24 Hours in Istanbul: The Best 1 Day in Istanbul Itinerary
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What’s that? You only have ONE day in Istanbul? Just one day? One day to explore the entirety of this sprawling, magnificent megalopolis?
First thing’s first: don’t panic! (Maybe try saying ‘megalopolis’ three times very fast - almost impossible to do).
We understand that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. We totally get it - how do you even begin planning a realistic, well-rounded, one-day itinerary for Europe’s largest city? But don’t worry - it can be done, and we’re here to show you how.
Let’s cut to the chase: Istanbul is a mega-city with a history stretching back 3000 years and was the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Long story short? There's a lot of stuff to see here and there is no way you’ll be able to cover it all in one visit (or even in your lifetime). But that’s not the goal!
(To put it in perspective, we’ve lived in Istanbul for almost five years and we still haven’t “seen” or “done” everything).
See all the major attractions on the best one day trip Istanbul has to offer!
In this Istanbul one day itinerary, you’ll be able to tick off the must-see attractions in Istanbul whilst also being immersed in the city’s culture. You’ll sample delicious local food, experience some jaw-dropping views and experience the magic of Istanbul.
From thousand year old mosques and cathedral-like cisterns to hole-in-the-wall restaurants and elegant evening boat rides, our guide to Istanbul in one day gives you a taste of it all.
After visiting Istanbul four times and living in the city for several years we’ll also tell you our honest opinion of what’s overhyped and not worth spending much time on.
We’ve purposely tailored this itinerary to offer a wide range of experiences and attractions - it includes many of the top tourist attractions in Istanbul plus quirky, under-the-radar places to visit. You can easily customise this one-day itinerary to suit your own interests!
You’ll need comfy walking shoes to explore Istanbul in 1 day - it ain’t called the “City on Seven Hills” for nothing! Wherever possible we’ve also given you options for using Istanbul’s excellent public transport system (just in case you want to give your legs a break).
Finally we’ve suggested approximate times for each stop on this 1 day in Istanbul itinerary but if you want to spend longer anywhere, please do so. We aren’t itinerary overlords!
Ready to dive in? 🚀🇹🇷
Planning a last-minute trip to Istanbul? Let us help!
🏠 Best Istanbul Hotels:
Sultanahmet (Luxury): Hagia Sophia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection By Hilton (⭐ 9.3)
Sultanahmet (Boutique): Hotel Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.0)
Taksim (Mid-Range): Ayramin Deluxe Hotel (⭐ 9.5)
Galata (Budget): Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
🙋 Best Istanbul Tours & Tickets
Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Ticket (⭐ 4.4/5)
Topkapı Palace Guided Tour With Skip-the-Line-Ticket (⭐ 4.7/5)
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show (⭐ 4.8/5)
📝 1 Day in Istanbul Itinerary: Summary
Istanbul is beautiful in all seasons, including winter.
This itinerary lays out what to do in Istanbul in one day, from 9am to 9pm (or later for you night owls), ensuring that you make the most of your time.
For the best experience, we’d recommend staying overnight at a hotel with breakfast included - this way you can start your day without a hassle.
If you’re short on time - for instance you’re on a 1 day layover in Istanbul or you just have half a day - you can tailor this itinerary to suit your interests and the time you have available.
As a side note, the Turkish Airlines layover in Istanbul is really good value - our friend Helen recently visited us in Istanbul on a layover on her way to Malaysia and she loved it!
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick summary of what’s packed into this one day Istanbul itinerary. The times are just a guide.
Read on for full details of the itinerary, transport information and useful tips!
🌞 Morning to early afternoon (9am - 2pm, includes a snack before a proper lunch later):
Major historical sites: Hagia Sophia > Blue Mosque > Basilica Cistern > Topkapı Palace
(Don’t worry if this looks like too much - all of these sites are tightly packed into one area).
⛅ Early afternoon to early evening (2.30pm - 6pm, includes an hour for lunch):
Epic views, shopping paradise & a famous bridge: Suleymaniye Mosque > Grand Bazaar/Spice Bazaar > Galata Bridge
🌇 Evening and night time (6.30pm - 9pm or later):
Option 1: Galata Tower > İstiklal Caddesi > Taksim Square
Option 2: Evening dinner cruise on the Bosphorus
Option 3: Evening food tour
Read on for the full itinerary outlining how to spend a day in Istanbul!
✅ Before You Embark On Your 1 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Must Have Resources For Travelling in Turkey!
Whether you have just 24 hours in Istanbul or you’re actually following a longer Turkey itinerary, the following apps and cards will help to make your visit go smoothly.
