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Istanbul is one of the most incredible cities I’ve been to so far. Partly because it is one of the only places in the world in 2 continents: half in Europe, and half in Asia. Türkiye has so much history and culture, it’s definitely a country to add to your travel list!
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Istanbul twice now, both for much too short of times. I stopped there on a cruise in 2022 and I had a long layover on my way to Georgia recently. Turkish Airlines has some great ways to get some time in the city if you are on your way somewhere else. I highly recommend taking advantage of this!
Where to Stay
I always like to give a range of places to stay in different price ranges, and this is no exception. Istanbul is one of those places that has a lot of different neighborhoods depending on what you want to see. Since this is a day trip (possibly on a long layover like I did), location is going to be very important!
I personally chose to stay in a hostel since I was traveling solo and it was only one night. It’s a great way to meet people when solo and is usually pretty inexpensive, especially if you’re staying in a bunk. However, if I’d been staying longer or if I’d had a group or my significant other with me, I would have definitely opted for a hotel. Here are a few options that I think look great based on neighborhood and price range!
Sultanahmet (European Side)
High: Sultanhan Hotel is on the higher end price-wise, but is in an excellent location, right between the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Easy to walk to a lot of the things I recommend doing, which is exactly what you want on a quick trip. This hotel has an onsite spa, fine dining restaurant on the terrace, and a shopping area.
Middle: Hotel Amira would be more mid-range in this area. And honestly, just like the Sultanhan Hotel, Hotel Amira is in easy walking distance to the things you’ll want to do like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The difference here is the nearness to the coast, providing great views. There are 2 restaurants inside, along with a gym and a breakfast for a surcharge.
Low: Hotel Perula is the lower priced option for this area and is equally as beautiful. This hotel is also within easy walking distance of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. It has an included breakfast, shuttle to and from the airport for a fee, and even a babysitting service if you require it.
Istanbul City Center (Asian Side)
High: Ferman Port Hotel is in the city center and has a spa on the property. There is also a gym, a bar, and breakfast available for 10 Euros a person. The restaurant on the rooftop terrance has amazing views! The hotel is located near the main road that connects to the Atatürk Bridge, which gets you to the European side of the city.
Middle: Momento Golden Horn Hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop. Breakfast is available for 7 Euros per person. Again, this hotel is near the Atatürk Bridge, and is only a 20 minute walk to the Grand Bazaar.
Low: P Galata Boutique Hotel is listed as a 4 star upscale hotel and is so cute and inexpensive! Also in a great location, you can get around easily. Breakfast is available for 7.50 Euros at their restaurant, there is a bar, and they even have bikes to rent.
Istanbul Airport
Note: I wouldn’t really recommend staying here unless you have a super early flight out because it is quite far outside the city. These recommendations are for Istanbul Airport (IST), NOT Ataturk International (ISL).
High: YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport Airside is basically located inside Istanbul Airport, so it’s probably the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. Breakfast is available for 20 Euros, which might be a steal in the airport! There’s a health and beauty spa nearby and a restaurant inside.
Middle: Menalo Hotel Premier Istanbul Airport is a 9 minute drive to IST. They have free parking available and an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours for a fee. They also have a restaurant and a 15 Euro breakfast.
Low: La Casa de Airport Hotel is more of a basic place to stay with simple rooms. It does have a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. They also have an airport shuttle, though I didn’t find if it is complimentary or not. It’s a 12 minutes drive to IST.
Where to Eat
I’m not that much of a foodie when I travel, but I like to try to give a few recommendations if I felt it was a really good place. Here are a couple for you to check out on your day in Istanbul!
Last Ottoman Cafe and Restaurant
I found this place on Google listed as one of the best places to get a pottery kabap, which is what I ordered. And it did not disappoint! It’s a spectacle while being prepared and plated, but was also delicious. It’s in the Sultanahmet region, so if you’re staying in this neighborhood, it will be an easy walk or tram ride!
Sultanahmet Turkish Kitchen
Obviously also in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, this place is very budget friendly and has great food! There isn’t a website that I can find, but if you google search it when you are in Istanbul, you should be able to find it. Enjoy some traditional Turkish dishes here, and be sure to top off with some baklava and Turkish tea or coffee.
Take a Food Tour
If you are really into food and want to get more of the cultural experience of Istanbul through food, check out this food tour. It looks like so much fun, and although I haven’t gone on it myself, I think I will the next time I am in the city. You will get to try foods and drinks on both sides of Istanbul! Your ticket includes a round trip ferry ride, 8 stops for food, and 4 different (non-alcoholic) drinks. You can purchase additional drinks if you would like.
What to Do
Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus
This is one of the best ways to see the city from the water in my opinion. Since it is dinner, you set off around sunset and get to see the skyline before the sun goes down and at night time. The food is traditional Turkish appetizers, entrees, and desserts! Plus, you get a show and music as you cruise along.
Some highlights of this tour include the Dolmabahce Palace and Mosque, the Bosphorus bridge, and Maiden’s Tower. It was a great way to end the day, and you can easily find a place to continue the evening when you dock, or head back to your hotel.
Visit a Turkish Bath
Çemberlitaş Hamam was one of the most relaxing and unique places I’ve been. The Turkish bath is a common cultural practice. I went in the early morning on a Sunday before catching my flight – if you want more privacy, this is a good time to go. I’d also recommend adding on the oil massage after the bath.
I want to give a brief rundown of what will occur in case you aren’t sure if it’s for you. I walked in and was sent to the women’s side of the Hamam. There were a group of women, and one was assigned to me. I was given a robe, rubber slippers, and a disposable underwear. If it makes you more comfortable, you could probably wear a swim suit here, but I did not.
Once changed, I was taken into the 500+ year old bathing room. I laid on the stone slab and relaxed while I sweated and decompressed. The room is basically a huge sauna. The woman assigned to bathe me came back in about 15 minutes later and started the scrubbing and foaming. I remained on the stone slab for this and just turned over when she asked me to.
Once I was thoroughly scrubbed, she took me to the antechamber and rinsed me off and washed my hair. Then, I laid back on the slab for a while and relaxed until I was ready to go for my massage. The massage was great! Afterwards, I got dressed, was able to dry my hair, and headed to the airport.
My skin was so soft and glowy for a week afterwards! For obvious reasons, I don’t have any photos of the Çemberlitaş Hamam.
Parooze Around The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the largest in the city of Istanbul and is right in the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Tour Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque
I recommend doing both of these on one tour because they are right next to each other and it just makes sense. These two places are probably the most-visited and most well-known tourist spots in Istanbul. Despite that, they are both very beautiful and worth going to. They encompass the culture and religion of many of the Turkish people.
Prepare ahead: As you can see in the photos, you must cover your hair if you are a woman, and you must remove your shoes when you go inside the Blue Mosque. If you don’t want to be in bare feet, make sure to wear socks that day.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
This museum is right next to The Blue Mosque, so it is really easy to go through right after your tour. I thought this was one of the most interesting places I went in the city. I love art, but it isn’t only art inside this museum. There are old gems, relics, and the architecture is really beautiful. This is definitely worth the stop!
You likely won’t be able to do all of this in one day, so it is great if you have a full 24 hours and the morning before you have to get to the airport. The great thing is, there is always something to do in Istanbul, which means you can just come back!
If you’re a fan of day trips, you can read about one of my favorites here.
Have you been to Istanbul before? What would you recommend I add to this list?
