With a population of around 15 million people, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that’s home to a wealth of attractions, from the impressive Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the sprawling Grand Bazaar and the Roman amphitheatre. If you’re planning to visit Istanbul for more than a few days, consider booking a room in a serviced apartment in Sultanahmet, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the Old City, or in the hip neighborhood of Beyoglu.
Visit the Blue Mosque.
If you’re planning to fly to Istanbul for six days or more, consider booking an apartment or hotel room. Staying in one place means you won’t have to worry about getting around and can spend more time exploring the city.
Wander the Hippodrome.
If you have a longer trip planned to Turkey, the hippodrome is a great place to spend a few days. The hippodrome is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Turkish culture and history. It’s easy to get around, and you can hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city to get a different perspective on the sites you’ve already seen. During your stay, hop on one of the hippodrome’s daily races. You can also explore the hippodrome on your own to learn more about its fascinating history.
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
The bazaar covers almost 300,000 square meters of area and is divided into sections called “Saraylar,” where you can find all sorts of goods. You can explore the market on your own or with a guide – the staff at the information centre will be able to recommend the shops that are best for you. You could spend the whole day browsing the shops and trying out all the delicious treats – don’t forget to stop by for a tea in one of the tea shops tucked away in the back of the bazaar.
Watch the sunset from the Basilica Cistern.
If you’ve got the time, that’s the best way to see the Basilica Cistern, especially if you want to make sure to catch the sunset. Do it the first or last thing you do each day, so you can spend some time exploring Istanbul before or after visiting the monument.
Spend a day at the beach.
If you are planning a vacation to Turkey, you will definitely want to include a trip to Istanbul. The city is a perfect destination for families, especially those with children, as there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. For the adventurous, there are scuba diving, snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, and paragliding.
Check out the Spice Bazaar.
If you’re planning to spend a few days in Istanbul, you might want to check out the Spice Bazaar. This huge bazaar is a great place to sample some Turkish cuisine, shop for souvenirs and pick up some gifts for your friends back home. The bazaar is located just outside of the city centre at Eminönü, and is open every day.
See the Assassins’ Gate.
The perfect way to spend 6 days in Istanbul is to do an Istanbul city tour. You can choose to journey on your own or take a coach tour that includes visits to many of the city’s most famous sites. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace are just a few of the highlights you can see on a full-day Istanbul city tour.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to visit Istanbul for a long vacation, consider booking a multi-city hop on the Trans-Asia train. This journey connects 11 Eastern European cities, including Istanbul, and takes about two weeks to complete. You’ll have plenty of time to see the highlights of the city and the surrounding region, as well as get a taste of the different cultures you’ll find in these cities.