4 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul, including the top 10 things to do:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. This former church and mosque is now a museum and is a must-see attraction.
• Next, head to the Blue Mosque, located just across from the Hagia Sophia. This stunning mosque is known for its intricate blue tiles and impressive architecture.
• After visiting the Blue Mosque, take a stroll through the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot racing track that dates back to the Roman Empire.
• In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This palace is now a museum and is home to some of the most impressive collections of Ottoman art and artifacts.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, you can shop for everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs.
• Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, another famous market in Istanbul. Here, you can find a wide variety of spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
• In the afternoon, take a Bosphorus cruise to see the city from a different perspective. This scenic boat ride will take you past some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the Maiden's Tower and the Dolmabahce Palace.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water storage system that dates back to the Byzantine Empire.
• Next, head to the Chora Church, a stunning Byzantine church that is known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
• In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which is home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

Day 4:

• Start your day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning palace that was built in the 19th century for the Ottoman sultans. This palace is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
• Next, head to the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that offers stunning views of the city. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.
• In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which is home to a wide variety of contemporary art from Turkish and international artists.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can help you with.