In my own tours, introducing Istanbul from organic ways, I usually cover some fundamentals to get started first. Every year when I lead them to their potential experiences, I do involve the stories of the places where we’re visiting and magic happens. I want you to become acquainted with the true Istanbul portrait. So here’s an ideal programme for everyone.
1st day spared for Old Town Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque). It’s the most essential way for starters. 2nd day Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Istıklal Street and Galata Tower. Final day Dolmabahce Palace and Princes’ Islands.
This programme is a recommendation based. So get your most comfortable shoes, camera and sun cream: we have some tour to do. @atourguideinconstantinople
1st Day: Classic Old Town In Istanbul
If you’re going to perform this plan, you will need lots of insiders. Please do not forget the check articles on this Website, also my social media accounts. 1 info can save your entire day.
You have successfully arrived in Istanbul. Welcome and there’s no time to lose. If you had checked my other articles about ‘Hotels’ in Istanbul, you made a great decision and it’s easy peasy, lemon squeezy to find the Old Town.
Journey begins with the Basilica Cistern. The Cistern is our aim as one of the top 4 today. You can also find the articles about ‘How To Visit Basilica Cistern’ etc. Visiting can take 30-45 minutes. (If you have no plan with a tour guide, you might want to get there as early as possible)
Afterwards, from the short cut Topkapi Palace. The Palace can take your hours but I’m suggesting you keep it under 2 hours. See ‘How To Visit Topkapi Palace’ from here.
You must be exhausted, take a break in Topkapi Cafe on the entrance of the Topkapi Palace. Enjoy your lunch and get a Bosphorus tour from them. They’re arranging almost every hour.
Depending on your boat departure, you might want to consider this time to visit Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. If you have done your boat before them, it’s turn for both Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Congratulations, you’ve just done your 1st day.
2nd Day: Grand Bazaar, Spice (Egyption) Bazaar and Istiklal Street
Your journey has to begin with Grand Bazaar. The reason is, it’s huge and If shopping is the case, it’s better to deal first with these types of attractions. Hopefully as a well trained tourist, you get up early, have your lunch and around 9 a.m. knocking the doors of Grand Bazaar.
I can assure you, the people who are working in Grand Bazaar hours earlier get started their day. You might want to have a map of the Grand Bazaar. Otherwise it’s inevitable not to get lost. You have 2 hours in total, make it count. Because you may want to return your hotel room with the things you have purchased.
I do presume, you have done it in Grand Bazaar, left your packs at your hotel, had your lunch and headed to Spice Bazaar. This time Spice Bazaar is not going to take your hours since it’s minor with comparison to Grand Bazaar. So 1 hour.
Your journey is almost done. You have tasted delicious Turkish Delights, Herbal Tea etc. İt’s time to hit the road for the highest peak of the day which is Istiklal Street. You have to use public transportation to make it on time for the entire programme. I will pursue Tram 1 and leave in the first station after the Galata Bridge (Karakoy is the name of the station).
Then change it with the 2nd Oldest metro in Europe called ‘Tunel’ (Tunnel). İt has only one station. After you leave the metro, it means you’re at the beginning of the famous Istiklal Street. Take the way from your right hand side and complete it until Saint Antuan Church, because I will take you to Galata Tower.
In short, you’ve taken the way you came from and finished at the metro station. You will notice the road on its lef hand side: take it and continue until noticing the Galata Tower. the 2nd day is done with the tower.
Final Day: Dolmabahce Palace and Princes’ Islands
We managed to visit Istanbul for 2 days. Hopefully you’ve found it very productive so far. If we have met in person, I am very glad to be part of your adventure.
For the final day, we’re going to visit Dolmabahce Palace. Again you wake up early because we have to be in the Palace between 9-10 am. The palace is one of the must in Istanbul. In order to get there, from the easiest way, you have to jump on the same Tram 1 and leave this time at the last station called Kabatas. The palace right behind that mosque that you’re seeing on the coast. It’s only 5 minute to reach the location of the palace.
Purchase your tickets from the courtyard without being over charged from online and there you go. You have a full 2 hours, use it well. When you’ve turned, I will show you the cheapest way to Prince’s Islands.
Bravo! The palace is as beautiful as I said, isn’t it? You must have noticed there are 2 piers to the way of Dolmabahce Palace. Before that mosque, the 1st station called as Dentur has daily boats to Island. Its only 50 Turkish Lira (2.40 € or 2.60 $) per person.
You can check the hours and the other details from here.
Do You Need Tour Guide?
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the sites to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide