2 Day Istanbul Itinerary – The Perfect Layover

Istanbul is a crazy mash-up of Asia meets Europe, and it’s the perfect city for a layover. The city is always busy, with ferries moving across the Bosphorus strait, street vendors selling mouth-watering traditional Turkish street food, and the call to prayer echoing from countless mosques.

If you have 48 hours or less and need to figure out how to make the most of your time. That’s where we come in. We ran around the city, fighting jetlag, trying to discover the best spots for you. This is a look at how we squeezed in the most of our time in this 2 day Istanbul itinerary.

Two Day Itinerary For Istanbul – A Tale Of Two Continents

Right in the middle of the world, Istanbul is one of the most common destinations to fly through on long-haul flights. But don’t just sit in the airport; take advantage of your layover and explore this fascinating city! 

Plus, with Turkish Airline’s new extended layover program, you can even get a free hotel stay during your layover.

After one hectic layover in Istanbul, I’ve come up with the perfect 2-day itinerary to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. We’ve got you covered, from the best Turkish breakfast spots (trust me, this is a priority!) to checking off Istanbul’s must-see landmarks.  So, let’s jump into it! 

There is truly so much to see and do in Istanbul. One could stay for a whole week and still not see everything. But if you’re on a layover, time is limited, so we’ve narrowed down the must-see spots for you to make the most of your 2-day Istanbul Itinerary. Here are the top 5 highlights that you can expect for your trip.

1. Hagia Sophia
2. Grand Bazaar
3. Süleymaniye Hamami
4. Karakoy Gulluoglu
5. Topkapi Palace

This trip to Istanbul was the very last leg of our month-long honeymoon and right after Seychelles, which you can see on our Istanbul vlog.

With two days in Istanbul, we wanted to make the most of our time. This itinerary is perfect if you also want to hit the ground running and see everything the city has to offer.

How To Save Money

One of the new ways you can find deals and save money in Istanbul is with the Istanbul E-pass.

Day 1 – Sultanahmet Square And Ayasofya: Explore The Old City

Your first day in Istanbul will “wow” you at every turn. You might be heading into the city straight from the airport or from your hotel. Either way, you’ll want to go to Sultanahmet Square. It’s a bit of a central hub for activities, and you’ll find that on this day, you’ll be exploring the most well-known attractions in the old city. 

Most hotels offer a traditional Turkish breakfast, which means you’ll be spoiled silly with a variety of cheeses, breads, fruits, and vegetables. This is definitely the way to start your morning on the right foot.

Or head to one of the best cafes, Mado Cafe, to have a famous Turkish coffee and a spread of the best olives, bread, and Turkish eggs you’ll ever have. (This is a chain restaurant, but it will give you a wide variety of Turkish cuisine with your short stay)

Once you’re fueled up, start by walking to Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). This architectural marvel has stood for centuries and served as a church, mosque, and now museum. 

It was turned into a museum in 1934, and for the longest time, this was a highlight for all visitors with its intricate frescoes, mosaics, and architecture. Since July 24, 2020, it’s been converted back to a full-time mosque. Visitors can visit during a prayer service or if you’re non-Muslim, please follow the visiting etiquette.

The Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1617, is one of Istanbul’s most important landmarks. It’s also one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul, so plan on waiting in line. Once you are able to enter, you will be able to place your shoes in a designated area and walk around. Women will also need to cover their hair, so make sure to bring a scarf with you, or you can rent one.

After visiting these two iconic landmarks, head over to Topkapi Palace (Seraglio), located a few minutes away by foot. It’s an elaborate palace that served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, from 1478 to 1856. You’ll find extensive imperial collections of books and artifacts used by Ottoman residents during that time. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and multiple sections, including the Harem. It’s absolutely ginormous, with over three hundred rooms, nine baths, a hospital, two mosques, and a mint. It’s easy to get lost in this palace, but the intricate designs and breathtaking views will make it worth it.

Take your time walking through the palace grounds while marveling at the patterned tiles, concubine quarters, clock pavilion, its many courtyards, gardens, and treasures such as “Moses’s staff” and David’s sword.

Another reason to come here is for its fantastic views of the Bosporus Strait. You can either eat at the outdoor restaurant or look out from the palace walls. 

