4-Day Istanbul Itinerary
Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Once the centre of the Ottoman Empire and the culmination of the Silk Road, Istanbul is a city bursting with culture and history.
4-days isn’t enough to explore every inch of the city, but it is certainly enough to scratch the surface of Constantinople.
The Istanbul Skyline is breathtaking, the Turkish food is divine, and the people are super friendly. What more could you want?
Our 4-day Istanbul Travel Itinerary will guide you through the best things to see in Istanbul and the best street food to try in Istanbul before providing you with some handy Istanbul travel tips.
So, let’s dive into our Istanbul 4-Day Travel Itinerary:
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
If you are short on time, then check the tours below and choose the best one for you for better exploring Istanbul.
Istanbul Tours. Our Top Picks
- Small-Group Tour Including Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern and Hagia Sophia with a knowledgeable local guide
- Istanbul Sightseeing Walking Tour with a guide
- Morning Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar with a professional guide
- Full Day Private Istanbul Old city Tour
- Taste of Two Continents Food Tour
Istanbul Overview
Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira
Airports: Istanbul Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Highlights: Blue Mosque; Bosphorus Sunset Cruise; Grand Bazaar; Hagia Sophia
Best Place to stay: AJWA Sultanahmet
Top tip: Store your luggage with Nannybag - the best Istanbul luggage storage
Where to get eVisa: Natvisa
Is 4 Days enough to visit Istanbul?
In short - yes it is.
Of course, as with any major city worldwide, 4 days is never quite enough to explore everything you would want to see in Istanbul.
Having said that, however, 4 days is the perfect amount of time to get a good impression of the city and see the majority of the main tourist attractions in Turkey’s biggest city.
Particularly in the Sultanahmet district, the main cultural centres are condensed into a small area which means you can explore many different tourist attractions in a short amount of time.
With a 4-day Istanbul itinerary, you do have to make some small sacrifices. It would be impossible to explore all the different districts of the city, so you have to prioritise what you want to see.
An area of the city that we were unable to visit on our own 4-day trip of Istanbul, for example, was Barat - the old Jewish Quarter that has transformed into a multi-cultural hipster neighbourhood in recent years.
Hagia Sophia - one of the highlights of your 4-day Istanbul Itinerary
Where to stay in Istanbul
Istanbul has many distinct regions and neighbourhoods, all of which you will want to explore and get to know. Regarding where to stay in Istanbul, the Sultanahmet district is usually recommended for first-time visitors to Istanbul as everything is close. We chose to stay in the Karakoy district as it is slightly more affordable than Sultanahmet.
Luxury Hotel recommendation in Istanbul
Perfect for travellers searching for a luxury stay in Istanbul - AJWA Sultanahmet - a mere 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, this brand-new hotel is the height of luxury in the Sultanahmet district. Handmade carpets, Ottoman-style sofas, and authentic Azerbaijani Artwork give the hotel a unique and opulent Ottoman feel.
Affordable Hotel recommendation in Istanbul
A brilliant budget-friendly hotel option - Triada Hotel Karakoy - this is where we stayed during our time in Istanbul, and the hotel was brilliant. Found over in the Karakoy district, the hotel is within walking distance of Galata Tower and Istiklal Street, as well as being only a short walk away from the Galata Bridge, linking you to the main Sultanahmet district.
Hostel recommendation in Istanbul
Ideal for people looking to meet other travellers in Istanbul - Cheers Hostel - the hostel can be found in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, offering a rooftop terrace with views of the Old city of Istanbul. You can choose from traditional hostel dorm-style rooms or private rooms if you prefer a quiet night's sleep.
Brief History of Istanbul
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is the cultural and economic hub of Turkey. Despite not being the capital, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and the heartbeat of the country.
The city famously sits on the divide between Asia to the East and Europe to the West, separated into distinctive sections by the Bosphorus Strait, a vastly important shipping and trading route.
Playing a crucial role in the well-documented Silk Road trade route, Istanbul has always been at the centre of world trade and influence. Never more so than during the height of the Ottoman Empire.
For nearly 500 years, Istanbul (or Constantinople as it was known back then) was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and represented one of the most important cities in the world. This fascinating historical significance is still abundant when you visit the city today.
The Sultanahmet district is teeming with relics of the past, from the breathtaking beauty of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) and Hagia Sophia to the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar.
Modern-day Turkey has had its ups and downs since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk declared the country a republic in 1923. Still, one thing is for sure - visitors to Istanbul will be amazed by how much history, culture and activity can be squeezed into one city.
