How to spend 4 days in Istanbul

🇹🇷 Istanbul Itinerary Overview – 4 Days of Culture, Beauty & Bosphorus Bliss 🚩 Sightseeing Route Explore Istanbul in layers—from its bustling squares and majestic mosques to island escapes and timeless waterways. This itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic experiences and delicious Turkish cuisine. ⸻ 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 📅 Day 1 – Heart of the City + Bosphorus Vibes • Taksim Square: Start your day in this lively hub. Walk along Istiklal Street for shops, street performances, and local snacks. • Bosphorus Boat Ride (from Beşiktaş): A heavenly 1-hour cruise with views of Europe and Asia, landmark bridges, and waterfront palaces. • Galata Tower: Climb for panoramic city views and catch the golden hour. 📅 Day 2 – History & Markets • Topkapi Palace & Museum: Explore Ottoman history, royal chambers, and stunning courtyards. • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in a maze of over 4,000 shops selling spices, carpets, jewelry, and Turkish delights. 📅 Day 3 – Spiritual Istanbul • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the intricate blue tiles and majestic domes. • Hagia Sophia: Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again—this is Istanbul’s crown jewel. • Basilica Cistern: Go underground to this mystical column-lined reservoir, featured in films like Inferno. 📅 Day 4 – Island Escape • Buyukada (Princes’ Island): A serene day trip. Rent a bike or walk through peaceful streets with no cars, just horse carriages and e-bikes. Enjoy seaside cafés and stunning views. ⸻ 🚇 Transportation • Public Transport: IstanbulKart gives access to trams, ferries, metro, and buses—affordable and efficient. • Taxi/Uber: Good for late-night travel or long distances; agree on the price or insist on using the meter. ⸻ 📷 Photo Spots • Galata Tower rooftop • Bosphorus cruise (sunset or sunrise) • Blue Mosque courtyard • Hagia Sophia interiors • Büyükada coastline and colorful houses ⸻ 🍜 Local Cuisine – Must-Try Eats • Kebabs at Şehzade Cağ Kebap or Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Taksim area) • Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich) near Eminönü pier • Meze & Raki dinner in a rooftop meyhane (e.g. Nevizade Street) • Künefe or Baklava at Hafız Mustafa or Karaköy Güllüoğlu • Simit & Turkish tea at a Bosphorus café ⸻ 🏠 Accommodation • Airbnb in Taksim Area: • Budget-friendly, central, and well-connected • Walking distance to Istiklal, metro lines, restaurants • Ideal for nightlife, shopping, and easy day trips via tram or ferry ⸻ 💡 Tips • Buy a local SIM card or eSIM for navigation and translations • Dress modestly when visiting mosques (bring a scarf for women, or the mosque will provide as well) • Always carry cash; some small shops/markets don’t accept cards and they offer discount if you use cash • Download BiTaksi or Martı app for local transport help • Try to visit Hagia Sophia early in the morning to avoid crowds, buy tickets online to skip ticket que