📱 Turkey eSIM: Say goodbye to expensive data roaming packages and instead install a cheap Turkey eSIM to have data wherever you are. Click here to check eSIM packages for Turkey on Airalo.
🚇 Istanbulkart: This contactless transportation card allows you to use all public transport in Istanbul.
If you're arriving by air, you can purchase and top up an Istanbulkart at machines in both Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airports, as well as at machines and newsagents throughout the city. The card costs 130TL and is cheaper than using contactless bank cards or buying single tickets.
Each ride with an Istanbulkart costs 27TL, and one card can be shared by up to 5 people. You’ll need an Istanbulkart for this itinerary to use the tram, funicular, and nostalgic tram.
💬 Google Translate: Istanbul is an international city but English is less prevalent than you’d think. Google Translate is super helpful plus you’ll find that knowing a few Turkish words and phrases gets you a friendly reception here.
🗺️ Google Maps: It’s pretty accurate for Istanbul and makes navigating across the city using tram, metro, bus, ferry and funicular much easier.
💊 Nobetci Eczane: The best app for finding on-duty pharmacies across Turkey, just in case you need to pick up any paracetamol, eye drops etc.
Some medications (like my asthma inhaler) are available over the counter without a prescription. Also always make sure you have good travel insurance!
💳 Wise International Debit Card: Get the best Turkish Lira exchange rates, free or super-low fee cash withdrawals and avoid sneaky transaction fees with a Wise Debit Card.
📌 The Best 1 Day Istanbul Itinerary
The Hagia Sophia: Start Your Day With an Icon
🚊 Getting there: Sultanahmet is the closest tram stop to Hagia Sophia (the tram line connects to Taksim and Karaköy). The Hagia Sophia is four minutes’ walk from the tram stop.
⭐ Highlights: Gorgeous Islamic and Christian iconography and incredible Byzantine mosaics and frescoes of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and other historical Christian figures.
⌛ Visit time: 1 - 1.5 hours
💰 Entrance fee: €25 - but we recommend this skip-the-line ticket that includes the fee.
🧕 Dress code: Visitors must cover their shoulders and legs and women will need to wear a headscarf. You can rent a headscarf (€1) and a cover for your body (€3) from the ticket booth but it’s much easier and cheaper to wear mosque-friendly attire!
As the Hagia Sophia is now a mosque you’ll also need to remove your shoes when you enter (leave them on the shelves just outside the entrance doors).
📝 Note: Hagia Sophia is extremely busy on Fridays.
Inside the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
This one day tour of Istanbul kicks off with the most impressive historical attraction in the entire city: the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia.
Sometimes dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, this architectural marvel was built by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD and reigned as the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1000 years. Not too shabby.
As the crown jewel of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia set the blueprint for countless Eastern Orthodox churches across Turkey and Greece.
Incredibly, the Hagia Sophia took only 5 years and 10 months to complete (amazing what you can achieve with an army of 11,000 workers and no employment laws, eh?)
Despite being covered up for hundreds of years (and being mega old) the stunning mosaics are remarkably intact.
A mosaic of Jesus Christ In the upper gallery of the Hagia Sophia.
When Constantinople fell to the Ottomans in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and remained that way for 500 years until 1935 when it reopened as a museum.
But the winds of change weren’t done blowing - in 2020, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque again and now operates as a sort of mosque-museum hybrid (hence the entrance fee).
Start your visit by admiring the stunning 180 foot (56-metre) high dome - considered revolutionary at the time of its construction - before moving on to the extraordinary mosaics that decorate the upper gallery of the Hagia Sophia.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see the intertwining of Christian and Islamic influences - from crosses still visible on archways and frescoes of angels to Islamic calligraphy.
Keep an eye out for the Viking runes engraved into the marble parapet on the upper floor which says “Halfdan was here”. Tags clearly haven't changed that much in over 1000 years.
A cross near a window inside the Hagia Sophia.
Practical stuff
The Hagia Sophia opens to non-Muslim visitors at 9am, and as one of the top things to do in Istanbul, it naturally draws massive crowds.
That’s exactly why we’ve made it your first stop - arriving early gives you the best shot at beating the queues.
However, these days there seems to be a queue at Hagia Sophia no matter the time of day or season. We’re talking 1.5 - 2 hours and to be frank, ain’t nobody got time for that! (Especially you on this itinerary).
As you only have a day in Istanbul, queuing for hours isn’t the best use of your time. That’s why we highly recommend booking this skip-the-line ticket. Trust us, future you will thank you!
We used this when Vincent’s parents visited us last April, and it was a huge time-saver. While this ticket costs slightly more than a regular ticket, skipping the long queues makes it well worth the extra expense. It also comes with a free audio guide in 23 different languages.