Harem Interior at Topkapi Palace
Things to do in Istanbul - 4 Day Itinerary
As you may have already gathered, Istanbul is a city that you can only scratch the surface of when you’re visiting for 4 days. With that being said, we have done our best to create the ultimate 4-day itinerary for Istanbul.
In this section, we have outlined what we believe to be the city's highlights. We have tried to split the activities up by area, so you know which places can be visited in one day and which areas you are likely to have to return to.
These insider tips to experience Istanbul will help you get the most out of visiting this incredibly unique city.
Day 1 - Sultanahmet District
The Sultanahmet district sometimes referred to as the Old City, is where you will find most of Istanbul’s historic sites, shopping areas and hotels.
The area is ideally suited to exploring by foot, but the sheer concentration of important museums and sites means you will need at least 2 days to explore fully.
Visitors sometimes don’t leave Sultanahmet because of how much there is to do there - while we can see why you could spend all of your time here, we think it’s also important to see other parts of the city.
Hagia Sophia
Built-in the 6th century AD, the Hagia Sophia’s soaring domes and glittering gold mosaics contribute to its status as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and why the building is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Its religious importance and extraordinary beauty mean the Hagia Sophia will undoubtedly be one of the main highlights during your 4-day stay in Istanbul.
The beautiful interior of the Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Arguably, Istanbul’s most picturesque building, the iconic Mosque with its six slender Minarets, dominates the Istanbul skyline.
The mosque's interior is adorned with famous blue Iznik tiles, which gives the Mosque its unofficial but commonly used name. One of the fun facts about Istanbul is that the Blue Mosque is one of 2691 active mosques in the city.
Remember that the Blue Mosque is an active mosque and that non-Muslim visitors are unable to visit during daily prayer times.
Ben in front of the Blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern
One of the city’s best-loved tourist attractions, the Basilica Cistern, is a subterranean world waiting to be explored.
Featuring an impressive 336 columns, the Cistern is a testament to the ambitious town planning of the Byzantine emperors and once held up to 80000 cubic metres of water.
Nowadays, however, the Basilica Cistern is a fully-accessible tourist attraction that is even home to a school of mysterious-looking carp swimming beneath the surface of the water.
The impressive Basilica Cistern
Top tip: buy discounted Basilica Cistern tickets online here to get fast-track entry and a guided tour!
Whirling Dervishes
An incredible display of faith through music and movement - Whirling Dervishes have been spinning since the 13th century and there is no sign of them stopping anytime soon.
You can watch this magnificent display of balance, grace and poise as the perfect entertainment for your first night in Istanbul.
Please bear in mind that as entertaining as the Whirling Dervishes are, the ceremony is religious - by spinning around, it is believed that the individuals are attaining a higher union with God. Therefore, please be respectful by remaining silent, not using flash photography and remaining in your seat during the ceremony.
Money-saving tip: book your tickets online here for the Whirling Dervishes Show at the HodjaPasha Cultural Centre to get discounted rates.
Day 2 - Sultanahmet and Bazaar District
The colourful and chaotic Bazaar district will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your visit to Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar evokes your senses quite unlike anywhere else on the planet, and navigating through the twisting, turning alleyways, carefully dodging vendors and locals, is an experience that is hard to replicate.
You will begin day 2 in the Sultanahmet district to finish off some of the sights you could not squeeze into day 1, before heading over to the Bazaar district to practice bartering and haggling in the most famous market on the planet.
Topkapi Palace
For nearly 400 years, Sultans lived in the extravagant surroundings of Topkapi Palace with their concubines and courtiers.
Today, the lavish Ottoman palace complex is only home to tourists trying to get a brief glimpse into the lives of the sometimes maligned Sultans.
The highlight of a visit to Topkapi is the private quarters, or Harem, once home to as many as 300 concubines being schooled in Islam and Turkish culture and language.
Access to the Harem requires a dedicated Harem ticket that will cost 285 tl (roughly £15/$21) with an audio guide.
Time-saving tip: buy a discounted Topkapi Palace ticket online here and get fast-track entry and a free Turkish Tea at the beginning or end of your visit!
Inside the Harem at Topkapi Palace
Serefiye Cistern (Light Show)
While perhaps not as grand or as expansive as the Basilica Cistern, the Serefiye Cistern is certainly worth a visit for the mightily impressive light show that is performed on the hour every day.
A 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, the Serefiye Cistern is home to a significant light show that uses a number of strategically placed lights and projectors to project the history of the Cistern onto the walls of the 1600-year-old structure.
