We’ve just arrived from spending 2 days in Istanbul and we’re going to tell you all about our itinerary!
If this is your first time on our travel blog, welcome! You’ll find useful information here, that will help you organize your 2 day trip to Istanbul and get the best out of your 48h spent there. We have detailed information about pricing, how to get to the most popular locations and some hidden gems you might want to try out.
To get things started, we’d like to tell you that pricing wise, we expected Istanbul to be cheaper than it was. We’ve heard that the prices have gone up for tourists, but we spent around 1500 EUR for accommodation, transport, food and tickets. If you ask me, that’s a lot, considering we (2 people) arrived Friday night and left in the morning on Monday!
You’ll find ticket price and opening hours at the end of this article. We’ll also give you a quick breakdown of our costs per each day. Tips and tricks are included!
Istanbul, a city where East meets West, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. On our recent trip, we stayed at the Sea House Suites, an ideally located hotel that provided us with magnificent views and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Here’s a detailed account of our two-day journey through this mesmerizing city. You can also view the full video below for a complete travel experience.
Day 1: Historical Heart of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Our adventure began at the iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. This architectural marvel has stood the test of time, transitioning from a cathedral to a mosque and now a symbol of unity and beauty. As you step inside, the massive domes, intricate mosaics, and historical ambiance transport you back in time. Don’t forget to take a moment to admire the stunning view from the gallery level.
While visiting, you’ll be surprised to see Christian art in Hagia Sophia – from its time as an Eastern Orthodox Church.
Note: Women have to cover their head and be decently dressed. If you don’t have anything to cover your head, you can buy 1 disposable scarf at the vending machine for 1 EUR. Men are not allowed in shorts that are above knee length.
Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia inside – top floor Hagia Sophia inside – top floor Christian Art in Hagia Sophia Cat sleeping in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Topkapi Palace
Although we didn’t visit the Topkapi Palace due to the cost, it is definitely worth mentioning. This grand palace served as the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. With its opulent rooms, stunning courtyards, and a vast collection of artifacts, it’s a treasure trove of history.
The palace also offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, which you can visit for free. Admission is around 50EUR for tourists, with an additional fee for access to the Harem section.
Topkapi Palace entrance
Blue Mosque
Next on our list was the majestic Blue Mosque. Known for its stunning blue tiles that adorn the interior, this mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. With six towering minarets and a vast courtyard, it’s a serene place to reflect. Although we could only admire it from the outside due to prayer time restrictions, its grandeur was unmistakable.
Blue Mosque Blue Mosque
Hippodrome of Constantinople
A short walk away is the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a historic chariot-racing arena. Once the center of Byzantine public life, it hosted chariot races and social gatherings. Today, you can see the ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, each telling its own piece of history.
The Obelisk of Theodosius originally stood in the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt. It was erected by Pharaoh Thutmose III around 1450 BCE to commemorate his military victories. The obelisk is made of pink granite and was one of a pair; its twin still stands in Luxor.
In the 4th century CE, the Roman Emperor Constantius II had the obelisk transported to Alexandria, Egypt, in preparation for its journey to Constantinople. However, it wasn’t until the reign of Emperor Theodosius I in 390 CE that the obelisk was finally erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an arena used for chariot races and public events. Theodosius had the obelisk placed on a marble pedestal, which features detailed bas-reliefs depicting the emperor and his court.
The obelisk stands approximately 25.6 meters (84 feet) high, including its base, and is remarkably well-preserved. The inscriptions on the obelisk include hieroglyphs commemorating Thutmose III’s victories, and the pedestal’s carvings illustrate scenes of the emperor presiding over games in the Hippodrome.
Hippodrome of Constantinople Obelisk of Theodosius
Basilica Cistern
Descending into the Basilica Cistern feels like stepping into another world. This underground marvel, supported by a forest of columns, once stored water for the city.
This was, by far, the place I loved most in Istanbul! It’s just magnificent to see it, with its imposing 366 marble columns, 9 meters each, soaked in water. It was built in the VI century AD and used to fuel water to the imperial palace and surrounding buildings.