Click here to book your skip-the-line ticket for Hagia Sophia.
The Hagia Sophia is a must-visit on any one day tour of Istanbul.
If you are Muslim or a Turkish citizen you can visit the first floor of the Hagia Sophia. If you’re a non-Muslim tourist you can only visit the second floor - on the bright side, this is where most of the beautiful Byzantine frescoes and mosaics are.
This is basically what the ticket gives you access to and everyone - tourists, non-Muslims, Muslims and Turkish citizens - have to pay to enter this area.
Next stop after Hagia Sophia: Walk 1 minute to the Basilica Cistern.
The Basilica Cistern: Secrets Beneath the City
🚶 Getting there: The Basilica Cistern is a 1 minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.
⭐ Highlights: The upside-down Medusa heads and various art installations
⌛ Visit time: 30 - 45 minutes
💰 Entrance fees: 990TL for foreign tourists, 220TL for domestic visitors. We’d recommend getting these skip-the-line tickets for this attraction to save time.
The Basilica Cistern - you can see why it looks like a palace!
Your second stop on this one day in Istanbul itinerary is the cathedral-esque Basilica Cistern - because why not throw an underground palace into the mix?
Another architectural flex by Emperor Justinian I (seriously, did the man ever take a break?), this massive cistern was built in 532 to supply fresh water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings.
Constructed using 336 mahoosive marble columns, the Basilica Cistern can store 80,000 cubic meters of water and is the largest cistern in Istanbul - so big, in fact, that it has its own artificial freshwater lake the size of two football fields.
Wander along the elevated walkways, gaze up at the vaulted ceilings, and take in the spooky atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if you spot fish swimming beneath your feet - they’re part of the whole experience.
Without question the biggest attraction is the two upside-down Medusa heads, whose origins remain a mystery, along with the Peacock Eye Column.
One of the famous upside down Medusa heads
A spooky art installation in the Basilica Cistern.
You’ll also find some haunting art installations - our favourites include a giant hand rising from the water and a creepy Medusa sculpture that casts an ominous shadow.
Adding to the drama, the lighting inside shifts between green, red, and blue hues, occasionally plunging the space into near darkness - so watch your step unless you fancy a swim.
Since you're on a tight schedule for this one day tour in Istanbul, we highly recommend grabbing these skip-the-line tickets.
They include an audio guide, but being honest, the best part is breezing past a queue of 200 people and walking straight in. More time for marvelling at the architecture, less time stuck in line - which sounds like a win to us!
Click here to book skip-the-line tickets for the Basilica Cistern
Next stop on this one day Istanbul tour after the Basilica Cistern: The Blue Mosque. This is just a 5 minute walk away.
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami): Domes, Tiles and Ottoman Style
🚶 Getting there: Walk past the ornate German Fountain and towards Sultanahmet Square to get to the Blue Mosque.
⭐ Highlights: Spectacular Iznik tiles, stained glass windows and ornate dome.
⌛ Visit time: 30 - 45 minutes
💰 Entrance fee: Free
🧕 Dress code: Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs and women will also require a headscarf. Headscarves and long body wraps are available for free near the entrance. If you’re wearing tight trousers like leggings with a short top you’ll still need a body cover.
Remove your shoes when you enter and leave them on the shelves near the entrance doors or put them in your bag (we sometimes carry a plastic bag for this purpose).
📝 Note: The Blue Mosque closes during prayer times and is closed on Friday until 2.30pm. You can check prayer times here.
The spectacular Blue Mosque.
Another iconic building dominating Istanbul’s skyline, the world-famous Blue Mosque is the third stop on your Istanbul 1 day itinerary.
Built across from the Hagia Sophia, it was commissioned in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, who, at just 19 years old, decided he wanted to build something to rival one of the greatest buildings in history. (Losing a few wars can do that to you).
He was so determined to realise his vision that he even rolled up his sleeves and helped with the construction.
A blend of Ottoman and Byzantine design, it took seven years to complete and was finally inaugurated in 1616.
When you step inside the mosque and look up, you’ll immediately see where it gets its name from: over 20.000, handmade blue Iznik tiles cover the interior. There are apparently 50 different designs featuring tulips, trees and fruit.
The gorgeous tiled interior of the Blue Mosque.
And that’s not all - over 200 beautiful stained glass windows and numerous grand chandeliers scatter light across the prayer hall, giving the mosque a serene and magical feel. No wonder it's considered one of the best things to do in Istanbul Turkey!