It is the oldest building in the world to feature 360° projection mapping, and it really is a spectacle to behold.
The Serefiye Cistern Light Show
Grand Bazaar
The colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar has been the heartbeat of Istanbul for centuries and remains an important part of the city’s cultural heritage to this day.
The sprawling labyrinth of stalls, artisans and thoroughfares can seem overwhelming at times, but once you acclimate to the chaos, the Grand Bazaar becomes one of the most fascinating experiences you can have in Istanbul.
Prices in the Grand Bazaar are generally inflated for tourists, giving you plenty of wiggle room to practice your bargaining and haggling skills. Remember, though, once you have both settled on a price, it is considered ill-mannered to continue to haggle further.
Colours of the Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
In its heyday, the Spice Bazaar was the last stop for camel caravans travelling from the Eastern spice havens of China and India. Today, the vividly-coloured bazaar is the best place to find yourself some Turkish treats and delicacies.
Colourful mountains of spices, teas and dried herbs litter the stalls of the Spice Bazaar, but it is perhaps the sweet prospect of Turkish Delights that takes centre stage.
Choose from traditional Turkish delights or speciality flavours like cappuccino, pistachio or pomegranate.
Spices and Teas in the Spice Bazaar
Day 3 - Beyoglu
Found on the opposite side of the Bosphorus River from Sultanahmet, Beyoglu is a collection of neighbourhoods representing Istanbul's food and drink hub.
Modern and traditional bars, restaurants, cafes, baklava shops and kebab houses can be found in abundance all over the Beyoglu district.
While Sultanahmet has a more traditional, conservative feel, Beyoglu is home to a multicultural, young population with a thriving art, food and music scene.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul for several hundred years after it was built in 1348. While this may not be the case today, it still boasts an ominous presence on the Istanbul skyline.
The tower features a 360° viewing platform at the top, offering panoramic views of the city below. It’s particularly brilliant to look out over the Sultanahmet district in the distance and across the Bosphorus.
Admission to the Tower is 100 tl each (£5/$7), which is fairly steep for the limited time you will be spending at the Tower, but we’d still recommend paying Galata a visit.
Galata Tower lit up at Night
Explore Beyoglu
The Beyoglu district of Istanbul can be found North of the main Sultanahmet district, just across the Galata Bridge. The district itself is split up into many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own unique feel and charm.
Beyoglu is perhaps best known for its lively restaurant and bar scene, and with prices significantly cheaper than the touristy Sultanahmet, we’d recommend you eat on this side of the river as much as you can.
The area is also home to funiculars (old-time trams), making it easy to explore even if you’re tired.
Beyoglu Fish Market (Balik Pazari)
One of the most lively places in Beyoglu is the Balik Pazari - Beyoglu’s very own fish market that has been the centre of fish trading in Istanbul for nearly a century.
As you enter the market opposite the Galatasaray Lycee (High School), you will be greeted by vendors selling local delicacies. Skewered mussels fried in oil and seasoned lamb intestines are just some of the snacks offered.
As you dive deeper into the market, expect to find several stalls selling an abundance of caviar, fish and seafood.
Try a Balik Durum (Grilled fish in a warm tortilla) when visiting the Balik Pazari
Istiklal street
Istiklal Street is a long pedestrianised boulevard that runs through the heart of Beyoglu.
The street represents the more modern side of Istanbul, with fancy shops, restaurants and cafes cramming the sidewalks.
Start your walk on Istiklal Street at the Southern end near the Galata Tower. Once you’ve hit all the shops and street vendors you can handle, you’ll find yourself at the Northern end of the street in the fascinating Taksim Square.
If the Sultanahmet area represents Istanbul’s old city, Istiklal is certainly the heart of Istanbul’s modern European district.
Taksim Mosque found at the end of Istiklal Street in Taksim Square
Day 4 - Bosphorus and Kadikoy (Asian side of the city)
Found on the Anatolian (Asian) side of the city, Kadikoy can be reached via a ferry ride from the European side of Istanbul and is a brilliant place to visit for those travellers keen to cross continents.
Kadikoy offers an authentically local experience for those visiting, with the famous coffee culture of Istanbul being on full display.
Bosphorus Cruise
The Bosphorus River is the life and soul of Istanbul and deserves to be explored during your stay in the city.
A traditional Bosphorus cruise helps you admire Istanbul from a completely different perspective as you float between the European and Asian sides of the city.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to end your 4-day Istanbul trip on a high, you could opt for a stunning Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht - it will surely be an incredible highlight of your Istanbul adventure.
