Lost in Istanbul ?! Sure, it will happen to you as soon as you set foot in the city divided between the two continents. Turkey‘s metropolis is like a huge puzzle that will surprise you with every new piece discovered.

 

Surely you will not be able to finish it in one visit, but as the appetite comes while eating, you will also want to return to explore even more.

 

    Leaving the metaphors to one side, visiting Istanbul will fascinate you in every aspect! Delicious meals, world-class mosques, controversial history, loaded bazaars, sumptuous palaces, luxury residences, the Bosphorus, museums, and restaurants will delight you.

 

 

 Best options for a last-minute trip to Istanbul

   If you are on the last hundred meters with planning a vacation in Istanbul, then this list is your main help to do it quickly and efficiently:

 

  Best experiences and tours in Istanbul:

  ♦ Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table– my top favorite

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunchbest way to explore the city

Dolmabahce Palace Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audioyou must see this palace

Hagia Sophia: Guided Highlights Tour

Fener/Balat Walking Tour

Grand Bazaar Shopping Experience with a Local

 

Best hotels to stay in Istanbul:

Haci Bayram Hotelgreat view

World Heritage Center Hotelamazing terrace with a gorgeous view

AJWA Sultanahmetbeautiful design

 

 

 

PIN IT FOR LATER

 

   

    The city fascinates through its cultural and architectural mix. Through flavors and textures.

 

Through the past and the future. Being so big and generous, choosing the things you want to do first will be hard.

 

So, inspire yourself with my suggestions. All the activities listed in the article can be done in only 5 days in Istanbul.

 

What I use every time I travel:

 

 

Best things to do in Istanbul in 5 days

 

Stay at a hotel overlooking the Bosphorus

 

You are in Istanbul, the city famous for its gorgeous landscapes, which have the Bosphorus Strait in the foreground, bordered by the minarets of mosques and accompanied by the sounds of seagulls.

 

So, take advantage of the beautiful panorama of Istanbul and stay in a hotel with a 5-star view. There are several such accommodations, but I recommend these to you, classified according to the budget, all having a beautiful view.

 

Where to stay in Istanbul:

 

  • budget: Taksim Terrace Hotel – located in the heart of the fair and with a sensational panorama of the Bosphorus, room service, delicious breakfast
  • mid-range: Saba Sultan Hotel  – located in the mosque area, superb view, rooms with unique design, free parking, delicious breakfast
  • luxury: Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul – situated in the mosque area, splendid view, ultra-modern rooms, bar, wifi, room service, restaurant

 

  Visit the most famous restaurant in Istanbul – Hafiz Mustafa

 

    You haven’t been to Istanbul until you pass the threshold of the most famous restaurant, with tradition in Istanbul since 1864, Hafiz Mustafa.

 

Although the prices are a bit higher, the quality is directly proportional, and the experience is a must-do.

 

I recommend you go to the one located in Sirkeci. Have patience because it is so loved that almost always all tables are taken. Order delicious baklava or any other good-looking dessert.

 

Have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view over Bosphorus.

  best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

 

Get lost in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul | Best things to do in Istanbul

 

    Kitschy and grandiose! This is how I could briefly describe what the Grand Bazaar is, also known as Kapali Carsi. It is indeed one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

 

It has over 4000 shops with all kinds of products, from fabrics, bags, clothes, and pillows to souvenirs, perfumes, and anything else that can cross your mind. You will see many brands, but I must warn you that they are all fake.

 

So, no matter how convincing the seller could be in pursuing you to add an authentic Channel to your collection of bags, please don’t fall into his trap!

 

    If you still insist on testing your negotiation talents, the Grand Bazaar is the ideal place. However, you shouldn’t have too many expectations.

 

The bazaar is frequented by tens of thousands of people daily, so the sellers rarely give discounts.

 

Even if you will not buy anything, don’t miss visiting the bazaar. Cultural speaking, it’s a beautiful experience!

 

The architecture of the building is spectacular and deserves admiration. It is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. 

