From Breakfast to Sunset: The Ultimate Istanbul Delight

Exploring Istanbul's grandeur on a shoestring budget.

10 August 2023

Experience the magic of Istanbul, Turkey, even on a limited budget. Explore the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both offering free admission. Savor delicious street food and shop at the Grand Bazaar for unique souvenirs without breaking the bank.

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Day trip plan

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Day

The Ultimate Istanbul Delight

  • Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi, where rich Turkish cheese and kaymak (clotted cream) will make your taste buds dance the foxtrot.
  • Embark on a magical adventure through the iconic Sultanahmet Square, marveling at the architectural wonders of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for treasures amidst a labyrinth of colorful stalls and secret nooks.
  • Satisfy your inner history nerd at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, where you'll discover ancient artifacts that will transport you to a bygone era.
  • Indulge in a hearty lunch at Köfteci Hüseyin, a local gem serving mouthwatering köfte (meatballs) bursting with flavors that'll make your taste buds swoon.
  • End your day with a panoramic sunset view from Galata Tower, where you can witness Istanbul's mesmerizing transformation from day to night, as a thousand twinkling lights paint the city's skyline.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Istanbul, Turkey by plane is to fly into Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), depending on your airline and preferences. Both airports offer numerous domestic and international flights.

Car

Driving to Istanbul is possible if you are in a neighboring country, such as Bulgaria or Greece. You can cross the border and follow the E80 highway towards Istanbul. The exact route and duration will vary depending on your starting point.

Train

There is no direct train service to Istanbul from other countries, but you can take a train to a nearby city like Sofia, Bulgaria or Bucharest, Romania, then continue the journey by bus or plane to Istanbul.

Boat

If you are traveling from a nearby Mediterranean country, you can consider taking a ferry or cruise ship to Istanbul. There are no direct routes from major European ports, but you can find various cruises that include Istanbul as a stop on their itinerary.

Bus

Taking a bus to Istanbul is a convenient option, with many European cities offering direct routes. For example, you can take a bus from Athens, Greece to Istanbul by companies like KTEL or Karavostasi. The journey takes approximately 11-12 hours.

Destination

Istanbul

Welcome to a vibrant city where east meets west, kebabs meet sushi, and stray cats meet tourists with open arms. Get ready to explore the land of baklava-induced food comas and never-ending tea sessions - welcome to Istanbul!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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