ONE Hagia Sophia
TWO Topkapi Palace and the Harem
Plan a whole afternoon for it, it may very well be the most wonderful spot in Istanbul. Beautiful park, unbeatable views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn from the terraces. Take your time, see it all, discover Moses’s walking stick and a fragment from the Mecca stone and the Otoman jewelries, have a coffee or lunch at the restaurant hanging over the sea.
THREE Galata Tower and Pera district
Craving that classic European romance feel after a hectic day in Istanbul? The Pera district is widely considered Istanbul’s answer to Montmartre. Here, quaint, steep, cobblestone streets wind their way up, leading to the Galata Tower, for an evening of intimacy and a romantic stroll.
FOUR Sultanahmet/ Blue Mosque
Beautiful Mosque, invaded by touristy feeling. Visitors remain behind a wooded fence that separates them from the prayer area. The prayer area allows men and children only.
FIVE Karakoy
Karakoy, on the European side, next to Galata Bridge, is the famous port area with fish restaurants and a quieter square to relax on the bench and watch the sea. Super nice, if it wasn’t for the crowds
SIX Kadikoy
The Asian side of Istanbul is a revelation for the first timer who needs a respiro. The port area, the market and the whole district are simply charming. Good taverns around the fish market. Best graffiti to kink up the view
SEVEN Adalar
Adalar (the Marmara islands, on the Asian side) and there you have it: a wonderful day off Istanbul. You take the ferry from Kabatas, around 1h and a half to the biggest island, Buyukada.
EIGHT Bosphorus cruise
There are a number of cruises, however it’s best to stick to the official company, Sehir Hatlari, which organizes a short and a long Bosphorus cruise and departs from Eminonu.