 

  ⇒ Find all: hotels in Istanbul.   

 

 

best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

 

Explore the Egyptian Bazaar | Istanbul in 5 days

 

    Warning for those on a diet: Stay away from the Egyptian Bazaar! It is a real temptation for your taste buds, impossible to refuse.

 

Besides the hundreds of spices, from saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon, to peppermint, curry, and others whose name has not remained in my memory, the Egyptian Bazaar is the heaven of Turkish sweets.

 

Sellers are excited to give you samples of every kind of Turkish delight lying on the table in tasty rollers. And it will be hard for you to refuse.

 

You must try the pomegranate and Nutella one, the most delicious, in my opinion!

 

    Here, you will also find baklava, halva, and other delicacies that will leave your mouth watering. But also dried fruits from the world’s most exotic corners: kiwi, pineapple, apricot, mango, papaya, and other eccentricities.

 

As the hospitality of the Turks is very big most of the time, they will likely offer you a cold mango tea. The perfect drink that will soothe your thirst after the whole diabetes experience.

 

 

 

 

 

best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul | egyptian bazaar istanbul

best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

 

Don’t skip Hagia Sophia | Best things to do in Istanbul

 

    After you have walked through Sultanahmet Square, it’s time to sit in a long queue to visit the Hagia Sophia Museum. This is one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul.

 

If not even the most popular one. It’s a real symbol of the city.

 

Very present on fridge magnets with Istanbul, flyers, magazines dedicated to tourism or presentation videos. Even worldwide, Hagia Sophia it is recognized as one of the most impressive religious buildings, with over 1500 years of existence.

 

So it’s worth waiting to be visited when you’re in the city.

 

    The story of the former Christian church begins a long time ago. Prior to reaching its present form, the church was built and demolished 3 times.

 

The first version was erected by the founder of Constantinople, Emperor Constantine the Great.

 

The period in which it was used as a church is much longer than the one in which it has been a mosque. It was and still is considered so spectacular that nowadays, all the mosques in Istanbul are inspired by this imposing building.

 

Skip the line for Hagia Sophia. Get your ticket here

 

  best things to do in istanbul | istanbul tourist guide | istanbul in 5 days | best activities in istanbul

 

  Find out why the Sultanahmet Mosque is also called the Blue Mosque 

 

    If Hagia Sophia is now a museum, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an actual mosque used for the daily prayers of Muslims. In fact, during my visit, I even had the opportunity to attend such a prayer.

 

You must have already realized that you must follow the clothing rules to step inside.

 

It is essential to respect the culture, religion, and customs of every place we visit. So, in the Blue Mosque, women can only enter if they wear a hijab or borrow one from the entrance.

 

Also, all visitors will walk barefoot in the mosque.

 

best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

 

    Sultan Ahmet Camii differs from the rest of the Istanbul mosques by having six minarets. Not two or four, as you will see the others have.

 

Another distinctive factor from where it got the popular name of the Blue Mosque is the interior, decorated with ceramic tiles in blue shades.

 

    The Blue Mosque is located right “across the street” from Hagia Sophia, so the wisest would be to visit them the same day to save time.

 

If you must pay for an entrance ticket and wait in a long queue for Hagia Sophia, things are a little different here depending on the season. Access is free and is not so crowded.

 

Book your tour to Sultan Ahmed Mosque 

 

best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

 

Walk on the shady alleys of Gulhane Park

 

     For some fresh air and to change the view of the old city with a green one, stroll along the Gulhane Park alleys. It is just 5 minutes from the mosques and within walking distance of Topkapı Palace.

 

The name means house of roses, but tulips can also be admired here. Especially in March and April, when thousands of tulips blossom.

 

     It is a huge park, one of the largest in Istanbul and the oldest. A true oasis of relaxation and cooling in the warm summer months. The elder oaks and walnut trees almost completely shade the alleys.

  best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

 

Visit Turkey at Miniaturk Park

 

       Even if you spend two weeks in Turkey, as I did, you can unlikely visit everything this beautiful country offers. So the best place to get to know the most popular destinations, buildings, and monuments is Miniaturk.