After spending some time at Topkapi Palace, stroll back through the gates again and enter Sultan Ahmet Square, better known as part of the Hippodrome. This was a circus, the sporting and social center of Constantinople, but only a few fragments remain.

The square is pretty much a massive open-air museum, with the giant mosque and cathedral on both ends, the German fountain, the Egyptian obelisk, beautiful gardens, snack carts, and tons of people-watching opportunities.

We highly recommend grabbing a Simit, a circular bread covered with sesame seeds, from one of the carts and enjoying it while walking through the square. But watch out for the occasional mischievous seagull trying to steal your snack!

For a more in-depth understanding of Sultan Ahmet Square’s history and significance, you can also join one of the many guided tours available. These guides can provide interesting insights into the architecture and events in this historic square.

Continue walking around the Hippodrome area and make your way to Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici). This underground water reservoir, built in the 6th century, is a unique architectural wonder. It features rows of columns, intricate carvings, and an eerie atmosphere that will transport you back in time.

Take your time exploring the cistern, and make sure to check out the famous “Medusa Heads” at the base of two columns. Legend has it that these heads were intentionally placed upside down to ward off evil spirits.

Since the Byzantines were Christians, they recycled materials from pagan temples as part of their architecture. You can see this blend of different cultures and religions in the Basilica Cistern, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

It’ll be a long day up until this point so if your hotel is nearby, it might be a good idea to head back for a break or if you arrived in Istanbul early, check-in and move your luggage from the storage to your room.

When you’re ready, ask your hotel to call a taxi or call an Uber to Suleymaniye Mosque. If you’re curious about our disastrous taxi experience, jump down to our story.

But keep in mind that Istanbul traffic can be an absolute nightmare. I really recommend grabbing an Istanbul Kart and taking the tram to avoid sitting in traffic. It’s not only cheaper, but it will save you so much time. It will also give you access to the rest of the city’s public transportation system (AKA the ferry across to Asia!).

Once you arrive at Suleymaniye Mosque, take a moment to admire its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. 

The magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque is easy to overlook but a must-see in Istanbul. Located on the third of seven hills that tower from the Golden Horn of Istanbul, this was commissioned by Süleyman the Magnificent and built by Mimar Sinan, the most talented and famous of all imperial architects.

If you have time, you can visit the inside of the mosque, but if you’re short on time, walk around its exterior. Combine this with the gorgeous lookout view of the Golden Horn and the Asia side of the city as the lights start turning on.

After a packed day, you deserve a bit of pampering, which is why you’ll be headed to the Suleymaniye Hamami next.

Built by the same architect as the mosque, this Turkish bathhouse opened in 1557. The architecture and design of the building alone are worth a visit, but the experience of getting scrubbed down and massaged will leave you feeling like royalty. It’s truly a unique spa-type experience that you have to try when you’re in Istanbul. 

In a historical place like this one, a Turkish bath or hammam consists of a hot room, a washing/peeling/soap massage, and a cooling-off room.

We chose this hammam because it’s one of the few that allows couples to go in together.

If you decide to go to a more local hammam, the rooms are separated by male and female, and prepare for the bathers to scrub you til you’re raw! 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  Süleymaniye, Mimar Sinan Cd. No 20, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM every day. If you prefer, they also have ladies-only times on Sunday, 7AM – 9AM, or men-only on all other days, 7AM – 9AM.

Price:  40 EUR (you can pay in TRY, EUR, or USD)

Website: Suleymaniye Hamami

FAQ:  

• Do you need to book in advance? Yes, you have to book ahead. oftime
• Do you need to bring your own swim suit? No, they will provide everything for men and women including slippers.
• Are lockers provided? Yes, the change rooms upstairs also double as a lockable room where you can keep your bags and clothes.
• Can you take pictures? You can take pictures in the waiting area but not in the washing areas.
• How long does the experience take? It takes 60-90 minutes.
• Are there hair dryers? Yes, they are provided for free.
• Are kids allowed? You can bring kids to the building but the experience is only available for kids older than 6.

Tips:  

• Cash only.
• All masseuses are male so keep that in mind if you’re not comfortable with this.
• Last bookable slot is 8PM.