You can search for the full-range of Bosphorus cruises, including latest prices, here.
A quick read and a coffee on the ferry to Kadikoy
Visit the Asian Side of the city (Kadikoy)
Istanbul is famously built across two continents, so exploring the Asian side of the city seems like a great way to spend your final day in Istanbul.
Life is a little different in Kadikoy - you will find less tourist-centric shops and restaurants, instead getting a glimpse into how local Istanbulites go about their daily lives.
Kadikoy tip: grab yourself a hot, fresh cup of Salep and wander through the many back alleys and side streets of the Antolian side of Istanbul
Buy Turkish Coffee in Kadikoy
Throughout your visit to Istanbul, you will be inundated with options for the ‘best authentic Turkish coffee’, and you may wonder where it is actually best to get your freshly ground coffee from. The answer? Buy your coffee where the locals do - in Kadikoy.
Distinguishing which coffee shop in Kadikoy is best to buy your grounds from is a challenging task, but it makes for a great adventure.
If finding the best Turkish coffee in Istanbul is too intimidating, then perhaps head straight for Fazil Bey - you won’t be disappointed.
Turkish Coffee Shop in Kadikoy
Kadikoy Produce Market
As we have alluded to already, Kadikoy is where the locals are most active in Istanbul and nowhere is this more evident than in the bustling produce market.
The market showcases the freshest produce in the city and is somewhat of a foodie centre for locals and, increasingly, tourists.
Notable Museums to visit in Istanbul
If you have the time during your 4-day itinerary, Istanbul is brimming with a number of fascinating museums. We have listed a few of the most popular museums in Istanbul below:
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Artefacts in the museum come from all across the Arabic and Islamic world and date back as far as the 8th century.
Museum of Innocence
A quirky collection of mid to late-20th-century objects depicting life in Istanbul. The museum is based on the famous novel by Orhan Pamuk of the same name.
Pera Museum
It is home to a wonderful permanent collection of Turkish Orientalist paintings and often showcases world-renowned temporary art collections.
Museum of Turkish Jews
Established in 2001, the Museum of Turkish Jews is housed in a synagogue near Galata Tower. It helps commemorate the 500+ year history of the Sephardic Jews since their arrival in the Ottoman Empire.
Turkish Lamps in the Grand Bazaar
Day Trips from Istanbul
Princes’ Islands
Found 20km Southeast of the city, in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes’ Islands are a brilliant day-trip option from Istanbul that can be reached via a scenic ferry ride. The highlight of a day-trip to the collection of Islands is the Hagia Triada Monastery - a complex built in 1844 that once housed a Greek Orthodox Theology school.
Best way to visit Princes’ Islands - Full Day Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch
Bursa
The city is known for its gardens and green spaces, Bursa is a charming historic city that was once the original Ottoman capital city. A cable car on the nearby Uludağ Mountain provides great skiing conditions in the winter and excellent panoramic views of Bursa in the summer.
The cheapest way to visit Bursa - Green Bursa Full-day Excursion
Troy
The legendary ancient city of Troy is perfect for discovering Trojan mythology and learning the history of famous figures like Achilles and Helen. The trip is a mammoth 5-hour journey one-way, but certainly worth it for all those history buffs out there.
The easiest way to visit Troy - Troy: Full Day Tour from Istanbul
Street Food to eat in Istanbul
Istanbul has long been renowned as a foodie city, with a beautiful fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines combined to produce some of the best food on the planet.
While it is possible to go to high-end restaurants and dine out on the most lavish food, we think you get a more authentic Istanbul culinary experience by sampling the local street food.
Every street corner is crowded with street food vendors, and here is just a flavour of what you will discover in Istanbul:
Pide - a traditional Turkish flatbread/pizza
Pide - a traditional Turkish flatbread/pizza served with a variety of delicious toppings
Stuffed Kofta - while variations will occur from place to place, stuffed kofta are usually meat-based with an outer layer of mashed potato. The tasty treat is then deep-fried and can be eaten as a starter or main.
Wet Burgers - imagine making a regular hamburger but adding a tomato-based sauce and then letting it sweat in a ‘sweat-box’. It sounds crazy, but when you consider they are usually less than 10tl (£0.50/$0.75) each, you begin to understand why they are so popular with the locals.
Wet Burgers in Istanbul
Stuffed Mussels - a prominent street food delicacy in Istanbul, mussels are combined with rice and herbs and put back into their shells. Delicious!
