Best Things to do in Istanbul in just one day

If you’re wondering what to do in Istanbul in just one day, you’re in luck! One day is enough to see some of the best sights and experience unique activities. Istanbul is full of amazing places and activities so it can be easy to miss out on something important. Whether you’re in the city for business or are looking to get away for the day on a budget, here you will find the best list of things to do in Istanbul in just one day.

You’ll probably be short on time, so a great way to maximize the amount of fun packed into one day is to book a guided tour. That way, you can relax and let the tour guide plan and show you the best sights in Istanbul quickly and safely. A guided tour will help make your day as productive and enjoyable as possible, leading you straight to the important historical sites, stunning views and giving you first-hand experience with the local culture.

Top 10 Things To Do In Istanbul In Just One Day

1. Visit Sultanahmet Square – This large public square is packed full of history including the iconic Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome. You can take time to get up close to these monuments or book a guided tour and learn more about their backgrounds.

2. Step inside Grand Bazaar – This ancient market is full of life and a wide selection of different products. Shopping in the Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself and you can easily spend several hours relaxing and spending money on souvenirs.

3. Take a walk through the Spice Bazaar – Right next door to the Grand Bazaar is another colourful shopping area. You can find all sorts of spices, Turkish delight and other treats on offer here but the area also offers something else – stunning views of the river.

4. Explore Topkapi Palace – Known as one of the most visited places in Istanbul, Topakpi Palace houses numerous gardens and galleries full of rare artifacts. The palace was once the main residence of the Ottoman sultans and it is full of incredible stories – a visit here is well worth the time.

5. Admire Hagia Sophia – Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments and an absolute must-see for any traveler. Once a grand Byzantine-era church, it has now been transformed into one of the world’s most unique mosques – take time to marvel at its beauty and impressive interior.

6. Climb Galata Tower – For one of the best views out to sea, don’t miss taking a trip up Galata Tower. It stands tall above the city offering breathtaking views that you won’t forget. The tower offers some amazing photo opportunities!

7. Devour delicious street food – Istanbul’s street food options are plentiful and delicious! Your day doesn’t have to be full of expensive restaurants or pricey tourist traps to have a great time, so make sure to leave some time for sampling traditional Turkish dishes and sipping tea sprinkled with sugar from roadside cafes in amongst your sightseeing.

8. Visit Suleymaniye Mosque – Istanbul is full of remarkable religious buildings, but Suleymaniye Mosque is arguably one of the most impressive. It is beautifully decorated with stunning towers and creates an amazing backdrop for photos and memories.

9. Relax in Gülhane Park – There are plenty of spots around Istanbul where you can escape crowds, noisy traffic and crumbling monuments. Gülhane Park is one of them – it offers the perfect spot for relaxing outdoors whilst people-watching and admiring magnificent views out over the river.

10. Hop back across the water on a ferry – There are plenty of options when it comes to ferry services crossing both sides of the Bosporus river and one thing is certain: You won’t regret taking one of these rides! There are different services with different prices but they all offer amazing views along the way and an unbeatable view of both sides of Istanbul from atop a boat deck.
You can even visit the famous Maiden Tower with some ferry tours!

Conclusion

Istanbul has so much to offer, it would be impossible to cover it all in just one day but if you plan well (and book a guided tour), it’s possible to get everything done that you wanted! Have a look at our list above to help plan your perfect day trip – from shopping at the bazaars and eating delicious street food, to admiring ancient mosques and taking river cruises, you won’t be disappointed! Also don’t miss to check out GetYourGuide’s activity page for Istanbul for further tips and activities for your stay!