Day: Arrival in Istanbul. Sightseeing: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace.
Evening: Walk to Galata Tower, dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Details:Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque — a jewel of Byzantine architecture, formerly the main Orthodox cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum. Built in the 6th century, the cathedral amazes with its size and interior decoration. Here you can see ancient Christian mosaics and panels with Arabic calligraphy.
Opening hours: 24/7.
Ticket price: Free.
The Blue Mosque — one of Istanbul’s largest mosques, built in the 17th century. Unique for its six minarets and 260 windows creating a special play of light inside.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (closed during prayer times).
Admission: Free.
Topkapi Palace Museum — the main residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Now a museum showcasing the treasury, harem, and other exhibits about the sultans' lives.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Admission: ~2000 Turkish lira (includes harem access).
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance via the
official website to skip queues.
Dolmabahçe Palace — the opulent residence of the last Ottoman sultans, built in the 19th century in Baroque style. The palace’s decoration required 14 tons of gold. Visitors can admire a massive Bohemian glass chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria and paintings by Aivazovsky commissioned by the sultan.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Admission: Approximately 1500 Turkish lira. Tickets available at the box office or
online.
Galata Tower — One of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, this 67-meter tower on a hill offers panoramic views of the city, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Golden Horn.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Admission: Approximately 1100 Turkish lira. Tickets available at the ticket office or
online.
Additional attractions you can visit if extending your stay in Istanbul by 1−2 days:Laleli District — A bustling commercial area known for affordable clothing, footwear, textiles, and other goods.
Grand Bazaar — One of the world’s largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets, souvenirs, spices, and more.
Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (closed Sundays).
Miniaturk Park — Features 1:25 scale models of famous Turkish landmarks.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Admission: ~600 Turkish lira.
Basilica Cistern — An ancient underground reservoir with 336 columns and two Medusa head carvings at the base.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Admission: ~800 Turkish lira.
Great Palace Mosaics Museum — Showcases Byzantine-era mosaics excavated from the Imperial Palace ruins.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Admission: ~150 Turkish lira.
Bosphorus Boat Tours:- Turkish Night Cruise: Dinner cruise with live performances
- Illuminated Istanbul: Evening cruise with city light views
- Price: From 1000 Turkish lira (varies by duration/route). Tip: Book tickets in advance.