It is so beautiful and attractive that it is impossible to resist it… Of course, we are talking about Istanbul, which has not lost its popularity for centuries. That doesn’t mean you’ll never come. We have written for you A 48-Hour Tour of Istanbul’s Best Sights and Flavors! We hope you’ll have a great weekend exploring Istanbul with the plan we made for you!
Day one: Discover the streets of the city and peek inside Orthodox churches
Let’s start our 48 Hours in Istanbul!
Morning – Galata Tower and Turkish breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu
You wake up in the morning when you will start to discover Istanbul; Good morning. It will be a long day where you will feel a sweet tiredness, but it is worth it for Istanbul.
Get ready for an unforgettable morning in Istanbul! Start your day by heading to the iconic Galata Tower, where you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the city. The Galata Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Istanbul and was built in 1348. It is 67 meters tall and was originally used as a watchtower to spot fires in the city. After taking in the sights and sounds of Istanbul from above, why not explore the streets below? Wander through the cobbled alleyways of the historic Galata neighborhood, where you’ll find an array of cafes, shops, and art galleries. Or cross the Galata Bridge and visit the bustling Spice Bazaar, where you can sample exotic spices and teas. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to capture some amazing photos to remember your trip to Istanbul.
For breakfast near Galata Tower, If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try some of the delicious Turkish sweets while in Istanbul. Some popular options include baklava, Turkish delight (lokum), and künefe (a sweet cheese pastry). You can find these treats at many cafes and restaurants throughout the city, or at specialty shops like Hafiz Mustafa or Karaköy Güllüoğlu. Enjoy! If you want to try another great cafe for a Turkish breakfast near Galata, we recommend Cafe Privato. They serve a delicious breakfast spread with a variety of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and traditional Turkish dishes like menemen.
This morning plan is the perfect way to start your day in Istanbul and discover the city’s unique flavors and breathtaking views. Enjoy!
Afternoon – Vintage shopping in Balat
As you make your way down from the iconic Galata Tower, be sure to cross the Galata Bridge and head over to the vibrant neighborhood of Balat. Here, colorful buildings and vintage boutiques await you, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day of exploring Istanbul. Take a moment to peek inside the art gallery, The Pill, and grab a cup of coffee at Cumbalı Kahve, a café that is popular with Instagram bloggers for its turquoise decor. And don’t forget to visit St. George’s Cathedral, a vital piece of Orthodox history, before continuing your journey through this magnificent city. With every step, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history that Istanbul has to offer.
Evening – Return to the heart of the city
After a long day of exploring Istanbul, unwind with a delicious dinner and a night out on İstiklal Street. This bustling pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, making it the perfect place to experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife.
Start your evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants on İstiklal Street. Some popular options include Pera Palace Hotel’s Agatha Restaurant, serving contemporary Turkish cuisine, and Mikla, offering stunning views of the city from its rooftop location. For a more casual dining experience, try out the traditional Turkish meyhane (tavern) style of dining at Meyhaneci, or enjoy a delicious pizza at Pizza Locale.
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down İstiklal Street and soak in the energy of this lively neighborhood. Be sure to stop by one of the many dessert shops for a sweet treat, like the famous Turkish ice cream at Mado.
As the night wears on, head to one of the many bars or clubs on İstiklal Street for a night of dancing and socializing. Some popular options include Babylon, a music venue with nightly performances and DJs, and Arka Oda, a cozy bar with a relaxed atmosphere and live music.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the area, we recommend checking out our other guide to Istiklal Street.
So we are now in the middle of our 48 Hours in Istanbul! Get ready for the next day!
Day 2: See Istanbul’s main landmarks and sail to Asia
Morning – Exploring the Hagia Sophia District
Start your morning in the Hagia Sophia district, where you’ll find some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Begin by visiting the Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most famous and historically significant buildings in the city. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia has served as a mosque and now functions as a museum. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and stunning architecture as you explore this incredible site.
After visiting the Hagia Sophia, head over to the nearby Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This iconic mosque is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domed architecture. Take some time to explore the mosque’s interior and admire the intricate details of the design.
If you have time, consider visiting the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir that dates back to the 6th century. This impressive structure features columns and arches, creating a stunning subterranean atmosphere.
After exploring the Hagia Sophia district, take a stroll through the nearby Arasta Bazaar, where you can find a variety of traditional Turkish gifts and souvenirs.
Have a nice breakfast at your accommodation, recharge your energy. Then, set off for Sultanahmet, which will present you the history of Istanbul. Let Topkapi Palace be the first place you will stop by. Have a nice tour of the longest-lived palace of the Ottoman Empire. Here you will have the chance to see personal belongings and historical documents of sultans and sultans. A visit to Topkapi Palace for about 2 hours will be enough for this compressed Istanbul tour. After leaving Topkapi Palace, visit Hagia Sophia and the 6th-century Byzantine Cistern, Sinking to the Ground.
Afternoon – Fish Lunch on the Galata Bridge
After a morning of exploring Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, head to the Galata Bridge for a delicious fish lunch. This historic bridge spans the Golden Horn and is a popular spot for fishing and dining. Take in the stunning views of the water and the city as you enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants on the bridge.
Turkish cuisine is famous for its delicious seafood dishes, and Istanbul is no exception. Some popular fish dishes in Istanbul include:
- Balik Ekmek: A simple yet delicious fish sandwich made with grilled or fried fish, onions, lettuce, and tomato, served on a fresh bun.
- Levrek: A popular fish in Istanbul, also known as sea bass, often served grilled or pan-fried with a side of vegetables or salad.
- Çupra: Another popular fish in Istanbul, also known as sea bream, often served grilled or baked with a side of rice or vegetables.
- Kalamar Tava: Fried calamari served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli or lemon mayonnaise.
Some popular restaurants on the Galata Bridge for fish lunch include Balikci Sabahattin, which is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Turkish meze (appetizers), and Kumpir Istanbul, which serves delicious grilled fish and seafood dishes.
After lunch, take a stroll along the bridge and watch as locals and tourists alike fish for their daily catch. This is the perfect way to experience the local culture and cuisine while taking in the beauty of Istanbul in 48 hours.
Evening – Explore Kadikoy on the Asian Side
After your lunch on the Galata Bridge, you can take a leisurely walk to the Karaköy ferry terminal, which is just a few minutes away. From there, you can take a ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ferry ride itself is a great way to take in the stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city skyline.
Once you arrive in Kadikoy, take some time to explore the neighborhood’s many shops and boutiques. You’ll surely find everything from trendy clothing stores to artisanal food markets here. Be sure to stop by Moda Caddesi, a tree-lined street filled with cafes and restaurants, where you can relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Dinner in Kadikoy – the End of 48 Hours in Istanbul
The last destination of our 48 Hours in Istanbul – Kadikoy! For dinner, try out one of the many delicious restaurants in Kadikoy. Ciya Sofrasi is a popular option, serving traditional Turkish dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Or check out Yanyali Fehmi Lokantasi, a cozy spot that specializes in Anatolian cuisine.
After dinner, head over to Kadikoy’s bar district for a night out on the town. Some popular options include Arkaoda, a laid-back bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere, and Karga Bar, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. Whatever your preference, Kadikoy has something for everyone. Enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed your 48 hours in Istanbul! This vibrant city is undoubtedly full of history, culture, and delicious food, and we’re glad we could help you make the most of your time here. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in Istanbul. We hope you’ll come back soon to explore more of this amazing city. Safe travels!