Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Istanbul?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Istanbul?
Most visitors spend three to seven days in Istanbul when visiting. The diverse city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the big city activities, and the food.
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of east and west. It's a major cosmopolitan city that has long been at the center of trade, culture, religion, and activity. The city is filled with beauty and historical sights that make it a world class travel destination. It attracts everyone from backpackers to high end luxury vacationers who appreciate the diversity and culture that flows through the city.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Istanbul? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Istanbul?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Istanbul. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Istanbul as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend a week in Istanbul
When visiting Istanbul, you absolutely can't miss the Blue Mosque as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The culinary scene in Istanbul is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class with Local Moms ($76)
- Istanbul Taste of Two Worlds Food Tour - Spice Market and Ferry ($135)
- Istanbul Traditional Food Tour with Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path ($134)
Istanbul is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
Istanbul is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Istanbul Camlica Tower: Private Entry, Transfer & Dine Choices ($37)
- Private Guided Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace with Skip Line ($52)
- ISTANBUL BEST : Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour ($150)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Clubs & Party Bus ($24)
The public transit in Istanbul is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Istanbul Old City Guided Walking Tour ($75)
- Half day Fener-Balat Walking Tour in Turkiye ($20)
- Istanbul Modern City - Galata & Pera & Taksim Guided Walking Tour ($76)
Istanbul is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Istanbul Old City Guided Walking Tour ($75)
- Half day Fener-Balat Walking Tour in Turkiye ($20)
- Istanbul Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus ($41)
Since Istanbul is such a large city, you can spend at least a day exploring the many neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. Break up visiting popular landmarks with the more authentic neighborhoods for shopping and dining. It is a city where there always seems to be people and activity coming and going. Boats of all sizes make their way down the Bosphorus and you really feel like you're at the center of a crossroads.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Yacht ($23)
- Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side ($58)
- Segway Istanbul Old City Tour - Morning ($58)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Istanbul is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping in Grand Bazaar with Personal Shopper ($60)
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar Shopping Tour ($87)
- Grand Bazaar Shopping Tour With Local Friends ($12)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Istanbul.
After you've explored most of Istanbul, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul ($208)
- Bursa City and Uludag Mountain Day Trip with Pick up & Cable Car ($27)
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul with Lunch and Guide ($179)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Istanbul is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Istanbul.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Istanbul?
Two weeks provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Istanbul at your own pace to browse through museums, browse around the old town, discover the big city activities, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Istanbul
How to spend 2 weeks in Istanbul
With 2 weeks in Istanbul, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, exploring the historic town, experiencing the city's neighborhoods, and dining at local restaurants. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul ($208)
- Bursa City and Uludag Mountain Day Trip with Pick up & Cable Car ($27)
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul with Lunch and Guide ($179)
- From Istanbul Cappadocia Day Trip with Flights and Lunch ($185)
- Ephesus Day Trip From Istanbul By Plane ($190)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Istanbul, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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