Istanbul itineraries

Old City in a Day

Hagia Sophia to a fish sandwich on Galata Bridge, all inside one walkable neighbourhood. One tram ride from the airport and you are in.

Two Hills, Two Days

Day one is the Sultanahmet hill and a hamam; day two runs from the bazaars over the bridge to Galata and İstiklal. Sleep in the Old City.

Two Continents, Three Days

From a Karaköy base: the Old City on day one, Bosphorus palaces and Asian-side Kadıköy on day two, the Golden Horn hills and Balat on day three. A ferry every day.

Festivals & seasons

• 1 — Winter low season
• 3 — Ramadan evenings
• 4 — Istanbul Tulip Festival
• 5 — Best walking weather
• 6 — Istanbul Music Festival (İKSV)
• 7 — Istanbul Jazz Festival (İKSV)
• 7 — SinemADA Film Festival
• 8 — High summer heat and crowds
• 8 — Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
• 9 — Akbank Jazz & Contemporary Istanbul
• 10 — Republic Day
• 11 — Istanbul Marathon

Souvenirs

• Lokum (Turkish delight)
• Ground Turkish coffee
• Spices, apple tea, dried fruit
• Evil-eye charms, ceramic bowls, lamps
• Peştemal hamam towels and olive-oil soap
• Baklava
• Leather goods and designer accessories
• Rosewater cosmetics and Mavi jeans