 

Miniaturk is an impressive park where you will feel like Gulliver in Lilliput and one of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids.

 

     Everything is done at the 1:25 scale, keeping an incredible fidelity of the details. 134 models, of which only 13 represent constructions outside Turkey.

 

Each one awaits you to study them carefully. The experience is even more interactive thanks to an audio system. It will give you all the information you need for each machete.

 

    The most appreciated models are the famous mosques and those representing Cappadocia, Pamukkale, the Ataturk airport, the stadium in Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the famous bridge linking the Asian side to the European one.

 

Although it is relatively remote from the city’s central areas, you can get to Miniaturk Park quickly with a bus from the Sirkeci station. The price of an entrance ticket is 15 TL.

  best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

 

Try the delicious street food | Best things to do in Istanbul

 

    You will inevitably get hungry in the rush after the best things to do in Istanbul. And maybe you don’t want to lose precious time every time while waiting for your order to come. In Istanbul, you don’t have to.

 

Street vendors have their stalls spread all over the city. The dishes prepared by them are ready to appease hunger and appetite. Choosing a food tour is a great option to taste the best dishes in the city. 

 

Bagless stuffed with cheese or Nutella, baked corn and chestnuts, mussels, or fish sandwiches sold under the Galata Bridge are just some of your options when choosing a fast lunch.

 

    Not to mention the Turkish ice cream. Not necessarily for its flavor but for the original way it is served to you.

 

You’ll understand what I’m talking about right after you’ve ordered your first one.

 

  ⇒ Try a tasting tour of Istanbul   

 

best things to do in istanbul in 5 days | activities istanbul | 	what to visit in istanbul

 

Walkthrough Sultan Ahmet Square

 

    The pedestrianized area in Sultan Ahmet Square was formerly known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople. This is because chariot horse races and protests or torture of the convicts were held here.

 

All in the public eye. Practically, just like today, it was the most transited area in the city. Since the Byzantine Empire, the site has been decorated with statues and obelisks.

 

Some were brought from Greece and Egypt. Some of them can still be admired today. They are preserved well and protected by the fences surrounding them.

 

best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

 

    Among the original structures that can still be seen today are the Serpentine Column, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Walled Obelisk. But my favorite is the German Fountain, much more recent.

 

Built in 1900, its purpose was to mark the visit of the German Emperor in 1899 in Istanbul. The most exciting part is that it was made in Germany and brought, piece by piece, into the Turkish metropolis to be assembled.

 

    You can’t miss Sultanahmet Square when you visit Istanbul. It is near the most visited mosques, Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed.

 

It’s an open-air museum for which you will not have to pay an entrance ticket.

 

  ⇒ Also read: A perfect two week road trip in Turkey.   

 

 

best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

 

Go souvenir shopping 

 

      If there were a capital of souvenirs and shopping in general, I would bet on Istanbul. It’s where you have all the chances of going with at least one extra baggage back to your country.

 

That’s because the merchandise is so rich, varied, and affordable that you can hardly resist not spending your holiday budget on clothes, accessories, baklava, home decorations, or souvenirs.

 

No matter how tempting it may seem, I advise you not to waste it. Limit yourself to a few fridge magnets, a pillowcase with traditional Turkish motifs, or a miniature mosque.

 

Small objects to remind you of your beautiful experience.

 

    Of course, if your purpose differs, ignoring my suggestion is perfectly okay. The places from which you can buy these souvenirs are unlimited.

 

But I recommend avoiding the famous bazaars where prices are much higher.

  best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

 

 Explore the streets of Istanbul

 

    Relief in Istanbul is very uneven, so the streets are mainly built on the slope. This, along with the architecture of the old buildings, the views of the Bosphorus, and the rising minarets of the mosques, contribute significantly to the city’s charm.

 

If you spend at least a few days here, one of the most pleasant activities is to explore the streets. Of course, looking for Instagrammable places. The most famous street in Istanbul is Istikal.