Salep - a rich, hot drink made with milk and sugar and thickened with flour. Perfect for a cold Istanbul day
Baklava - it’s impossible to come to Istanbul and not try the famous Middle-eastern treat Baklava; it comes in many forms, with each variant as tasty and sweet as the next.
A selection of chocolate, pistachio and walnut baklava
Mosaic Cake - essentially a chocolate cake with biscuits layered inside to form a biscuitty mosaic. It is the perfect accompaniment for Turkish Coffee.
Intestines on a stick (Kokoretsi) - not for everybody, but it is essentially lamb or goat intestines wrapped around seasoned offal
Turkish Delight is a sweet, sugary family of treats famous in Istanbul. The premium varieties often contain pistachio, dates, walnuts or pomegranate.
Turkish Delights in the Grand Bazaar
Roasted Chestnuts - you will find street vendors on every corner serving this delicious, sweet, and nutty snack.
Grilled Corn - street sellers serve fresh grilled corn, often sprinkled with salt and spices, from their charming push-carts
Nohutlu Pilav - essentially a meat, rice and chickpeas combo that is usually sold as street food
Kebab - a true staple of Turkish cuisine, we’d argue that you won’t find better Kebab anywhere else in the world.
Turkish Kebab with all the trimmings
Balik Durum - fried or grilled fish with vegetables and spices wrapped in a warm tortilla
Balik Ekmek - sandwich of a fillet of fried or grilled fish inside a bun of Turkish bread
Turkish Tea - believe it or not, Turkey consumes more tea per capita than any other nation in the world and nowhere is this more evident than in Istanbul.
Turkish Coffee - a National staple, Turkish coffee is a very rich and thick drink that is made using finely ground coffee beans that remain in the bottom of the cup
Turkish Coffee and Turkish Tea - staples in Istanbul
Istanbul Travel Tips
Istanbulkarts (Istanbul Transport Card) are in short supply, so to get the metro, ferries, trams and buses, you may need to buy a 1-journey card or 3-journey card.
Traffic is crazy in Istanbul, so you want to try and walk everywhere as much as possible. Taxis are expensive because they have to sit in traffic for so long.
Most people you meet will have at least a basic grasp of English, but, as with any country, the locals really appreciate it when tourists try to speak their language - learn some key Turkish phrases before you arrive in the country.
Intricate architecture of the Spice Bazaar
Pro Tip: Duolingo is one of the best apps to use when travelling. It’s an easy-to-use language-learning app and is brilliant for picking up key phrases ready for your travels.
Istanbul is very cheap! If you want to visit a city on a budget, then Istanbul is the place for you. Doner Kebabs for as little as 15 tl or a Turkish Tea for just 5 tl, it’s difficult to find many places in the world as cheap as that.
Listen to the Amateur Traveller Istanbul Podcast while on the plane - it will excite you for your upcoming trip!
Istanbul book to read: grab yourself a copy of Lonely Planet’s Istanbul Guide. We used the book religiously throughout trip and it cuts down on the costs of tour guide because you can read about the history of the major monuments as you walk around.
Credit/Debit cards are accepted in most established and newer places. Street Vendors and smaller cafes and restaurants will likely be cash only.
You should dress respectfully, particularly when visiting the famous Islamic sites. Men should cover their knees and elbows, while women are advised to wear full-length trousers and cover their heads with a headscarf.
Most of the religious sites will provide you with headscarves or something to cover up if you are seen to be dressed inappropriately.
Turkish flag flying outside the Hagia Sophia
Best time to visit Istanbul
We visited Istanbul in the height of the shoulder season, right in the middle of January.
The excellent thing about visiting the city at this time of year was that it was completely devoid of tourists. The queues were small, and the crowds were non-existent.
The downside to visiting in January was the temperature and weather - it was overcast throughout, and on some days, it even snowed.
The average summer temperature in Istanbul is 29°C/84°F, which would be a struggle when you’re doing plenty of walking.
For that reason, we’d suggest visiting in April-May or September-October, when the temperatures are more manageable and when there won’t be as many tourists visiting as in the height of summer.
Orla keeping warm with a Turkish Tea
That concludes our 4-day Istanbul Travel Itinerary. We hope this article has set you up for a very successful and action-packed getaway to the city where the East and the West collide.
Istanbul is one of our favourite cities in the world and being able to explore for 4 days was certainly enough time to get a really good impression of what life is like in Istanbul. Hopefully, we can return one day!
