Istanbul does not lend itself to lists. The city spreads across two continents, its major monuments are packed into a handful of streets, and its best moments often come down to a ferry crossing or a glass of tea taken for no particular reason. Four days are enough to grasp the essentials if you think in neighbourhoods rather than in monuments. This is the split we suggest most often.
The first day belongs to the historic peninsula. Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and the Basilica Cistern are a few minutes’ walk from one another and are best seen early, before the groups arrive. Visits to the mosques pause during prayer times, which is worth bearing in mind when planning the day. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected, and a headscarf for women.
The second day can open at Topkapı Palace, which needs a morning on its own. The afternoon goes to the Grand Bazaar and then the Spice Bazaar, walking down towards the Golden Horn through the shopping streets that link them. It is the most crowded day of the four, so carry little and agree on a meeting point if you are travelling as a group.
The third day is for the Bosphorus. The public ferries between the two shores give the finest view of the city for a modest fare, and a longer cruise follows the strait up towards the Black Sea. On the far side, Kadıköy and Üsküdar show a more everyday Istanbul, with markets, cafés and waterfronts from which to watch the sun set over the European shore.
The fourth day is for Galata and Beyoğlu. Walk up from Karaköy, follow İstiklal Avenue, and come back down through the lanes of Cihangir. It is also the day for a visit chosen to suit your own tastes: a contemporary art museum, a hammam, or the Süleymaniye Mosque, often quieter than its neighbours and with a terrace over the Golden Horn.
For getting around, the tram that crosses the historic peninsula and the ferries cover most needs. Road traffic is slow at rush hour, and a twenty-minute journey on the map can take an hour by taxi. A rechargeable transport card, sold at stations, works on the tram, the metro and the boats.
The best seasons are spring and early autumn, when the days are mild and the light is clear on the water. Summer is hot and busy; winter is damp but calm and better value. Entry rules for Algerian passports can change, so check them with the consulate or on the official portal before booking.
Our Istanbul packages place the hotel in one of the neighbourhoods above, so that every day starts on foot. We can add a guide for the historic peninsula or a private Bosphorus cruise, and adapt the programme for a family trip.
Visa, health and entry rules change without notice: check them with the consulate or the official portal before you travel.