For a more detailed history of the Blue Mosque pick up a leaflet at the entrance. Alternatively, this informative 1 hour tour is a great option if you want to get the full backstory into the mosque’s architecture and history.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beauty inside, step out into Sultanahmet Square and take a moment to enjoy the epic view of the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque. It’s not a bad spot for a breather before tackling the next stop on your itinerary!
Next stop after the Blue Mosque on this Istanbul 1 Day Tour: Time for a snack!
Grab a Snack in Sultanahmet Square
Hopefully your hotel breakfast hasn’t worn off quite yet, but if you are starting to feel peckish, we’d recommend grabbing a snack in Sultanahmet Square just before you head to your next stop.
This is a great place to try Istanbul street food and you’ll see carts around the square selling all kinds of grab-and-go delights.
Mmmm…simit, a popular street food in Istanbul.
You can buy simit (a type of sesame bagel) and have it plain or with cream cheese, olive paste or chocolate spread. You’ll see other stalls selling grilled corn (my fave) or roasted chestnuts.
You will be having a proper lunch after the next stop on this itinerary but your day trip in Istanbul won’t be enjoyable if you’re hangry.
Next stop after your snack: Topkapı Palace - a 10 minute walk from Sultanahmet Square.
Topkapi Palace - Where Sultans Lived it Large
🚶 Getting there: Topkapı Palace is a 10 minute walk from Sultanahmet Square through the Sultanahmet Park.
⭐ Highlights: The ornate rooms of the palace Harem, the Imperial Treasury and the Chamber of Holy Relics.
⌛ Visit time: 2 hours
💰 Entrance fee: 2000TL (includes access to the Palace, the Harem and Hagia Irene). We recommend this skip-the-line guided tour so you don’t have to queue.
📝 Note: The Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday.
The inside of Topkapi Palace is just…wow.
A day trip to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without exploring the magnificent Topkapı Palace.
Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed I after his conquest of Constantinople, Topkapı Palace was the lavish home of Ottoman sultans for 400 years and the empire’s political nerve centre.
At its peak, this sprawling complex housed around 4,000 people - courtiers, janissaries, concubines, and more. Inside, you’ll find a maze of opulent chambers, council rooms, a treasury, a library, a portrait gallery, and the famous harem.
Since opening as a museum in 1924, Topkapı Palace has been giving visitors a rare glimpse into the MTV Cribs lifestyle of the Ottoman elite.
Take your time wandering through the maze of pavilions, courtyards, and chambers. Everything is exquisitely decorated with patterned tiles, stained glass windows and gold-leafed walls. So bling!
The most spectacular rooms are in the palace Harem, where the Sultan’s mother, wives and as many as 300 concubines lived.
History buffs should head for the Chamber of Holy Relics which holds scrolls belonging to John the Baptist.
Every room in Topkapi Palace is a feast for your eyes - you can see why all the best Istanbul one day tours include this on the itinerary!
The sultans certainly spared no expense when it came to their palaces.
Meanwhile, jewellery lovers will adore the Imperial Treasury, home to one of the largest diamonds in the world, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, an 86-carat monster rock that puts most engagement rings to shame.
Since this itinerary is all about Istanbul in a day, aim to spend two hours here before moving on. But if you want to spend more time exploring the palace, go ahead!
If you’re lucky enough to have 2 days in Istanbul or more, carve out at least four hours to explore Topkapı Palace fully.
If you want to dive deeper into the palace’s history, this 12pm guided tour lasts two hours (fitting perfectly with this itinerary) and gets you straight inside. One day tours in Istanbul are all about maximizing your time!
Click here to book this skip-the-line guided tour of Topkapı Palace.
Next stop after Topkapı Palace: Lunch at Pak Pide Salonu. You can either walk or take the tram (details below!)
Lunch at Pak Pide Salonu
🚶 Getting there: From Topkapı Palace walk to the Gülhane tram stop and take the T1 tram to Eminönü. From here walk to the restaurant past the spice bazaar (this is included later on the itinerary).
Alternatively, follow this walking route - it will take you through Sirkeci, where you might spot the famous Sirkeci Train Station, once the grand final stop of the Orient Express.
⭐ Highlights: Superb Turkish flavours, freshly cooked pizza and pide.
⌛ Visit time: 1 hour
Looking for the best pide (or pizza) in Istanbul? You’ll find it at Pak Pide Salonu!
You’ve ticked off four incredible sights on your 1 day tour of Istanbul, so now it’s time to refuel and relax.
Istanbul isn’t just about jaw-dropping history - it’s also about phenomenal food and friendly, hospitable folk. Grabbing lunch at a local spot is the perfect way to experience the city like a local.
Enter Pak Pide Salonu, where you can try freshly baked Turkish pide (aka Turkey’s answer to pizza), cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
From regional specialties like Trabzon and Konya-style pides to the classic boat-shaped varieties, there’s plenty to choose from. Not feeling adventurous? They’ve got regular pizzas too.
