1 Day In Istanbul Itinerary – The Best Things to Do in 2024

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Now, keep reading to get detailed info and useful tips to execute this 24 hours in Istanbul itinerary!👇

Spending the night in Istanbul? Hotel Saint Sophia is the most convenient accommodation to follow this itinerary. Book your stay here.

Best Things to Do in Istanbul in 1 Day

Visiting Istanbul in one day is definitely challenging, but not impossible! To make the most of your short time there, I recommend starting your day at 8.30 am at the latest.

Also, be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothes that you can walk in because you’ll be on the move all day. And don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle with you.

Enjoy your day!

Tip: Consider the Istanbul Tourist Pass based on how many attractions you plan to visit. With free entry to over 100 spots in the city, including skip-the-line access, guided tours, and more, it could be a budget-friendly choice. The price varies depending on the period of validity – check it out here.

1. Try the traditional Turkish breakfast, with a view!

So if you’re visiting Istanbul in a day only, don’t miss the chance to try the traditional Turkish breakfast – it’s a real treat!

I hope you wake up hungry in the morning because it’s hearty. Locally known as Kahvalti, it’s a savory meal made up of several specialties such as kasar cheese, olives, suçuk, honey (bal kaymak), fresh veggies, bread, and Menemen, a delicious egg casserole with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
 

 
Tradition calls for washing it all down with the famous çay (black tea), but if you’re a coffee addict like me, Turkish coffee is always a delicious option.

You’ll find places serving Kahvalti just about everywhere in the city. Next to Hagia Sophia, the Seven Hills Restaurant offers a superb breakfast with a breathtaking view of the mosque. Mado is another great option less than 5 minutes walk away.
 

2. Step into Hagia Sophia

Let’s start with one of Turkey’s most iconic symbols, and personally, my favorite mosque in Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
 

 
Built in the early 6th century, it started as a church and later transformed into a mosque nearly a thousand years later when the Ottoman Empire took over the city. This mix of influences is what gives Hagia Sophia its unique look, blending the features of a Christian church with those of a mosque.

The mosque is freely accessible outside prayer hours. It’s one of the most popular monuments, so try to get there as early as possible to avoid the queues and crowds of tourists inside.

To enter any mosque, appropriate dress is required for all (shoulders and legs covered) and women must cover their heads. At Hagia Sophia, scarves are provided free of charge at the entrance if needed. Also, you need to take off your shoes before accessing to the carpeted interior.

3. Explore Topkapi Palace

Just a short stroll from Hagia Sophia lies one of the country’s most stunning places, Topkapi Palace.
 

 
This massive palace, built in the 15th century, was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for 4 centuries and reveals all the beauty of Ottoman architecture. Converted into a museum in 1924, you can visit the armory, the imperial treasury, the gardens, the harem, and several more sections.

The palace is so large that visiting it alone could easily take up half a day! Be sure to manage your time wisely so you have plenty left for the rest of your day’s plans.

4. Visit the Blue Mosque

Right across from Hagia Sophia at Sultanahmet Square, you’ll find the grand Blue Mosque. It’s Istanbul’s biggest mosque and the only one in the city with 6 minarets!
 

 
Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, it’s impressive both inside and out. It was built by architect Sinan in the 17th century on the model of Hagia Sophia and is famous for its blue mosaics and architectural style inspired by Byzantine churches.

With its 13 domes, the Blue Mosque has a majestic look that’s perfect for snapping photos. Just like its neighbor, it’s a hot spot for tourists, so be ready for a bit of a crowd.

Read more: Top tips to know before traveling Turkey

5. Lunch break

Time for lunch after a busy morning of sightseeing! You’ll have plenty of choice in Istanbul’s historic district.

After the big Turkish breakfast, I suggest a lunch break on the go. You’ll see lots of little red carts selling Turkish street food everywhere, and this is the perfect chance to sample simit, those little Turkish bagel-like buns, filled or plain, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
 

 
If you’d rather sit down for lunch, you’ll find plenty of restaurants around serving up a variety of local specialties. Simply enter the one that whets your appetite!
 

6. Visit the Basilica Cistern

One of the coolest things you’ll come across in Istanbul is below ground: the Basilica Cistern.
 

 
This massive underground cistern, stretching 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, dates back to Byzantine times and was created to store the city’s water supply.

Check out its 336 impressive columns, dipping in the water, all lit up by a gentle red glow. With water droplets in the background, it creates a scene that’s both mystical and romantic.

7. Shop at the Grand Bazaar

Your one day trip in Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Grand Bazaar, just a quick 10-minute stroll from the Basilica Cistern. It’s not just any market, it’s the world’s biggest covered market, giving you a real immersion into local life.
 

 
Inside, the Grand Bazaar is neatly organized by district, each dedicated to different crafts like clothes, carpets, mosaics, and jewelry. And unlike popular belief, it’s not a tourist trap as locals do come here to shop too.

Be careful, however, to check the authenticity of products, as you may come across fakes and poor-quality products, and don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
 

8. Take in the views from Suleymaniye Mosque

Let’s discover the last mosque of the day and not the least, the Suleymaniye Mosque. It’s one of the most stunning mosques in the city, yet surprisingly, not many tourists make their way there.
 

 
Built on a hillside in the 16th century by the famous architect Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent, this mosque is in fact much more than a place of worship. It’s a whole complex of buildings with a hospital, a kitchen, a Koranic school, public baths, and more.

But what really makes this mosque a must-see is the wonderful view it offers of its domes and the Golden Horn from its gardens.
 