Call an Uber and close out your night with dinner at Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. The owners here are extremely friendly and serve delicious Turkish dishes. You’ll also receive complimentary Turkish tea, baklava, and local liquor. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in Istanbul.

Day 2 – The Grand Bazaar And The Walk To Asia

You spent the first day getting a grasp of Istanbul’s past as you wandered the old town with its magnificent history of empires, monumental architecture, religion, and culture. 

And while so much of what you saw yesterday was grand and impressive, your second day is going to be a bit more intimate as we dive into the heart of Istanbul’s city life and make the swim over to the Asian side. Don’t worry, it’s not an actual swim. You’ll see what I mean.

Your morning starts off with a visit to one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world – The Grand Bazaar. This maze-like bazaar covers over 60 streets and houses thousands of shops selling everything from spices, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, carpets, and souvenirs. Get ready to bargain like a pro as you explore this busy market filled with colors, scents, and sounds.

Even if you don’t want to shop, you’ve got to experience a taste of Turkey at the numerous tea shops and shops with wall-to-wall Turkish delight. Just about every shop will let you sample their goods before you commit. Don’t hold back—embrace the sugar high!

The Grand Bazaar is also one of the best places in the world to buy gold. If you’re in the market for jewelry, you can find a bargain here. All prices are negotiable, and you’ll also receive a certificate of authenticity. So, get ready to haggle. 

Personally, it does get pretty touristy here, but remember you’re more here to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the energy, and appreciate the beauty of this historical bazaar. We found that Hamam soap bars and Turkish Delight were great buys here.

When you’ve had enough of the Grand Bazaar, make your way out of one of the exits. Ideally, you have GPS on your phone (with offline Google Maps) to guide you toward Misir Carsisi, a spice market.

Located adjacent to the New Mosque (Yeni Cami), this market is filled with a variety of aromatic spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional Turkish sweets. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.

Misir Carsisi was built in the 17th century and while it is not as large as the bazaar you were just in, it’ll feel much more organized and comfortable to shop. Walk down the main thoroughfare and pop out the other side.

This is where you’ll see the fish market before the bridge. This is lunch! Stop at Deniz Yildizi Balicki, one of the many stalls that line the pier.

You might not know what you’re ordering, but point to the fish sandwich and get that. It’s called Balik Ekmek, and onions, lettuce, and freshly grilled fish are stuffed in a baguette. We still can’t get over how good this was with such simple ingredients! 

You can either cross the Galata Bridge by foot and brag somewhere midway that half of you is in Europe, and the other half is in Asia, or you can catch a ferry across the Bosphorus Strait to Kadıköy on the Asian side. Either way, you’ll have a remarkable view of the hill, with yesterday’s Suleymaniye Mosque proudly standing out.

And, of course, what’s better to follow a fish sandwich in Turkey than a sweet and flaky Baklava? Head to the famous Karaköy Güllüoğlu for some of the best baklava in Istanbul. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Since 1949, the Gulluoglu family has been serving dessert in Istanbul in their Karakoy location. It’s got an authentic old-time cafe feel to it and is always packed.

When you arrive, there aren’t really any instructions, and it will seem chaotic, but this is how it works. Grab an English menu from the dine-in cashier and then point to what you want, and pay. The cashier will print a receipt for you. You will then take a tray and head over to the displays of baklava. Pass the receipt to them, and they’ll assemble your order.

We recommend getting the slice of pistachio baklava along with tea to balance out the sweetness overload. Turks love their tea, so prepare to drink a lot of it while in Istanbul.

We also tried a few other types of baklava, but ultimately, the best was a slice of the Palace Baklava with pistachio.

After indulging in some delicious sweets, you can walk around Kadıköy and explore the many shops and cafes. You can also browse through the eclectic mix of vintage stores, bookshops, and art galleries that line the streets.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a local bus or dolmuş (shared taxi) to see more of Kadıköy’s surrounding neighborhoods. You may even stumble upon hidden gems like Moda Park, which has an epic view of Istanbul’s skyline.

The Asian side is definitely more hipster. It’s like the Brooklyn of Istanbul, so there are lots of stylish cafes and boutiques to explore. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, especially if you want to escape the tourist crowds on the European side.

