Dear travelers,

Welcome to Istanbul, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine come together to create an experience like no other. Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It’s a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions, with influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room – the age-old joke that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey. Spoiler alert: it’s not! Despite its importance, the capital city is actually Ankara. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s explore what you need to know before visiting Istanbul!

• The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more local establishments.
• Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, metro, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for public transport. Taxis are also widely available, but make sure to use licensed ones and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• When visiting mosques or religious sites, both men and women should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Scarves are often provided for women to cover their heads.

Day 1: Arrival and Sultanahmet Area

• Morning: Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel.

• Afternoon: Head to Sultanahmet Square, the heart of the Old City, and visit the iconic Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for nearly a millennium. With its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and grand architecture, it was considered one of the most magnificent churches in the world. In 1453, following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul), Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II. Islamic elements such as minarets and calligraphy were added to the building, blending Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. For centuries, Hagia Sophia remained a symbol of both Christian and Islamic faiths, witnessing numerous historical events and serving as a focal point for religious worship.

From 2024 visitors from foreign countries will be allowed to enter Hagia Sophia from a newly established temporary gate located across Sultan Ahmed III Fountain. The ticket booth is also located across from the Sultan Ahmed III Fountain. The ticket price is 25 € and it’s open from 09:00 am to 7:30 pm. The tickets can be purchased only from the ticket booth.

• Evening: Explore the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture. One of the most striking features of the Blue Mosque is its interior, adorned with thousands of hand-painted blue tiles that give the mosque its nickname. There is no entrance fee.
  After the visit of the Blue Mosque take a leisurely walk around Sultanahmet Square and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering Turkish cuisine.

Day 2: Historical Istanbul

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. It was built in the 15th century, it served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Topkapi Palace overlooks Istanbul’s Golden Horn (the harbor is shaped like a horn, separates the European side of Istanbul into two parts and forms a deep inlet of the Bosporus Strait). It’s open from 9h to 18h and it’s closed on Tuesdays. The combined ticket price is 1500 ₺ (42,83 €) for Topkapı Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene.

• Afternoon: Head to the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world’s largest covered markets, dating back to the 15th century. With over 4,000 shops offering a wide range of goods from textiles and ceramics to jewelry and spices, it’s a bustling hub of commerce and culture. Tip: Feel free to negotiate as prices can often be high.

• Evening: Take a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and famous landmarks from the water. The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Turkey. It serves as a vital waterway, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and dividing the city into two continents. You can opt for a dinner cruise for a memorable dining experience.

Day 3: Modern Istanbul

• Morning: Visit the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoğlu and walk down İstiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and galleries. From the iconic Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street lined with shops and historic buildings, to the historic Galata Tower offering panoramic views of the city, Beyoğlu is a hub of activity and culture.

• Afternoon: Explore Taksim Square. Surrounding the square are shops, hotels, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, making it a focal point of the city’s social and political life. One of the most prominent features of Taksim Square is the Republic Monument, a symbolic sculpture commemorating the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. Taksim Square is known for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the area comes alive with street performers, musicians, and vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.

• Later, continue your exploration by visiting Dolmabahçe Palace. Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent Ottoman-era palace built in the 19th century. Combining Turkish and European architectural styles, it served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It played a significant role in Turkish history, including hosting the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. It can be visited between 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM every day except Mondays and Thursdays (Closed) and the ticket price is 30 €.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants in Karaköy or Galata, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city.

If you have some extra time, visit Balat, a historic neighborhood located on the European side of Istanbul. It is known for its colorful streets, picturesque buildings, and rich cultural heritage.

Another noteworthy experience is witnessing the captivating performance of the Whirling Dervishes at Hodjapasha. Held in a historic 550-year-old hamam, this ceremony celebrates the spiritual tradition of Sufism through music, dance, and poetry. The dervishes’ graceful whirling, accompanied by traditional Turkish music, creates a transcendent atmosphere, providing insight into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices. It’s a must-see for visitors seeking a unique and unforgettable cultural experience in Istanbul.

And let’s not forget about the food! Turkish food is so yummy, with lots of spices and flavors. Plus, the people in Istanbul are really friendly and welcoming. Everywhere you go, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family.

Enjoy your trip to Istanbul! Teşekkür ederim (Thank you)!

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us

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