 

The most recommended neighborhoods for doing this are Galata, Karaköy, Arnavutköy, Çukurcuma, Balat, and Moda.

  best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

best places to visit in istanbul | istanbul itinerary for 5 days

 

Visit Dolmabahce Palace | Best things to do in Istanbul in 5 days

 

    The stories with sultans will be most beautiful contoured in your mind when visiting the most opulent building on the Bosphorus, the Dolmabhace Palace.

 

Being surrounded by white, imposing, splendidly decorated fences, Dolmabhace Palace is the ideal place to feel transported to the glorious times of Turkey.

 

Like any historical building in which the last rulers of the Ottoman Empire lived, Dolmabache has a section where women used to live, and the area is called Harem.

 

      The majestic chandeliers, the elegant fireplaces, and the candle holders with elaborate patterns are the main pieces that prove worth the 40 Turkish Liras paid for the entrance ticket.

 

Istanbul Turkey best things to do

 

Significant contributors to the whole decoration were the czar of Russia and Queen Victoria of England, who offered some precious items.

 

Considering that it has 285 rooms, 13 years have been required to be completed. Although Sultan Abdulmecid was the one who ordered the construction of the palace, the most famous resident of the palace was the much-loved Turkish leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

 

He also died in the presidential palace.

 

⇒ Also read Top 15 places to visit in Cappadocia, Turkey.   

 

 

 

 

 

Istanbul Turkey best things to do

 

 Have dinner on a rooftop with a view over the Bosphorus

 

     One of my favorite activities in Istanbul is to relax in a rooftop bar or restaurant with incredible views over the Bosphorus. There are many restaurants of this kind everywhere in the city, and the atmosphere is extraordinary.

 

I admit I’ve only been to a few located around the mosques in Sultanahmet. So, I don’t know if the views are better on the other side of the water. 

 

     If you choose Sultanahmet, close to Sirkeci, I recommend Husnu Ala Café. Delicious food, Turkish love songs, the sea breeze, and the dances of the seagulls in the colorful sky are the perfect ingredients for a lovely evening.

  top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

 

Play with cats | Istanbul in 5 days

 

     The cutest locals in Istanbul are by far the ones with four legs. Wherever you are, whether you are in a very transited area, or you are in a quiet neighborhood, the little felines are always present.

 

They will stick to your legs and wait to be cuddled on their fur. So they can pay you back with a thankful purr. Not all are sociable, but most of them are used to humans.

 

So they won’t bother to hide from you.

     Although they are stray cats and their number is bigger than tens of thousands, they are cared for and constantly fed by locals. The cats in Istanbul are a splash of color in the city’s decor.

 

They will probably be a city symbol for a very long time. Especially given that in Islam, cats are very clean and respected.

 

 

    Cats are part of Istanbul’s soul, and their appreciation for them has gone quite far. So far, they have even documentaries or Facebook pages dedicated to them.

  top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

 

Cross the Bosphorus Bridge

 

    Asia and Europe are connected by the daily ferries in Istanbul and the famous Bosphorus Bridge, known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. It stretches from Ortaköy on the European side to Beylerbeyi in Asia.

 

The bridge is one and a half kilometers long. Although it has impressive dimensions, it is only 17th in the world in the top of the longest bridges. For example, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is almost double the length.

 

    Until recently, the First Bosphorus Bridge had one competitor on the Strait linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, the Faith Sultan Bridge. In 2016, a third bridge that the Turks called Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge joined the team.

  top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

 

Visit the mysterious Basilica Cistern | Best things to do in Istanbul

 

    If you are a fan of the James Bond series, then you must visit the Basilica Cistern. No wonder the spectacular underground construction was used as a filming location for some Hollywood cinematographic productions, given the unique interior atmosphere.

 

The 336 columns, diffused lights, and thousands of fish bouncing into the formed pools create a mystical space you want to see.