Pak Pide Salonu is a no-frills joint - just friendly service, great food made right in front of you, and prices that won’t break the bank. The best 1 day itinerary Istanbul has to offer wouldn’t be complete without a tasty meal!
A freshly baked egg and spicy ground beef pide at Pak Pide Salonu.
For drinks, you can sample traditional Turkish favourites like ayran (a salty yogurt drink) or şalgam (fermented purple carrot and turnip juice). If that sounds a little too out there, don’t worry, there are fizzy drinks too. (We love the local stuff, so does that make us honorary Turks?)
After lunch, take a quick detour to Sağır Han, a historical inn just across the street that is now home to handicraft workshops and Eirene Tower Sanat Galerisi, a watchtower-turned-art-gallery.
This is the perfect place to browse traditional Turkish arts and crafts before heading to your next stop.
Next stop on this one day tour in Istanbul after Pak Pide Salonu: Süleymaniye Mosque which is a 5-10 minute walk away.
Süleymaniye: The Mosque With the Million Dollar View
🚶 Getting there: From Pak Pide Salonu, follow this route to Süleymaniye. It’s a 5-10 minute walk uphill - hopefully the carbs you’ve just had will fuel your legs!
⭐ Highlights: Amazing view over the water towards the Galata Tower, serene courtyard and gardens and a beautiful mosque.
⌛ Visit time: 30-45 minutes
💰 Entrance fee: Free
🧕 Dress code: Men and women should ensure their shoulders and legs are covered and women will also need to wear a headscarf. If you’re wearing tight pants like leggings with a short top you’ll still need to cover up.
Before entering, remove your shoes and place them on the shelves by the entrance or carry them in your bag.
📝 Note: Süleymaniye Mosque will be busy on Fridays.
The inside of Süleymaniye Mosque is just as stunning as the views of the city outside.
Most day tours of Istanbul skip Süleymaniye Mosque (probably because it’s on a hill and so considered “too far out") but we think that’s a big mistake. Not only does it offer some of the best views over Istanbul, but the complex and the mosque itself are beautiful.
Süleymaniye was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, under whose reign the Ottoman Empire reached the pinnacle of its political and economic powers, and designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan.
[Sinan built a staggering 374 structures across the empire. We always try to tell ourselves we’ve got the same ‘24 hours in a day’ as Sinan.]
Completed in 1557, this massive complex originally consisted of a mosque, four madrasas (Islamic religious schools), a primary school, a hospital, a medical school, a hamam (Turkish bathhouse), a public kitchen, a cemetery and even a guesthouse!
The view of Istanbul from Süleymaniye Mosque.
Incredibly many of these buildings have survived and the hamam has recently been restored - perfect if you fancy a (pricey) scrub-down in a historical building.
As you walk through the courtyard, stop to admire the breathtaking view of the Golden Horn and the Galata Tower over the cascading domes of Süleymaniye’s madrasas - now part of the Ibn Haldun University Campus.
Inside, Süleymaniye Mosque is simply decorated but still beautiful - the calligraphy on the dome and patterns on the stained glass windows at the front of the mosque are particularly gorgeous.
For more information about the history and architecture of the mosque just ask one of the friendly volunteers - students from the nearby university - who offer excellent free tours. Or pick up one of the leaflets (available in multiple languages) inside.
Next stop after Süleymaniye Mosque: The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is a 10 minute walk away.
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar: Chaos, Colour and Killer Deals
🚶 Getting there: Walk 10 minutes downhill from Süleymaniye to Lütfallah Kapısı - this is one of the many entrances to the Grand Bazaar. Alternatively, walk a tiny bit further and enter the Spice Bazaar (aka the Egyptian Bazaar).
⭐ Highlights: Shopping paradise. Turkish handicrafts, spices, souvenirs, ceramics…anything you want, you’ll find.
⌛ Visit time: 1 hour. Try not to get lost as this will make your visit longer
💰 Entrance fee: Free but you’ll probably end up buying something!
📝 Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
The Grand Bazaar - anything you want, they’ve got it!
The next stop on your 24 hours Istanbul itinerary takes you from the peaceful calm of Süleymaniye straight into the cacophony and chaos of Istanbul’s bazaar district.
First up, the Grand Bazaar - the world's largest covered market. With 4,000 shops and 65 alleyways, it’s like a miniature city.
The original 15th-century bazaar, built under Mehmet I, was much smaller, but things clearly escalated over the last 500 years!