The dim lighting and the soft sound of dripping water create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous Medusa heads at the base of two columns – their origin remains a mystery!
Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern art
Nuruosmaniye Mosque
On your way to the Grand Bazaar, make sure to have a stop at The Nuruosmaniye Mosque (Nuruosmaniye Camii). This is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Istanbul, and it has a free entrance.
The Nuruosmaniye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Mahmud I and completed by his brother and successor, Sultan Osman III, in 1755. It is named after Osman III, with “Nuruosmaniye” translating to “Light of Osman,” reflecting the mosque’s grandeur and the sultans’ intent to create a luminous and impressive place of worship.
The interior is richly decorated with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and stained glass, giving it a vibrant and opulent feel. The use of natural light through the many windows enhances the mosque’s airy and luminous atmosphere
Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Grand Bazaar
No visit to Istanbul is complete without getting lost in the Grand Bazaar. This sprawling market, one of the largest and oldest in the world, is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and scents.
With over 4,000 shops selling everything: from spices to sweets to shoes, clothes, ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Bargaining is part of the fun, so brush up on your haggling skills!
But don’t be fooled by the luxurious brands that are being flashed in front of you. They are fake goods and while some have a good quality, most of them are barely decent. But I’ll have to give it to them: I saw some Dolce sneakers that could fool anyone!
The inside is buzzing with people looking to shop, but most of them are just window shopping – like us. Everyone wants to see the bazaar as part of the Istanbul landmarks, and this place has it all.
Make sure to remember how you got inside, as you’ll eventually want to go back outside!
Grand Bazaar entrance
Galata Bridge
We ended our day with a leisurely walk across the Galata Bridge. This bustling bridge connects the old and new parts of Istanbul and is lined with fishermen and street vendors. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Golden Horn and the city’s skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.
It was a magnificent sight to see in the evening, when the Mosques were all lit up and just majestic looking!
Below the bridge you will find a walking alley where terraces are placed, facing the sea. You can enjoy a meal there or a drink. We loved the view, but the fish sandwich – not so much!
View of Galata Bridge View from Galata Bridge Fish Sandwich below Galata Bridge Vie from underneath Galata Bridge
Day 2 in Istanbul: Modern Excursions and Asian Side Exploration
Vialand Theme Park
On the second day, we bought a one-day transportation pass and took the tram and bus to Vialand Theme Park. This is Istanbul’s answer to Disneyland, with rides and attractions for all ages. From thrilling roller coasters to gentler rides for kids, it’s a fun-filled day for families and adventure seekers alike.
If you have the time (and money) and you’re into this kind of fun, then make sure you visit it. But honestly, we paid 85 EUR for the ticket (which included all the rides) and we thought it wasn’t worth it.
We wanted to take a ride on the rollercoaster which we thought was spectacular from afar. The ride only lasted maybe 10 seconds and that was it! For adults, there aren’t that many rides. We took 5 of them, out of which one was a history lesson while strolling on a boat and we didn’t understand anything since it was all audio in Turkish. We appreciated the decor though.
From our hotel to this park we took the tram A1 and changed 2 buses. Took us about an hour and a half to get there, since it’s around 45 KM away. We went in the morning and there were was no line at the entrance. Bought the cheapest ticket.
Directions to Vialand Theme Park from Sea House Suites: walk to Sultan Ahmet to get tickets for the public transportation and take the T1 tram from there.
Mall and Asian Side
After a fun-filled day at the park, we ate at the mall next door and then took the metro to Üsküdar on the Asian side of Istanbul. This area offers a different vibe, with cozy terraces and scenic views over the Bosphorus. However, it was crowded with tourists, and finding a spot to relax was a bit challenging.