After spending some time in Kadıköy, you can head back to the European side by taking a ferry ride across the Bosphorus. This scenic ride will give you stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and the famous bridges that connect the two continents.

Once you’re back on the European side, there are a few more must-see spots to visit. Starting in Taksim Square, you can walk down Istiklal Street and explore the shopping district filled with both international brands and local boutiques.

This will lead you to the famous Galata Tower, a stunning medieval stone tower. You probably won’t be able to go up the tower, but you’ll have lots to see around there, as there are quite a number of boutique shops and interesting souvenirs nearby.

If you feel like experiencing the chic side of Istanbul, head to the neighborhood of Besiktas. Here, you can find vibey restaurants, cafes, and high-end shopping options. It’s also home to the famous Dolmabahce Palace, a palace that served as the center of the Ottoman Empire for many years.

Besiktas is also known for its lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening, grab an Uber and have dinner at Old Ottoman Cafe and Restaurant, closer to your hotel. The menu will be similar to the previous night but expect to be blown away by their hospitality and their specialty dishes such as Sultan’s Chicken and the Ottoman Special.

If you end up having some extra time before your flight or next destination on the third day, we recommend that you try Hafiz Mustafa for a taste of another highly rated baklava cafe.

Optional Add-Ons To The Itinerary

Istanbul is a city that spans 5,343 square kilometers (2,063 sq mi) and as the capital of the old Ottoman Empire, there’s just so much to see.

2 days gives you barely enough time to scratch the surface but if you’re looking to swap a few things in and out, here are a few other things I’d recommend.

Places To Go

• Hafiz Mustafa – If you love dessert, see where you can fit in a visit to this franchised cafe. This is more of a refined experience compared to Karakoy Gulluoglu but just as delicious.
• Dolmabahce Palace – A 19th-century palace built by the Ottomans and has a great view of the Bosphorus Strait.
• Gulhane Park – Topkapi Palace is located on the park’s grounds but is often missed. It’s a large park and a great place to relax.
• Serefiye Sarnici (ancient cistern) – Similar to the Basilica Cistern but way less known. It’s free and truly an impressive feat of Roman engineering.
• Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum – If you’re a fan of classic cars, this is a must-see.
• Bosphorus Strait – This is one of the best ways to see the scope of Istanbul and to do it on a boat ride. You’ll get to see both continents and the many villas and palaces that dot the way.

Activities To Book

Here are a couple of activities that you should consider booking ahead of time if you want to make the most of your two days in Istanbul. They are a great way to see the city in a short amount of time.

Small-group Istanbul 1-day tour – This is a full-day, 8-hour tour to visit the best of the city with visits to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. A 3-course lunch is also included.

Private tour of Istanbul – If instead you’d prefer a private tour, you can book a custom tour that starts at $125 USD. 1, 2, or 3 days are possible.

Big Bus hop on hop off – The classic hop on and hop off bus in Istanbul that will allow you to see a lot in a short span of time.

Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus—This 4-hour tour combines dinner with a cruise. It includes dancing and music. Oh, and did I mention it has an open bar?

Sunset cruise on a yacht – For a luxury experience on a yacht, this is an awesome way to experience sunset in Istanbul.

Whirling Dervish Ceremony – This is a skip-the-line ticket to see a Whirling Dervish ceremony at the HodjaPasha Culture Center.

Home-cooked dinner with local family – Visit a family in Sultanahmet for a delicious authentic meal.

Where To Stay In Istanbul

Location is key when it comes to finding a place to stay in Istanbul. Understanding what your 2 day itinerary looks like, you want to make sure you’re close to Hagia Sophia and Tokapi Palace.

All the properties chosen here have Genius discounts so if you already have level 1 or 2, you can take advantage of the additional discounts.

BUDGET

Miss Istanbul Hotel & Spa

Adjacent to the Istanbul Archeological Museum, this hotel is packed with features despite being extremely affordable. It has an outdoor swimming pool, spa, wellness centre, and free breakfast. Rooms are clean, have strong wifi, and are very modern. You can’t go wrong.