What's for sale? Everything. From hand-painted ceramics, Turkish rugs and colourful lanterns to jewellery, shoes, souvenirs and even second hand mobiles.
Navigating the Grand Bazaar is an adventure in itself. Vendors call out to you from every direction, there’s thousands of stalls, lights and…crowds.
With 22 entrances/exits, this place is a maze, so make a mental note of where you came in and keep an eye out for the exits.
Jazz up your home decor with something from the Grand Bazaar.
The Antique Market is perfect for people who love vintage or unusual antique items.
There’s no agenda here - just explore and stop at any shop that takes your fancy. Don’t forget to haggle - it’s a Turkish tradition! (Just say “indirim” for a discount and see where it gets you).
The main streets of the bazaar are very touristy and overpriced so we’d suggest wandering into some of the side alleys instead (keeping an eye on the time of course.)
Love shopping? Then feel free to stay longer and swap out some of this itinerary’s evening stops.
If you have 3 days in Istanbul or more we’d encourage you to spend more time exploring the bazaar as there are historic caravanserais, bookstores, hidden restaurants and unique shops that most visitors will miss. This bazaar food tour is a great way to explore the area if you’ve got extra time.
If the Grand Bazaar sounds like too much chaos, head straight to the Spice Bazaar instead. Smaller (just 85 shops), it’s the go-to spot for spices, fruit teas, Turkish delight and fragrant soaps.
Next stop on this Istanbul one day trip after the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar: Galata Bridge. This is 5 minutes’ walk from the Spice Bazaar.
Galata Bridge: More Than Just a Crossing
🚶 Getting there: From the Spice Bazaar walk 5 minutes to the start of Galata Bridge.
⭐ Highlights: Watching local fisherman reeling in their catch and amazing views especially at sunset.
⌛ Visit time: 15-30 minutes
Fisherman hoping for fish to bite at the Galata Bridge in winter.
Connecting Istanbul’s Old City to the modern neighbourhoods in Beyoğlu, the Galata Bridge has been rebuilt at least five times.
Walking across it gives you an authentic taste of Istanbul life. Come rain or shine you’ll see fishermen casting their lines into the water or patiently waiting for their next catch.
Nearby, street vendors serve up balık ekmek (fish sandwiches made with freshly caught fish), grilled corn and roasted chestnuts - perfect if you’re starting to feel peckish. (And far better than the restaurants below the bridge which are extortionate tourist traps).
Whilst you can walk across Galata Bridge in about 15 minutes, we’d suggest lingering to see the ferries passing by and to just people-watch. The views of Istanbul from the bridge are amazing, so make sure you snap some photos too!
The sunset at Galata Bridge is pretty much guaranteed to be breathtaking!
Galata Bridge is also our favourite place to watch the sunset over the Golden Horn all year round. It’s always spectacular.
If you’re tired of walking or want to skip the bridge entirely, you can walk to Eminonu tram station from the Spice Bazaar and take the T1 tram to Karaköy instead.
Next stop on your one day trip in Istanbul - After the Galata Bridge you have three options:
Option 1 (Galata Tower - Istiklal Avenue - Taksim Square): Head to the Galata Tower for 360° views of Istanbul at night, followed by dinner in Galata, shopping and nightlife on Istiklal Avenue and finishing in Taksim Square.
Option 2 (Bosphorus Dinner Cruise): Enjoy a three course meal with live entertainment plus a chance to see more Istanbul sights from the water!
Option 3 (Food Tour): Try Istanbul’s famous street food, enjoy drinks in a rooftop cafe and taste a wide range of Turkish dishes at a historic restaurant with an expert local guide.
The Galata Tower at sunset.
We’d go with Option 1 - take in the best panoramic views of Istanbul from Galata Tower, enjoy dinner in the picturesque Galata district with its cozy cafes and restaurants, shop or have drinks on the famous Istiklal Avenue, and top it all off with dessert in Taksim Square.
But it’s really up to you!
Option 1: Galata Tower - Istiklal Avenue - Taksim Square
Galata Tower: A Little Effort, Big Reward
🚞 Getting there: From Galata Bridge walk to the Tünel station (an underpass connects Galata Bridge to the other side of the road - this isn’t shown on Google Maps).
From here take the historical funicular (it’s the world's second oldest subway!) from Karaköy to the top of Galata. You then walk downhill to the Galata Tower.
Alternatively use the underpass to get to the bottom of Galata hill and then follow this route up to the Galata Tower. It’s steep but the bonus is that you’ll pass lots of shops, cafes and restaurants on the way. You can always stop for a break!
⭐ Highlights: Incredible panoramic view of the whole of Istanbul from the observation balcony and interesting exhibits detailing the tower’s history.
