Istanbul's main areas and what to see in each

Sultanahmet and Fatih: the old city

The historic heart, with the most famous sights side by side: Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

• Hagia Sophia: a working mosque, closed to visitors at prayer times. Since January 2024 foreign visitors take a paid route on the upper gallery (about €25 according to 2026 travel guides); the ground floor is for worshippers.
• Topkapı Palace: closed on Tuesdays, so keep it out of that day.
• Grand Bazaar: closed on Sundays and religious holidays; the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü opens on Sundays.
• Hırka-i Şerif Mosque, Fatih: the Prophet's mantle is shown to visitors during Ramadan, and it gets very busy then.

For mosques: modest dress for everyone, a headscarf for women, and visits outside prayer times.
Old city tour · Hagia Sophia Mosque · Fatih

Eminönü and the Golden Horn

On the water between the old city and Galata: the ferry piers, the Spice Bazaar and the markets around it, where many start a Bosphorus boat tour. Along the Golden Horn: colourful Balat, Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti hill.
Golden Horn tour · Eminönü · The Golden Horn · Spice Bazaar

Taksim and İstiklal Avenue

The best-known square of the modern European side, with pedestrian İstiklal Avenue and its shops and cafés. Lively into the evening and close to many hotels.
Taksim · İstiklal Avenue

The Bosphorus

The strait between Europe and Asia, best seen from the water: palaces, bridges and old waterfront houses on both shores. On the European side, Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy; at Galataport, a waterfront promenade and shops. In the evening, dinner cruises sail between the shores.
Bosphorus tour · Bosphorus dinner cruise · The Bosphorus

The Asian side

Calmer than the European side, reached by ferry or bridge: Üsküdar on the shore, Kadıköy and its markets, and Çamlıca Hill with Çamlıca Mosque, the largest in Türkiye, opened in 2019.
Asian side tour · Çamlıca

The Princes' Islands

Islands in the Sea of Marmara reached by ferry; the largest is Büyükada. Cars are banned on the four main islands, so you walk, cycle or ride electric vehicles. The ferry from Kabataş to Büyükada takes about one hour to one hour 45 minutes. A calm full day for families in spring and summer.
Princes' Islands tour · Princes' Islands

Day trips from Istanbul

• Sapanca and Maşukiye: lake, forests and waterfalls about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic. Izmit, Sapanca and Maşukiye tour
• Florya: on the Sea of Marmara west of the city, for a seaside outing. Florya tour

How many days do I need?

• 4 days: old city, Eminönü and the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, the Asian side.
• 6–7 days: add the Princes' Islands, Sapanca and a free day for shopping or rest.
• More than a week: add a second city, such as Trabzon in the north or Cappadocia.

8-day Istanbul program

Getting there

Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side; about three quarters of foreign visitors arrive at the first. Choose a hotel near the areas where you will spend most time; we arrange the pickup from either airport.

FAQ

Where should a family stay in Istanbul?

Taksim, Şişli and Beşiktaş are close to transport and restaurants; Sultanahmet is close to the old sights. We suggest what fits your plan.

Which days to avoid for Topkapı and the Grand Bazaar?

Topkapı closes on Tuesdays; the Grand Bazaar on Sundays and religious holidays.

Can I visit Hagia Sophia for free?

Prayer on the ground floor is free for worshippers; the visitors' route on the upper gallery has been paid for foreigners since 2024.

Plan your trip: for a plan made for your family, ask for a quote.