Istanbul Tour | Two Days Itinerary to Explore Istanbul Turkiye

Istanbul is one of the world’s most historically rich and culturally diverse cities, straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. It has served as a center of power and commerce for thousands of years, with a rich history that encompasses the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Visitors to Istanbul are drawn to its stunning historical landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace, as well as its bustling modern metropolis, filled with world-class museums, shopping, and dining.

The city is also famous for its diverse street food, including kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight, as well as its vibrant bazaars and markets, where visitors can purchase handmade crafts, textiles, and spices.

Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its music, dance, and architecture, with traditional Turkish music and dance performances being a popular form of entertainment.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or shopping, the Istanbul tour has something for everyone. With its stunning mosaics, towering minarets, and bustling streets, it’s a city that truly embodies the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Day 1 Istanbul Tour: Blue Mosque – Hagia Sophia – Topokapi Palace

• Begin your day by visiting the Sultanahmet district, also known as the Old City. This area is home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace.
  • The Blue Mosque is a stunning 17th-century mosque known for its blue tiles and six minarets. It’s a great place to start your tour of the Old City.
  • Hagia Sophia is a former Byzantine cathedral that was later converted into a mosque and is now a museum. Its impressive dome and intricate mosaics make it one of Istanbul’s must-visit sights.
  • The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and is now a museum. Here, you can learn about Ottoman history and see the palace’s ornate architecture and impressive collections of artifacts.
• After exploring the Old City, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 60 streets and 4,000 shops, it’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and sample local foods.
• In the evening, head to the Beyoglu district, known for its lively nightlife, and enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Some popular dishes to try include kebabs, stuffed vine leaves (dolma), and baklava (a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry and honey).

Day 2:

• Start the day by visiting the Chora Church, a Byzantine-era church that is famous for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. The church was originally built as a Byzantine palace and later converted into a church. Today, it is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine art in the world.
• Next, visit the Galata Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. The tower was built by the Genoese in the 14th century and was once the tallest building in Istanbul. Today, it’s a popular spot for taking in views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
• In the afternoon, head to the Dolmabahce Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. The palace is famous for its ornate architecture and impressive collections of European art and furniture. Visitors can tour the palace’s opulent rooms and gardens.
• End the day with a leisurely boat tour of the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. During the boat tour, you can admire the city’s skyline and see the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the two continents.

Istanbul Tour Traditional Foods You Must Try!!

Here are some traditional Turkish foods that you should try during your time in Istanbul:

1. Kebab – A popular dish made from marinated meat (usually chicken, lamb, or beef) that is grilled and served with rice, bread, or vegetables. Some popular varieties include shish kebab, doner kebab, and Adana kebab.
2. Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolma) – Vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
3. Baklava – A sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry and honey, typically sprinkled with ground nuts like almonds or pistachios.
4. Turkish Delight (Lokum) – A jelly-like sweet made from sugar, cornstarch, and flavourings, often dusted with powdered sugar.
5. Meze – A selection of small dishes that are served as appetizers or as a light meal. Meze can include dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed peppers, and stuffed grape leaves.
6. Pide – A type of Turkish pizza that is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, eggs, meats, and vegetables.
7. Sarma – Stuffed cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of rice and herbs.
8. Turkish Coffee – A strong and flavorful coffee that is brewed in a cezve, a small copper or brass pot.
9. Simit- Simit is a sesame-covered bread that is similar to a bagel and is a staple snack in Turkey. It’s often served with cheese, jam, or Nutella and is a popular breakfast or mid-morning snack.

These are just a few of the many delicious foods that you can try in Istanbul. I’m sure you’ll have a great time discovering new tastes and flavours during your visit!

Places to Stay in Istanbul with Family

When visiting Istanbul with your family for two days and looking for economical and safe accommodation options, you have several areas and types of accommodations to consider. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Sultanahmet: This historic district is home to many of Istanbul’s most famous attractions, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. There are budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses in this area, making it convenient for sightseeing. You can find family-friendly options that offer comfortable and safe stays.
2. Beyoglu (Taksim): This is a vibrant area known for its nightlife, shopping, and dining options. It’s also well-connected to various parts of the city. You can find affordable hotels, hostels, and apartments here. Staying near Taksim Square can be a good option.
3. Kadikoy: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy offers a more local and relaxed atmosphere compared to the European side. There are budget hotels and guesthouses in this area, and it’s well-connected to the European side by ferry.
4. Aksaray: Aksaray is a neighbourhood on the European side known for its budget-friendly hotels. It’s relatively close to Sultanahmet, making it convenient for sightseeing. However, it’s important to choose a hotel carefully to ensure safety and comfort.

When booking accommodation, make sure to read reviews and check for safety measures provided by the establishment. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the hotel directly if you have specific safety concerns, especially when travelling with your family.

Additionally, consider using reputable booking websites to compare prices and read guest reviews to ensure that the accommodation meets your needs in terms of safety, comfort, and affordability.

Remember that Istanbul is a large and bustling city, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary and choose an accommodation location that aligns with your family’s interests and the attractions you want to visit.

Again, this is just a sample itinerary of visiting Istanbul, and you can make adjustments based on your interests and schedule. I hope this helps!