⌛ Visit time: 1 hour
💰 Entrance fee: €30. Sunset and evening are popular times to visit the tower so we’d recommend booking this skip-the-line ticket to save time.
The spectacular Galata Tower.
Originally built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the first Galata Tower was destroyed in 1204 when the Crusaders sacked Constantinople - led, rather dramatically, by a 97-year-old blind man.
Rebuilt in 1348 by the Genoese and named Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), the structure later fell into Ottoman hands after the 1453 conquest.
Over the years, it served as a prison, a fire watchtower, and - ironically - was twice damaged by fire. The final blow came in 1875 when a massive storm ripped off its wooden and lead roof.
The poor Galata Tower stood roofless for nearly a century until the late 1960s, when it was finally restored and opened to the public. At some point, a restaurant popped up on the top floor so you could have dinner with a view.
After a major restoration in 2020-2021, the restaurant was scrapped, and a small museum, spread across four floors, was set up inside.
The view from the top of the Galata Tower is definitely worth climbing a few stairs for!
Looking up at the 220 foot (67 metre) Galata Tower you may worry that you skipped too many leg days, but don’t panic - there’s a lift that whisks you up to the 6th floor.
From there, climb two short staircases to the 8th-floor observation deck, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. We’ve been up three times, and I still spend forever snapping photos.
On the way down, you’ll take the stairs, which can get pretty narrow. If your knees protest, take a break at the museum exhibits - our favourites include a section of the massive iron chain that once protected the Golden Horn from invaders and a cool scale model of Istanbul on the 7th floor.
(Pro-tip: If you have serious mobility issues, the staff will let you use the lift back down - my parents got this VIP treatment.)
Part of the famous chain that was used by the Byzantines to protect the Golden Horn.
Evenings at Galata Tower are very popular, and the line to buy tickets is often long and moves at a snail’s pace. We’d suggest avoiding this by booking this skip-the-line ticket which saves a ton of time.
Next stop on this one day tour of Istanbul after Galata Tower: Dinner or light meal in the Galata area, right near the tower.
Dinner or a Snack Around Galata Tower
🚶 Getting there: There are cafes and restaurants all around the tower - we’ll recommend some places to go!
⭐ Highlights: Delicious food and drinks with a Galata Tower view.
⌛ Visit time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Customers enjoying tasty baked treats at Şirin Fırın Bakery.
After descending the tower, make your way to Büyuk Hendek Caddesi, the charming cafe-lined street right in front of Galata Tower. This is where you’ll see the famous view of Galata Tower peeking out from between the colourful buildings on a cobbled street.
The vibes on Büyuk Hendek street are positively Parisian - there are so many cafes to choose from! We love the coffee and pastries at the pretty Galata Şirin Firin bakery - grab a pavement table for views of the street and Galata Tower.
If you’re feeling hungrier, Şirin Firin also serves quiches, omelettes, burgers, sandwiches and pastas.
For superb Turkish flavours paired with a stellar view, head to Güney Restaurant right by the Galata Tower. The hot and cold mezzes, kebabs and desserts are top-notch. It's a popular spot, so consider reserving a table online in advance.
Next stop after dinner in Galata: Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. You can walk or take the nostalgic tram.
Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square - Istanbul’s Buzzing Soul
🚶 Getting there: From the Galata area, walk up Galip Dede road to the start of Istiklal Avenue.
⭐ Highlights: Shopping, restaurants, historic passageways, lots of nightlife (bars, clubs, pubs and taverns), street performers and even a nostalgic tram!
⌛ Visit time: 1-1.5 hours or more, if you want to party the night away!
Istiklal Caddesi is always pretty crowded!
Often called the beating heart of the city, Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) is the second-to-last stop on your itinerary.
This 1.4km pedestrian street, once known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, is lined with stunning Ottoman-era buildings in styles ranging from neoclassical to art nouveau.
A staggering three million people walk through this famous avenue everyday! If you’ve got the energy, join the throng and take it all in (don’t worry, we’ve got a shortcut if your feet are screaming for mercy).
By day, Istiklal is a lively mix of chain clothing stores, restaurants, bookstores, art galleries, and historic passageways hiding vintage shops and tiny cafes. At night, the bars, pubs and nightclubs come to life and they are packed until the wee hours.
St Anthony’s Catholic Church on Istiklal Avenue
At first glance, you might think all signs of old Istanbul have vanished - but look closer.
The imposing gates of the Galatasaray High School, the second oldest educational institution in Turkey, mark the middle of the avenue. Numerous churches dot the street and historic passageways like Çiçek and Suriye Pasaji lead to taverns and tea houses.
