A ferry crossing the Bosphorus with the skyline of Eminönü, Istanbul, in the background

Turkey

5 itineraries, 3 to 14 days across 1 city. Copy one and make it yours.

Plan with AISee the 5 itinerariesPhoto by Engin Yapici on Unsplash
Best timeApril to May or September to October.
Typical trip length3–14 days
On travli5 itineraries
Cities1
Getting aroundTrams and ferries link both sides.
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY).

Cities in Turkey

Istanbul5 itineraries

Why travelers love it

Hagia SophiaSixth-century structure in Sultanahmet that has served as church, mosque and museum.Basilica CisternSixth-century underground Byzantine cistern in Sultanahmet with carved column bases.Blue MosqueThe Blue Mosque is a 17th-century mosque in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district with six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.Grand BazaarThe Grand Bazaar is a large covered market in Istanbul with thousands of shops.Spice BazaarHistoric covered market in Istanbul selling spices, sweets and souvenirs.Galata TowerGalata Tower is a medieval stone tower that provides wide views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Top attractions

Hagia Sophia
MonumentHagia SophiaIstanbul, Turkey
Basilica Cistern
MonumentBasilica CisternIstanbul, Turkey
Blue Mosque
MonumentBlue MosqueIstanbul, Turkey
Grand Bazaar
MarketGrand BazaarIstanbul, Turkey
Spice Bazaar
MarketSpice BazaarIstanbul, Turkey
Galata Tower
ViewpointGalata TowerIstanbul, Turkey
Dolmabahçe Palace
MonumentDolmabahçe PalaceIstanbul, Turkey
Topkapı Palace
PalaceTopkapı PalaceIstanbul, Turkey
Suleymaniye Mosque
MonumentSuleymaniye MosqueIstanbul, Turkey
Hippodrome of Constantinople
MonumentHippodrome of ConstantinopleIstanbul, Turkey
Gülhane Park
ParkGülhane ParkIstanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Archaeology Museums
MuseumIstanbul Archaeology MuseumsIstanbul, Turkey

5 Turkey itineraries

Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul: Two Continents5 days · By travli
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul: Weekend Escape3 days · By travli
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul in 5 Days5 days · By travli
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul: One Week7 days · By travli
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul: Two Weeks14 days · By travli

Turkey questions

Is 5 days enough for Istanbul?

Five days covers the main sights across both continents when sites are grouped by area. Use the tram and ferry network to move between locations without backtracking.

Do I need to book Topkapi Palace tickets in advance?

Book Topkapi Palace tickets online before arrival during busy months to avoid queues. Allow three hours on site and combine with nearby monuments on the same day.

How do I get from the European side to Kadıköy?

Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy or Haydarpaşa. The trip takes twenty minutes and works with a standard Istanbulkart.

When should I visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar?

Arrive at the Grand Bazaar at opening to avoid crowds and shop efficiently. Walk next to the Spice Bazaar the same morning before heading uphill to Galata.

Is three days enough for Istanbul?

Three days covers the main Sultanahmet monuments and central bazaars when you move efficiently. Start early each day and use the T1 tram between sites.

Do I need to book Topkapı Palace tickets ahead?

Buy timed entry tickets online the day before to skip the ticket lines at Topkapı Palace. Morning slots fill fastest on weekends.