Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Itinerary · Istanbul, Türkiye

One perfect day in Istanbul

The essential Istanbul day: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Cistern, the bazaars, a ferry to Asia and back, and dinner in Beyoğlu.

A full day on foot, by tram and ferry

Show the route on a map
  1. 8:45

    1Hagia Sophia

    Sultanahmet·Mosque (former cathedral)

    Start with the great dome.

  2. 10:00

    2Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

    Sultanahmet·Mosque

    Blue tiles (outside prayer times).

  3. 10:45

    3Basilica Cistern

    Sultanahmet·Byzantine cistern

    Down among the columns.

  4. 12:00

    4Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

    Beyazıt·Covered bazaar

    Lose yourself in the bazaar.

  5. 13:30

    5Pandeli

    Eminönü·Ottoman & Turkish

    Lunch above the Spice Bazaar.

  6. 15:00

    6Süleymaniye Mosque

    Süleymaniye·Mosque

    Sinan’s masterpiece.

  7. 17:00

    7City ferries (Şehir Hatları)

    Eminönü·Ferry

    Ferry to Kadıköy and back at sunset.

  8. 19:00

    8Galata Tower

    Galata·Tower & viewpoint

    The city lit up.

  9. 20:30

    9Asmalı Cavit

    Asmalımescit·Meyhane

    Meze and rakı.

  10. 23:00

    10360 Istanbul

    Beyoğlu·Rooftop bar & restaurant

    A rooftop nightcap.

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