Film buffs should peek into the 1948 Atlas Cinema, once the largest cinema in Beyoglu. Recently restored, it shows Turkish and international films.
Want to experience Istanbul’s nightlife scene? We recommend trying the delicious and potent cocktails at Flekk. For live music, the more traditional James Joyce Irish Pub should do the trick!
If you prefer your drinks more caffeinated than fermented, head to Mandabatmaz, one of Istanbul’s best cafes and famous for its Turkish coffee or the cosy Turkish-German Bookstore & Cafe.
The nostalgic red tram is popular with tourists and with kids!
If your legs are begging for a break, hop on the nostalgic red tram from Tünel station - it’s slow (pedestrians rule this street), but that just means more time to enjoy the sights before reaching Taksim Square in about 15-20 minutes.
If you’re not partying till late on Istiklal, your 1 day in Istanbul itinerary ends at Taksim Square, a historic meeting place and former political hotspot.
Treat yourself to a slice of baklava and a glass of çay at Hafiz Mustafa 1864, stroll around the Republic Monument, or admire the enormous Taksim Mosque.
And just like that, you’ve wrapped up an epic day trip around Istanbul! You’ve seen the sights, tasted the flavours, and walked the streets - this truly is the best day tour Istanbul has to offer.
Option 2: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Sailing Between Continents
🚐 Getting there: Pick up from your hotel or meet at a designated meeting point.
⭐ Highlights: Fantastic night time views of Istanbul’s skyline and attractions from the water, live entertainment and a three course Turkish meal.
⌛ Visit time: 3 - 4 hours
Seeing Istanbul from the water is an unforgettable experience.
A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without spending time on the water, but with a full day Istanbul tour, there’s no time for a leisurely daytime ferry ride.
That’s where this Bosphorus Dinner Cruise comes in. Offering a fantastic three-course Turkish meal and live entertainment, it also lets you take in Istanbul’s top attractions from the water - including some on the Asian side, such as the Maiden’s Tower and Beylerbeyi Palace.
At night, Istanbul’s illuminated skyline is breathtaking, especially from the Bosphorus. These dinner cruises last 3-4 hours, with various packages available, including VIP lounge seating, unlimited drinks, and hotel pickup.
It’s the perfect way to cap off your Istanbul in 24 hours itinerary in style.
Option 3: Night Time Food Tour - Eat Like a Local
🚶 Getting there: This tour departs from Sirkeci station.
⭐ Highlights: Trying Istanbul’s street food, enjoying a panoramic view from a rooftop cafe and visiting a historical Turkish restaurant to try an array of traditional dishes.
⌛ Visit time: 3 hours
Turkish pickles and pickle juice are some of the things we’ve tried on a food tour in Istanbul.
If you have more than one day in Istanbul, we highly recommend joining a food tour. They typically last 5-6 hours and are one of the best ways to understand the city’s culture and history.
(We love them so much we even put together a whole guide to the best food tours in Istanbul!)
But just because you only have a 24 hour layover in Istanbul doesn’t mean you have to miss out on its incredible flavours!
This fantastic nighttime food tour takes you well off the tourist trail in just three hours.
With a local guide leading the way, you'll sip traditional drinks at a rooftop cafe, sample some of the city's best street food, and dine at a legendary 130-year-old restaurant where you’ll feast on over 10 Turkish dishes. And to top it all off? A show-stopping flaming dessert!
You’ll also get the stories and cultural significance behind every bite you take.
The former waiting room of the old Sirkeci Station almost feels like a church.
If this sounds like your kind of experience, we suggest wrapping up the itinerary a little early (at the Spice Bazaar) and heading to Sirkeci Train Station, where the tour kicks off at 6:30pm.
Got time to kill? Take a stroll around the historical station - once the final stop of the Orient Express - and enjoy a glass of çay in its old-world restaurant while you wait.
👋 Until Next Time, Istanbul!
AND WE ARE DONE! We hope that this one day itinerary for seeing the highlights of Istanbul in a day helps you plan your trip.
Remember, this isn’t a rigid checklist - no one’s going to chase you down with a clipboard if you skip a stop!
Pick what interests you most and enjoy the experience at your own pace. The goal isn’t just to see everything, but to leave with a deeper appreciation of this incredible city.
And hey, whatever you miss this time just gives you the perfect excuse to return. 😊
If you've spent 1 day in Istanbul, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments below!
Before you go check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🏖️ Where to Stay in Izmir: Best Izmir Districts, Top Hotels + Useful Tips
🕌 Things to Do in Mardin: Turkey’s City of Golden Stone
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🚂 Sirkeci Station: Discover Istanbul's Orient Express Station
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🍯 Where to Find the Best Baklava in Istanbul
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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