GREAT LOCATION

Modern Sultan Hotel

We stayed at this hotel for its price and convenient distance to all the main sights in the city. The buffet breakfast is delicious, the rooms cozy and clean, and the wifi was strong. Just note that there are no elevators.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

They roll out the red carpet for you here as an upscale hotel that goes as far as offering free 5 o’clock tea, and live music. The property also has spa facilities, restaurant, fitness center, and pool. A wonderful buffet breakfast is included.

DESIGN LUXURY

Sura Design Hotel & Suites

Next door to its sister property is this luxury hotel that goes even further with its opulent design and amenities. The outdoor pool has a view of the Hagia Sophia, and all rooms have motifs inspired by the Ottoman Empire. Breakfast is also included here.

Both Sura properties have unbeatable locations.

What Makes Istanbul Unique?

Istanbul is one of the most unique capital cities in the world, straddling both Europe and Asia.  It’s located in the northwestern region of Turkey, bordering the Black Sea to the north and the Marmara Sea to the south.

What once was the home of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is now a modern city with a rich history that can be experienced in its unique architecture, culture, and delicious food.

There aren’t many places in the world where European and Asian cultures can mix and intertwine so effortlessly.  But of course, there is still the never-ending argument of which side of Istanbul is better—the European side or the Asian side. 

What To Pack For Istanbul

If you are passing through Istanbul as part of a layover between other trips this is the key time to pack smart with some travel essentials. We have tried and tested items we take on every trip that never let us down.

• Packable rucksack: This is ideal to keep inside your actual luggage ready to whip out and use on smaller stopover trips without having to unpack everything. A good one is a lightweight and compact alternative to a rigid bag.
• Buff Headwear: Highly recommend one of these. We take these on every trip. The buff is so versatile, wear it on your wrists or around your head to wick the sweat away! See our complete review of Buff Headwear and why we love these so much.
• Comfortable shoes: This one is always first on our list, you will do a ton of exploring so they are an absolute must! Don’t let aching feet put a damper on your trip!
• Sunglasses: The Maui Jim Chee Hoo line of sunglasses are our ultimate favorite. Protect those eyes while still looking stylish.
• Sunscreen – The sun gets pretty strong so make sure your skin is well protected. A good sports sunscreen is recommended so you don’t sweat it off.

Don’t Get Scammed By Taxis

Normally I don’t write about every single negative travel experience but this one is one that I think will serve as a good warning for anyone going to Istanbul.

First of all, I don’t want to generalize all cab drivers in Istanbul so take this for a grain of salt but just know that stories like this are real. I for one was surprised that this happened to us.

This happened on our first day in Istanbul. We had just checked into our room at the Modern Sultan Hotel and asked the hotel to call a taxi for us to take us to Suleymaniye Mosque.

I had my data activated through my eSim so I was following the route he was taking. I noticed that he was going a long way around but I couldn’t question it.

Abruptly, we were supposedly at our drop-off point. Not familiar with the area, I was a bit confused because it looked like we weren’t at the mosque.

At this point the cab driver was asking us to pay. We scrambled with our cash.

I can’t remember the exact amount but let’s say its 15 TRY and we hand him a 50 TRY note. Out of sight, he switches the note with a 5 TRY. He then shows it back to you and waits for us to hand him the remaining 10 TRY he’s expecting.

I was pretty confident that we didn’t mess up the bills but in the chaos the doubt is seeded. Still, I wasn’t going to fall for this scam and told him there was no way we gave him less.

Yelling ensued and I refused to give him any more. He had given us the reduced bills back to us at this point. While I knew we had still overpaid, I just threw it back to him and got out of the car.

When we got out the car and looked at the map more closely, it looked like we were nowhere close to the mosque. We had to walk another 15 minutes just to get to where we wanted to be.

It was a frustrating experience to the least where not only did the driver tried to pull off a major scam but he also managed to take us nowhere close to the destination. I’m also pretty sure he took a less efficient route to bring the meter up.

Lesson learned and that’s why I vowed to use Uber for the remainder of our trip where something like this could never happen.

The Two-Day Istanbul Itinerary Experience

You have to remember that at this point we had done safari in Kruger National Park, shark diving, chilled in Cape Town, and lived it up in Seychelles. By the time we got to Istanbul, we were exhausted.

But in true Going Awesome Places fashion, we wouldn’t let a little fatigue slow us down. We were determined to make the most of our time in Turkey and were mightily impressed with what we saw. From the Ottoman splendor of the Blue Mosque to the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul was a feast for the eyes and an experience we will never forget.