9. Cross Galata Bridge

After your visit to Suleymaniye Mosque, take a stroll across the Bosphorus through Istanbul’s famous Galata Bridge.
 

 
First built back in the 19th century, the current Galata Bridge is actually the fifth one standing in this spot. It’s a 2-storey bridge, with restaurants and bars on the first level and cars, balik ekmek (fish sandwich) vendors, and locals who love to come here to fish on the second.

Whether it’s day or night, the vibe here is lively and popular. You can kick back, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch boats cruising up and down the river.
 

10. Watch the sunset from the Galata Tower

On the other side of the river are the Galata and Karakoy districts, where you’ll find the famous Galata Tower offering a breathtaking panoramic view of all of Istanbul.
 

 
This 66-meter-high observation tower, designed by the Genoese in the mid-14th century, was first used to watch incoming ships, then turned into a prison, and later transformed into an astrological observation tower. In the 1960s, it was renovated and a restaurant and auditorium were added on the top floor.

Sunset is the best time of day to climb the tower, but it’s very crowded so be ready for a bit of a wait as it can get pretty crowded. But trust me, it’s worth it!

11. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosporus

A cruise on the Bosphorus is the best way to get an overview of Istanbul and discover both the European and Asian sides.
 

 
As you sail along the riverbanks, you’ll get a glimpse of two different sides of Istanbul, with stunning palaces and historic buildings lining the water’s edge.

Several types of cruises are available, but my top pick is the 3-hour sunset cruise where you’ll be served a Turkish dinner and enjoy a show of traditional dances.

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How to Get Around Istanbul in One Day

Istanbul boasts an extensive and well-developed public transport network including subways, trams, buses, funiculars, and ferries. Now, for this Istanbul 1 day itinerary, you’ll only need to hop on the tram occasionally because the rest can be easily covered on foot.

To use all of the city’s transportation, you need to purchase an Istanbulkart. It’s a card that you can buy and top up at vending machines in metro and tram stations, as well as at kiosks. It costs 70 TRY (2,2€), and you can charge as much as you like, starting at 6 TRY (0,19€). One trip costs 15 TRY (0,48€).

Of course, there are cabs everywhere in Istanbul, recognizable by their yellow color, and they’re a budget-friendly way to get around compared to many other European cities. Just make sure the taximeter is switched on before you get in.

Tip: I strongly recommend having an internet connexion when getting around Istanbul, either on foot or public transport. If you don’t have an international phone plan, the best option is Pocket Wi-Fi, especially if you’re traveling in a group. It’s a little device that allows several smartphones or PCs connect to the internet simultaneously. If you’re traveling alone, getting an eSIM is is the budget-friendly way to go.

Where to Stay in Istanbul for One Night

Spending one night in Istanbul? Look no further, here are the most convenient accommodations to follow this itinerary, which are either close to Hagia Sophia (Fatih area) or Dolmabahçe Palace (Beyoğlu area).

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Saint Sophia: hosted in a 19th-century building only 5 min from the metro station, this beautiful hotel offers large comfy rooms (kudos to the bathroom!) and exceptional views of Hagia Sophia.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Union Hotel Port: close to Taksim Square and Dolmabahçe Palace, this place offers fantastic value for money. Rooms are lovely and well-decorated, and some units even have a balcony.

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul: this wonderful 5-star hotel provides you with a full immersion into the Turkish culture! The traditional decoration is simply outstanding and the rooms are large and comfy. But the highlight is without a doubt the spa!
 

FAQ & Tips About How to Spend a Day in Istanbul

Is 1 day enough for Istanbul?

Spending 1 day in Istanbul gives you an overview of the city and is enough to visit the most famous monuments, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. But a single day really isn’t enough if you want to discover it properly. The city is huge, spanning Europe and Asia, with attractions everywhere, diverse neighborhoods, and a feast of food delights. So if possible, consider extending your stay to at least 3 days, preferably 4 days or 5, to leave Istanbul with no regrets!

However, I’ve fallen so hard for Istanbul that I’d say spending a day there is better than none at all. So even if you only have one day, go for it, Istanbul is worth it! 
 

Is it possible to exit the airport during a layover in Istanbul?

Absolutely! You’re free to step out of the airport on a layover in Istanbul, just make sure you’ve got a valid visa.

Most European travelers are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for 90 days. But other travelers, such as US citizens, are required to apply for a visa. Check whether you need one or not here.
 

When is the best time for a one day tour in Istanbul?

The best time to tour Istanbul is during spring (April to June) and from late summer to fall (end of September to November). Temperatures are mild, perfect to wander the city all day long, and there are fewer crowds.
 

What else can I do with a little over 24 hours in Istanbul?

If you have a little more than a day in Istanbul and can add a few activities, I highly recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace, the Fener and Balat districts, or Istanbul Archaeological Museums, depending on what you’re into.

Speaking from my own experience, I loved strolling around Dolmabahçe. That’s my top pick for you, though it’s quite a lengthy visit, so not sure if you can fit it into your schedule.

Complete your spare time in Istanbul thanks to this 2 days in itinerary guide now!

Is Istanbul safe?

Throughout my stay in Istanbul, I felt perfectly safe. Coming from Paris, I could see the difference! The locals are incredibly welcoming and readily approachable if you ever need assistance. But as everywhere you travel, and especially in big cities, always be careful with your personal belongings, and watch out for unusual or suspicious approaches.

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I hope you got everything you need to visit Istanbul in 1 day through this post. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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