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Istanbul Travel Guide
Discover historic sights, museums, waterfronts and neighbourhoods across Istanbul's 39 districts. Build an itinerary for the European or Asian Side.
Istanbul guide · 2026
For a first visit, spend your first day in the Historic Peninsula: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern are all nearby. On day two, explore Galata, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş and Ortaköy. On day three, take a ferry to Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
Istanbul is vast, so avoid combining distant districts on the same day. Use the categories and itinerary planner below to group nearby places, from free viewpoints and waterfronts to museums and historic streets.
Istanbul highlights
From historic monuments and museums to waterfront neighbourhoods and hidden corners, explore places worth adding to your Istanbul trip.
Plan your Istanbul routeCategories
Choose the kind of Istanbul experience you want to have.
Discover palaces, ancient landmarks, mosques and historic streets.
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Explore Istanbul's most significant mosques and their architecture.
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Browse history, art and culture museums across the city.
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Find the hans and passageways that tell Istanbul's trading story.
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Walk through groves, viewpoints and panoramic city escapes.
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Wander through the living streets of Balat, Kuzguncuk and more.
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Explore ferry piers, waterfront walks and Bosphorus views.
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Discover exhibitions, cultural venues and art stops.
Explore →Ready-made itineraries
Explore Istanbul through ten well-loved districts. Each route groups nearby places for an easier day out.
3 daysImperial landmarks, cisterns and bustling bazaars.
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2 daysGalata, Karaköy and the energy of Istiklal Avenue.
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2 daysPalaces, Ortaköy and a day by the Bosphorus.
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2 daysModa, Yeldeğirmeni and lively local streets.
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2 daysKuzguncuk and memorable Bosphorus views.
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2 daysThe Golden Horn, Pierre Loti and layers of history.
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3 daysA coastal route surrounded by nature.
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2 daysNişantaşı, Bomonti and inspiring museums.
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3 daysGroves, waterfront walks and Anadolu Kavağı.
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3 daysIstanbul's quietest island escape.
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Gezi Rotası organises Istanbul's historic, cultural and natural places by district, category and geographical proximity. It is designed to help first-time visitors find well-known highlights as well as places that match their interests.
Istanbul travel guide
Three days is enough for a first visit focused on the main landmarks. Five to seven days gives you more time for both sides of the city and different neighbourhoods.
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Galata, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy, Üsküdar and Kadıköy are an excellent starting point.
Metro, tram, Marmaray and ferries are practical for most sightseeing areas. Group nearby stops on the same day to spend less time in traffic.
The European Side is dense with historic landmarks and museums. The Asian Side stands out for waterfront walks, neighbourhood life and views. If you can, set aside time for both.
Your own itinerary
Select the places you want to see, then turn them into a practical day-by-day itinerary.
