance to Istiklal, metro lines, restaurants
• Ideal for nightlife, shopping, and easy day trips via tram or ferry

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💡 Tips
• Buy a local SIM card or eSIM for navigation and translations
• Dress modestly when visiting mosques (bring a scarf for women, or the mosque will provide as well)
• Always carry cash; some small shops/markets don’t accept cards and they offer discount if you use cash
• Download BiTaksi or Martı app for local transport help
• Try to visit Hagia Sophia early in the morning to avoid crowds, buy tickets online to skip ticket que