 

    The cistern dates back to the 6th century and was built to supply water for the Imperial Palace and the surrounding buildings. For this and its majestic appearance due to the columns, it also bears the name of the Sunken Palace.

 

The two jellyfish heads supporting the columns are the most controversial element that attracts tourists as a magnet. It is said that Meduza was a mortal whose hair was turned into snakes by the goddess Athena, who was jealous of her love for Perseus.

 

    The Basilica is right next to Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace. It measures 140 meters in length and 70 in width, and the price for a ticket is 20 Turkish Pounds.

 

  ⇒ Skip the line and visit the Basilica Cistern  

 

 

 

 

top things to do in istanbul | istanbul attractions | istanbul itinerary

 

Go on a cruise on the Bosphorus

 

    Istanbul is the kind of city that you can get to know both on land and water. And you have to take advantage of the two options when you are in the realm of the former Constantinople!

 

Whether you choose a few short ferry rides or an actual cruise to take you to the luxurious Turkish residences, you can’t feel that you visited the city without having experienced a Bosphorus cruise.

 

    If you choose the ferry, the cost is minimal, and the views are incredible. You can juggle between the two continents for just 2-3 Turkish Pounds.

 

Depending on your preference, you can opt for a daytime cruise or a sunset cruise to admire the explosion of reddish shades in the sky of Istanbul.

 

best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

The cruise will also delight you with traditional Turkish dishes, oriental rhythms, and talented dancers.

 

      Also, a great idea is to go and visit the Princes Islands. Filled with luxurious residences of the Ottoman era, the 9 islands are the perfect one-day escape away from the city’s agitation.

 

Gorgeous landscapes, car-free streets, and a relaxing atmosphere will make you realize immediately why they are so loved.

 

best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

 Smoke hookah 

 

    Istanbul is a city full of mixed flavors that will instantly attract you. In addition to the delicious food, “guilty” of this phenomenon is also the hookah, a hobby often found in the Turkish city.

 

Even if you are not a smoker, it is an experience that deserves to be ticked and one that you may like.

 

I recommend you choose a place decorated as traditional and authentic as Havusbasi Kafe Sultanahmet or a rooftop. As for flavors, my favorite is the one with blueberries.

  best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

  Take photos next to Ortakoy Mosque | Best activities in Istanbul

 

      You arrived in Istanbul and want your Instagram feed to look fabulous? The photos with the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge in the background will solve the “problem”.

 

From my point of view, the Neo-Baroque architecture, the vast dome, and the two towering minarets make the Ortakoy mosque one of the most photogenic places in the city.

 

No wonder the project’s architect is the same one who planned the Dolmabhace Palace. A real talent! Add to the whole picture tens of pigeons that will gather around you just like those in Piazza San Marco, Venice.

 

You will have the best picture on the Social Media platform!  

 

best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

Hop on the red tram on Istiklal Street

 

    Times Square of Istanbul, as I called it on my Instagram stories when I shared my Istanbul experience with you, is the Taksim neighborhood.

 

Crowded streets, music, cats walking among the passers’ feet, protests always present, street vendors having their merchandise ready, shows, and street artists.

 

Here you can genuinely take the city’s pulse because it is the most lively area in Istanbul.

 

Climb onto the red tram on Istiklal Street and let yourself be driven among the old buildings and their beautifully decorated facades, amongst all kinds of shops, hotels, and boutiques full of delights. It’s one of the best things to visit in Istanbul!

  best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

 Visit Arasta Market

 

    If you feel like the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar are not what you’re looking for, go to Arasta Market.

 

It was an experience a little more authentic and almost entirely free of the bustle encountered in the two bazaars mentioned above. Here, you will find the most beautiful handmade fabrics.

 

Without worrying about being disturbed by the insistence of sellers to buy them. Arasta Market is a bazaar built on Byzantine ruins, located behind the Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet area.

  best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul best activities in istanbul | must do in istanbul | best things to see in istanbul | what to do in istanbul

 

  Hotels in Istanbul:

  ⇒ Find the best accommodation options here.