Istanbul in 48 hours gave us a taste of what Turkey is like, and we can’t wait to go back to explore other parts of the country while eating a ton of baklava along the way.

Quick Istanbul Travel Guide

If this is your first time in Turkey, there are definitely some things you should know before you go. I won’t cover everything here but this is a quick-start guide to give you the important details.

Money – The local currency in Turkey is the Lira or TRY.  Since this is a currency you most likely won’t have, you should ideally have this exchanged ahead of time at home or do a conversion at the airport. While the rates might be a tad higher, the airport is recommended since the chances of getting ripped off is lower. Be vigilant. When it comes to tipping, the customary amount is 5-10%. For taxis, simply round up. 

*Most places in Istanbul will take cards, so just have a little bit of cash for street carts and small shops

When is the best time? Factoring in the crowds and the weather, the best time to visit Istanbul has to be March-May and September-November, which are essentially shoulder seasons. Hotel rates settle down, and daytime temperatures are between 15 and 20 degrees C (60s to 70s F).

Getting here – Istanbul Airport (IST) is the international airport located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city. It is brand new as of April 6, 2019, when all flights were transferred here. The drive into the city is roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. As a major hub, you have flights coming in from every corner of the world, so it should not be difficult to find ways to get here. The national carrier is Turkish Airlines, but other airlines, such as Pegasus Airlines.

However, there are two airports in Istanbul. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is on the Asian side. Transport to and from SAW can take longer due to traffic and distance, so make sure to double check your flight’s arrival and departure airports. 

How do I get around? The beauty of Istanbul is that you can get to all of the main attractions on foot, and this is the best way to absorb the sights and sounds. There’s an Istanbul Metro with subway, ferry, and tram, which is a great way to avoid sitting in traffic during peak hours. In a pinch, grab an Uber and avoid hailing a cab at all costs.

Where should I stay? – I’ve listed all of the recommended accommodations above but in general when it comes to where to stay in Istanbul, Booking.com is going to be your best bet to find something that fits your budget.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  With the amount of travel that we do, we always get basic travel insurance that’s good for multiple trips and lasts the full year.  If you’re from Canada, always check RATESDOTCA to make sure you get the best rates.  If you’re anywhere else in the world, including the US, make sure to check out HeyMondo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a visa when flying into Turkey?

Yes, e-Visas are required for North Americans but there are many exemptions for many other countries. If you need a visa, they can be obtained beforehand. It is cheaper to get an e-Visa online than it is in-person. For Canadians it’s $60 USD. For US citizens, it’s $50 USD. Apply here. Visa on arrival is also possible and is $10 USD more.

How do you take the bus from the airport into the city?

Bus H-2 runs from the Istanbul Airport to Şişli-Mecidiyeköy metro station is the most economical method costing 5.20 TRY with an Istanbul Kart (purchase at the airport for a 10 TL fee and then load with money and note that you can use the card between several people). The journey time is 35 minutes. Once you get to the metro station, take line M2 to Taksim and Sultanahmet for 2.60 TRY.

What’s the fastest way into city from the airport?

The most convenient way into the city is by taking a private transfer.

Is it recommended to rent a car in Istanbul?

No, it is not recommended to rent a car. If you do as part of a larger road trip, make sure to check out the car rental coupon codes to get the best deal.

How much is a taxi ride from the airport to the city?

200 TRY (30 EUR / 26 GBP / 34 USD) and will take from 45 – 60 minutes.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to go to Istanbul is March-May and September-November.

What do you need to be careful with when taking taxis?

1) Make sure you track the taxi’s driving to make sure you’re not making unnecessary loops.
2) Ensure the driver is dropping you off at the actual location you requested
3) When paying, count out the bills you’re paying with and know in your mind how much change to expect back.

If you arrive in Istanbul early in the morning what options are available?

When booking your hotel, ask them whether it’s possible to leave your luggage. Most will have a storage location.

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2 days in Istanbul is a whirlwind but you’ll feel pretty good about seeing all of the major highlights. If anything, it’ll leave you feeling satisfied but also wanting to come back for more in the future.

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Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.