2 Day Istanbul Itinerary – the perfect layover

You could be here for a layover, on a business trip, or just couldn't fit in more time. 

- Hagia Sophia - Grand Bazaar - Süleymaniye   Hamami - Karakoy Gulluoglu - Topkapi Palace

ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS

2 DAY ISTANBUL ITINERARY – A TALE OF TWO CONTINENTS

With 2 days in Istanbul, we wanted to make the most of the opportunity and if you too want to see the best highlights of the city.

Your first day in Istanbul will “wow” you at every turn with possibly more attractions than there are minarets. It's the living history on the Europe side of the city that you'll be focusing on today.

Day 1 – Wonders

Start off by walking to Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it's been rebuilt many times and has changed hands between the Romans and eventually the Ottomans where it was then repurposed as a mosque.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is an active mosque but is open to visitors. It was built between 1609 and 1617 and has its nickname because of the blue tiles that surround the interior walls.

Blue Mosque

Day 2 – Bazaar and the walk to Asia

You spent the first day getting a grasp of Istanbul's past with its magnificent history of empires, monumental architecture, religion, and culture through the hamam experience.

Next steps

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