4-day Istanbul classic
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus in four days.
4 daysFirst-timersBest: April–May, September–October
Last updated: 2025-03-15
Day 1 – Sultanahmet
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
Morning Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque (dress modestly). Afternoon Basilica Cistern. Evening around Sultanahmet.
Tips:
Mosques: remove shoes, women cover head. Buy museum pass for multiple sites.
Day 2 – Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar and Eminonu
Morning Grand Bazaar (haggle, have tea). Spice Bazaar and lunch by the water. Afternoon Galata Tower or cruise.
Tips:
Bazaar closed Sundays. Go early to avoid crowds.
Day 3 – Bosphorus and Asian side
- Bosphorus cruise
- Kadikoy or Uskudar
Half-day Bosphorus cruise. Afternoon in Kadikoy (market, cafés). Evening back in Sultanahmet or Taksim.
Tips:
Public ferry is cheap. Private cruises available from Eminonu.
Day 4 – Topkapi or last sights
- Topkapi Palace
- Last shopping or transfer
Morning Topkapi Palace (allow 3 hours). Last stroll and transfer to airport.
Tips:
IST airport: allow 1–1.5 hours from Sultanahmet by taxi or Havaist.
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you book or buy through our links. We only recommend products and services we believe in.