Where We Ate in Istanbul
We mostly walked in our 2 days in Istanbul and we would stop when hungry at terraces strategically located along the T1 tram line. That’s the most touristy street, where you will find everything from kebabs to Turkish deserts and at incredibly high prices! If you’re not that famished, I would say you use google to find places nearby that are not on the main street. Surely you will be able to find a decent location with great food!
While we wouldn’t recommend most of the place we ate at, we would like to mention a few below:
360 Panoramic Restaurant: For drinks, we headed to the 360 Panoramic Restaurant, located on the 6th floor of a nearby hotel. The panoramic views of the city were spectacular, though the food and drinks were pricey. It’s a great spot for a special treat or a romantic evening, but be sure you have enough cash on you! If you don’t, the ATMs are just next to it, strategically placed.
Marbella Restaurant: Near our hotel, we dined at Marbella Restaurant. The food was delicious, featuring local specialties like lamb, beef, and kebabs, but again, we found it quite expensive.
Throughout our trip, we enjoyed a variety of Turkish delicacies, including anchovies, hummus, and baklava. However, the prices were quite steep for tourists. For instance, we paid around 100 EUR for a portion of anchovies with six beers and some (very) small sides
Be very careful when choosing your location. They will add in the menu with tiny letters that service is 10-30% charge and you will end up paying a lot more. See our example below. We paid that much for that “much” food! And 6 draft beers. Avoid Haci Beyaz Chef!
Added service tax of 640 LE Large anchovies
Final Thoughts
Istanbul’s rich history and stunning architecture made our trip unforgettable. We walked about 20 km each day, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.
However, we did feel that there was a noticeable effort to overcharge tourists, which slightly marred our experience. A local even remarked that while the city is beautiful, the people can be less so. Despite this, the allure of Istanbul’s history and culture remains undeniable.
Travel Tips:
- Accommodation: Stay at Sea House Suites for its perfect location and stunning views. You will save a lot on transportation costs and you will have enough time to see all the top attractions, effortless.
- Transport: Purchase a one-day transportation pass for easy access to various attractions, if you plan on visiting more.
1 DAY UNLIMITED € 35
3 DAYS UNLIMITED € 50
5 DAYS UNLIMITED € 70
7 DAYS UNLIMITED € 80
15 DAYS UNLIMITED € 110
- Dining: Be prepared for high prices and mandatory service charges. If you want to save on eating costs, try finding other spots on google maps that are not on the main walkways.
- Souvenirs: we thought that buying souvenirs from the airport would be much cheaper. It’s not. You’ll pay around 30 EUR for a tiny Turkish delight box. And I mean tiny. Shop in the city for souvenirs, the airport is extremely expensive.
- Timing: Visit popular sites like the Blue Mosque early in the day to avoid prayer times.
- Budget: Allocate a generous budget for meals and attractions, as tourist pricing can be significantly higher. Be careful when you see the ticket price. They charge separately for tourists (locals have a much lower fee).
- Currency: we came back with all our EUR bills unspent. That is because they would only accept Turkish Lira or card.
Visiting Hours and Ticket Prices:
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visiting area of the mosque is closed to visitors between 12:30-14:30 due to Friday Prayers. Ticket cost around 25 EUR. Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes to 45 minutes. If you opt for a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia mosque, then it’ll take you around an hour.
- Blue Mosque: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except during prayer times. Ticket cost around 15 EUR. Recommended duration of visit: 45 minutes to 2 hours if you’re interested ina guided tour
- Basilica Cistern: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Tickets cost around 25 EUR. Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Grand Bazaar: Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free. Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes to even one whole day.
- Topkapi Palace: Open Wednesdays to Mondays (closed every Tuesday) from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Ticket cost around 50 EUR. Recommended duration of visit: 1 hour to three hours. Keep in mind that Topkapi Palace is 350 hectares and there is a lot to explore here.
- Vialand Theme Park: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Ticket cost 85 EUR Silver (all rides included). Don’t take the cheaper ticket online because you cannot use that – it is for locals only. Recommended duration of visit: 2 hours to 4 hours, depending on how crowded it is.
Our Travel Map:
