TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Destination

What To See In Istanbul In 72 Hours

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
0
what to see in Istanbul

Many people ask me whether or not 72 Hours in Istanbul is enough to see the city. Can someone visit Istanbul in 72 hours? The short answer is a ‘YES BUT’… As always… Istanbul can get overwhelming, so you’d better do some planning to get the most out of it. And if you plan it right, then YES, 72 Hours in Istanbul is plenty of time to get a sense of what this city is all about. 

There is no shortage of shops, clubs, museums, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. So the critical question is: what are YOU looking to do? Do you want to delve into the endless history? If so, there are several glamorous museums, mosques, basilicas, and palaces in Istanbul right at your service. But, on the other hand, if you’re just here to rest, why not indulge in the culinary scene? 

RelatedPosts

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

5 Majestic Landscapes of New Zealand

Or maybe you’re here to party… and party hard. Istanbul has made a name for itself for nightlife as it offers endless options for everyone on every budget. Indeed, it can get a little overwhelming when you suddenly have that many things to do. Where to go and what to do? In Istanbul, it’s easy to get lost and waste those precious 72 hours in traffic. The best thing to do is to ask “Someone Who Knows”. Without further due, here’s is my suggestion on how you should spend your 72 hours in Istanbul.

 

DAY 1: Let’s refresh Ottoman & Byzantine History

What to do: Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Fish restaurant with a view over Bosphorus.

On your first day in Istanbul, get a quick breakfast and head over to TOPKAPI PALACE in Sultanahmet. The Palace is enormous, and the information provided is minimal. So rather than staring at the walls, tiles, and artifacts, I highly recommend starting your tour with Topkapi Cinematic Walk, which gives you a sense of what life was like back in the 17th century. The tour takes you to the Palace and the Harem, and after the tour, it would be a great idea to walk the rest of the Palace to admire the Ottoman heritage in the city. Plan about 3 hours for the Palace.

Hagia Sophia Istanbul
Source: Pexels

Walk back to Sultanahmet Square and have a quick lunch, so you get in line for HAGIA SOPHIA, an architectural jewel in Istanbul. Then walk across the park to the BLUE MOSQUE, or Sultanahmet Camii as Turks call it. Its English name comes from the famous blue ceramics adorning the mosque’s interior walls.

After the mosque, just walk around in the Sultanahmet area and feel for the Old City. And make a stop at the BASILICA CISTERN to cool off a little. The right way to end this beautiful day would be to enjoy a delicious dinner at a fish restaurant along the Bosphorus. The view will simply take your breath away, and I’m sure you’ll like to sample the local drink, raki.

 

DAY 2: Act like a local

What to do: Spice Market, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, Nevizade

Start your second day by visiting the SPICE MARKET, which simply is too unique to describe in any word. Afterwards, you can head to the GRAND BAZAAR, one of the most unique and exciting “malls” you will ever visit. However, don’t be mistaken, as it will not be your usual shopping experience. The Grand Bazaar hosts colourful streets, friendly but aggressive vendors who can sell you things in 5 languages and offers all sorts of souvenirs, ranging from rare handmade carpets and Turkish Delight to spices and exquisite jewellery. The bazaar is a prominent place and hence can get exhausting. You may spend a few days here, but as your time is limited, hit the highlights and move on.

Galata Tower in Istanbul
Source: Hurriyetdailynews

The SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE is a short hike away from the bazaar and is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy this marvellous piece of architecture built by the Masterful Sinan.

For the evening, you should venture out to where Turks usually hang out. So take the tram to Karakoy and switch to the Tunel (a short subway that goes up the hill) to arrive at GALATA. Galata is where the famous Istiklal Caddesi starts. But make sure to go up the GALATA TOWER and enjoy the view at sunset. Then stroll on the Istiklal Street towards TAKSIM. On your way, make a stop at one of the taverns at Nevizade street. I recommend Krependeki Imroz, a local favourite, to enjoy some raki and mezze. If you’d rather have a quick bite, you can go to the Galatasaray Square and try “midye” (mussels) and “kokorec” (roasted tripe) that you can buy on the street. While you are at the Galata / Taksim area, you should also try out the nightclubs there.

DAY 3: Get a feel for the riches

What to do: Bosphorus tour

You’ve been running around for the last 48 hours. So, your last day should be pleasing and memorable. So, why not start your third day with a Bosphorus tour, one of the best ways to enjoy the panoramic views on a boat. While at it, you can also enjoy the sight of the mansions along the coastline and admire the magnificence of the two bridges that connect Europe and Asia. 

Galata Bridge in Istanbul
Source: Rustytraveltrunk

On your return, you have several options: you can hang out with the fishermen on the Galata Bridge or try your own luck at fishing by renting equipment, which would obviously be the more adventurous option. When you’re done, I think you should not miss the Rustem Pasa Mosque in Eminonu. If you still have some more shopping to do, you can then head to the Spice Market, which will be nearby.

The second option after the boat trip is to go back to Galata and discover this historically Genovese neighbourhood. Galata’s cobblestone pavements, hidden old buildings, mosques, churches, and synagogues lined next to each other will give you a better idea of Istanbul’s cultural and social structure. 

End the evening at a nice restaurant/bar overlooking Bosphorus. 360 or Leb-i Derya are two venues with a view, and you can’t go wrong spending your last evening in either one.

Tags: ConstantinopleTurkey
ShareTweetPinSendSend
Previous Post

Trip To Romania: Visiting Timișoara and Bucharest

Next Post

14 Korean Foods You Must Try

Related Posts

Experienced Female Trekker on one of the Challenging Hiking Trails

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

by Gemma Arnold

Looking for a new challenge as an experienced hiker? Look no further than our list of 5 challenging hiking trails...

Best Spots for Jumping off Cliffs

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

by Gemma Marks

If you're an adrenaline junkie and love the thrill of jumping off cliffs, this travel guide is for you. Discover...

Fiordland National Park - Landscapes of New Zealand

5 Majestic Landscapes of New Zealand

by Gemma Marks

Discover the stunning Landscapes of New Zealand with this comprehensive travel guide. From the snow-capped Southern Alps to the rugged...

Grand Canyon National Park national parks in the united states

Travel Guide for National Parks in the United States

by Gemma Marks

Discover the natural beauty of the United States by exploring its national parks. This travel guide highlights some of the...

Europe’s Finest Island-Hopping Locations

by Gemma Marks

Europe offers the best island-hopping destinations. If you're looking to spend your summer in Europe, here's a guide for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wellness Retreat in Australia: What to Know Before You Go

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wellness Retreat in Australia: What to Know Before You Go

by Gemma Marks

Looking for a wellness retreat in Australia? Look no further! This guide explores the top-rated wellness retreats nationwide, offering a...

Next Post
Korean foods bibimbap

14 Korean Foods You Must Try

When to visit Ireland

What Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park
Destination

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

by Gemma Marks

Looking for an adventure on a budget? Backpacking in national parks is a popular way to experience the great outdoors....

Read more
wildlife safari

What to Know When Traveling to Wildlife Safari in Africa

The alps -Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations in the Winter

15 Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations in the Winter

Bali - Best Islands in Indonesia

Best Islands in Indonesia: Which One To Visit?

Family Road Trip With Kids Sitting On Top Of A Blue Car (Source: Canva)

Family Road Trip: 10 Tips And Tricks For A Memorable Journey With Kids

Monument to King Alfonso XII in Buen Retiro Park of Madrid
Budget

Have A Look At This List Of 20 Free Things To Do In Madrid!

by Ashleigh Graham

You don't have to break the bank to see all of Madrid's incredible sights. Here are 23 free things to...

Read more

10 Cheap Countries For Holidays (Worldwide)

What To Do In Singapore: Enjoy 11 Suggestions

Girls’ Weekend To NYC: No Husbands Or Kids, No Distractions!

8 Pet-Friendly Hotels In The Mayan Riviera

Exploring Food in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide 

Bugis Street Market, Singapore
by Ashleigh Graham

Discover the delicious and diverse cuisine of Singapore, from classic dishes like chilli crab and laksa to vegetarian options...

Read more

How to Travel Cheap in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers - Kuala Lumpur
by Gemma Marks

Kuala Lumpur is one of the best destinations if you are on a budget. This city has so much...

Read more

10 Things You Need to See and Know Before You Go to Cancun

Cancun coast
by Gemma Marks

Cancun is such a wonderful destination to visit. I've always wanted to visit and here are some tips I...

Read more

Choosing A Summer Family Vacation Spot | 10 Ideas

Choosing A Summer Family Vacation Spot
by Ashleigh Graham

When travelling to a place, especially one you haven't been to, it is vital to visit it at the...

Read more
26 Healthiest Cities For Vacation

26 Healthiest Cities For Vacation

by Ashleigh Graham

You can undoubtedly enjoy your life more if you are healthy. But, unfortunately, while our bodies have a remarkable ability...

8+ Cruise Tips and Tricks

8+ Cruise Tips and Tricks – Make the Most of Your Vacation!

by Ashleigh Graham

So, you've found your way onto a cruise. Whether your family is using it as their big get-together for the...

A Day Wandering Monte Carlo And Back To Nice

A Day Wandering Monte Carlo And Back To Nice

by Ashleigh Graham

It's no secret that I love Europe, but I didn't particularly like the first ten days I was in France....

Sardinia: 2 Weeks Relaxing Under the Sun, Sea & Sand

Sardinia: 2 Weeks Relaxing Under the Sun, Sea & Sand

by Ashleigh Graham

Scottish winters are rough, to say the least. However, every year once it gets to March/April, I always think the...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • Cold
  • Destination
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Japan Kilmainham Mediterranean museums Ontario Scandinavia Slovenia snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

Experienced Female Trekker on one of the Challenging Hiking Trails

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

Birdwatching Safari: Active Senior Woman Using Binoculars (Source: Canva)

Birdwatching Safari: Spotting Rare and Exotic Birds in Africa’s National Parks

Best Fresh Seafood And Fish (Source: Canva)

Seafood Tour: Indulging in the Best Fresh Seafood and Fish of Australia’s Coastal Regions

Best Spots for Jumping off Cliffs

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In