Istanbul 1 Day Itinerary [2024]
Exploring the Turkish capital but don’t have much time? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this Istanbul 1-Day Itinerary!
Are you ready for your 1-Day Itinerary in Istanbul?
How to get around Istanbul
Istanbul has a good metro system and taking taxis are relatively cheap, but this itinerary is best done by walking. Attractions are relatively close to each other and walking times are short.
Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
However, if you get tired, I would recommend you take a taxi or call one from the Uber app. Be careful with hailing taxis off the street, and make sure if the drivers don’t use a meter that you negotiate your price beforehand.
What to wear in Istanbul
Like Ralph pictuered here at the Hagia Sophia, try to dress conservatively in Istanbul.
You will be visiting a lot of holy and scared religious sites on this day, so to be safe, I would advise you to not wear any shorts, singlets, short skirts or hats. Different places enforce different rules, but as a general rule of thumb – try to dress more conservatively. Women are expected to cover their knees and cleavage. Men are expected not to wear tank top singlets and also to cover their knees.
What to see in Istanbul in 1 Day
Although you’re going to see a lot during your 1-day stay in Istanbul, you’re not going to see everything. If you have an extra day in the Turkish capital, I would recommend you also visit places such as Grand Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
Walking Tour of Istanbul
The absolute best way to get the most out of your 24 hours in Istanbul is to do a walking tour. Not only is Istanbul a huge, sprawling city, if this is your first time to the Turkish capital, it’s also quite overwhelming to visit.
There are people everywhere trying to sell you things, there’s sights, smells and sounds - often, it feels like sensory overload. That’s why this walking tour of Istanbul is the perfect way to get acquainted with the megacity.
On this extremely affordable walking tour of Istanbul, you’ll visit Istanbul’s best sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
👉 Want to explore Istanbul in more depth? Check out this Comprehensive Day Tour of Istanbul featuring all its highlights, such as Tokapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and the Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s most iconic sights. Constructed in the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fred in front of Blue Mosque
Make sure you also visit the inside of the mosque, as the detailing is quite spectacular.
Hagia Sophia
Exterior of Hagia Sophia
Right next to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is possibly the most impressive architectural marvel in the whole city, and is considered a bucket list item for many.
Stunning interior of Hagia Sophia
The mosque has a very interesting history. It was built as a cathedral between the years 532 and 537, and was called the Church of Holy Wisdom. At the time, the structure was considered to have changed the history of architecture. After the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, the structure was converted to a mosque and into what it is now.
You can see how crowded Hagia Sophia can get here.
It will be crowded when you visit Hagia Sophia! Make sure to get in as early as possible. Hagia Sophia is open from 9am.
I would recommended a guided tour if possible, as there is so much history to learn about this magnificent site.
👉HOT TIP: Skip the ticket purchasing line and save time with this Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Optional Guided Tour and immerse yourself in this masterpiece of Byzantine art. 👈
Topkapi Palace
In front of Topkapi Palace
Just a short walk away from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace is a palace museum that served as the primary place of residence of the Ottoman sultants between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Front courtyard of Topkapi Palace
Inside, marvel at the opulently decorated rooms the Turkish royals used to live in. If you’re short on time, witness the palace from the outside before moving on to your next stop.
👉 As with Hagia Sophia, there can also be long lines at Tokapi Palace. If you want to save on top, you can purchase this Topkapi Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket to ensure you’re ready to enter as soon as you reach the palace.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Suleymaniye Mosque doesn’t quite get the same attention as more recognisable names such as the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, but I’d say it’s just as impressive.
Fred at Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Morever, there are also far less visitors to this underrated mosque. This mosque is absolutely beautiful, and what I loved about it is that it also offers great panoramic views of the capital city.
Be treated to views of Istanbul when visiting Suleymaniye Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Blue exterior of Rustem Pasha Mosque
Another super underrated mosque in Istanbul, Rustem Pasha Mosque is located just a few minutes’ walk from Suleymaniye Mosque but is completely different.
Inside Rustem Pasha Mosque
What’s unique about Rustem Pasha Mosque is that the interior of this mosque is decorated in blue tiling - which gives it a peaceful and serene quality.
Misir Carsisi
Entrance to Misir Carsisi (Spice Bazaar) in Istanbul
A great alternative to the Grand Bazaar, Misir Carsisi is a large Spize Bazaar market. Be warned that the market gets extremely crowded and might be a breeding ground for pickpockets. It’s worth a quick visit, though.
It can get crowded in Misir Carsisi!
Pickpocketing is common in Istanbul. Be vigilant.
Yeni Cami Mosque
Yeni Cami Mosque, Istanbul
If you’re not all mosque-ed out yet, then we have one more on the list - although this one can be seen just from the outside.
Yeni Cami Mosque can be briefly visited on the way to Galata Bridge. The Yeni Cami Mosque features gorgeous dome roofs and imposing towers, and is a staple of Istanbul’s skyline.
Bosphorus Cruise
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to embark on a cruise around the Bosphorus Strait. On a Bosphorus Cruise, you’ll get to enjoy a 3 hour cruise along the border between Europe and Asia, take your pick from a variety of rich and authentic local cuisine and see panoramic views of Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque.
On top of that, you ‘ll get to marvel at Turkish folk and belly dance plus an innovative DJ performance. A romantic, fun and entertaining way to cap off a great day in Istanbul.
👉 You can book a highly-rated Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner, Drinks and Folk Dance by clicking here.
Galata Bridge
View from Galata Bridge, Istanbul
From the Galata Bridge, you’ll get a stunning view of the Bosporus channel. If you have time, you may choose to take a ferry tour of the channel. However, for the purposes of time-saving, you can simply cross this bridge and check out everything going on around it.
If you have time, you can go on a ferry boat ride from Galata Bridge.
You’ll likely see locals fishing, children playing and be treated to a wonderful panorama of Istanbul on both sides.
Fishermen at Galata Bridge.
Another look at Istanbul from the Galata Bridge.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower, Istanbul
After crossing Galata Bridge, it’s time to visit Galata Tower! This tower is another immediately recognisable Turkish landmark.
Standing at 67 metres, this is a classic example of Byzantine architecture and serves as a panoramic viewpoint. Although the view up there is amazing, it’s likely that you won’t have time to line up and enter for this itinerary (lines are notoriously long and it can take 45 minutes to an hour to finally get in).
View of Galata Tower from a quiet street.
Instead, walk through one of the quiet streets around the tower and take photos of the tower through this angle seen above.
With its colourful facades and charming streets, the Galata area in general is one of the nicest areas of Istanbul to walk around. If you want to spend a little longer exploring the area and hidden gems, you can take this relaxing Galata and Genoese Afternoon Walking Tour.
Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street, Istanbul
You can’t leave Istanbul without walking down Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street). This one of Turkey’s most famous avenues, and a place where you can see locals, tourists and everyone else in between interacting with each together.
If you have time, sit at a café, try the local cuisine here and shop for souvenirs.
Feeling a little overwhelmed at exploring this mega city? Check out our friends who offer Free Walking Tours in Turkey - they offer one in Istanbul. These tours operate every day, but make sure to leave a tip as these guides work tirelessly at minimal cost to make travellers’ lives like ours easier.