At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a fascinating city brimming with treasures. Once the nerve center of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it was also known as Byzantium and Constantinople. This rich history can be discovered along the Bosphorus, as well as in its fascinating museums. With its breathtaking heritage, lively neighborhoods, generous cuisine and rejuvenating hammams, you can be sure that a stay in Istanbul will make you want to come back again and again. Here are a few tips for a 3- or 4-day getaway in the former capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Day 1: Hagia Sophia Basilica, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, Beyoglu district...
Morning: Basilica of Saint Sophia, Sultanahamet district
Istanbul, one of the 11 destinations where you can get away from it all without taking a plane, is home to a rich heritage, such as the Basilica of Saint Sophia (we recommend that you book in advance for this guided tour of the Blue Mosque and Saint Sophia, including entrance tickets) The day begins with a visit to this edifice, whose construction began in the 6th century. Transformed into a mosque and fortified over the course of its history, the interior reveals a thousand and one marvels, including magnificent mosaics of coloured stone, gold and silver. Did you know that this monument is one of the world' s top 10 lucky traditions, and can relieve migraines? The Sultanhamet district is the perfect place to stroll and admire majestic buildings dating back centuries. Now's the time to step inside the Great Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's 19 must-sees, magnificently decorated and radiating across the city with its domes and minarets.
Afternoon: Topkapi Palace, Beyoglu district, Galata Bridge
After lunch in Sultanhamet, we discover another of Istanbul's superb monuments, Topkapi Palace(remember to book your guided tour right here to avoid the wait at the entrance). It's one of the 10 most beautiful palaces and castles in the world. The heart of the Ottoman Empire for almost 4 centuries, it houses richly decorated rooms and other treasures that take us back to the days of the sultans. We leave with a sparkle in our eyes, heading for the Beyoglu district, Istanbul's cultural center. After a coffee in one of the trendy bars, we indulge in a spot of shopping in the vintage boutiques, then make our way to the foot of the Galata Tower. In fact, it's under the Galata Bridge that we head for an evening meal of Turkish specialties.
Day 2: Grand Bazaar, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Asian bank and the Kadiköy district...
Morning: Grand Bazaar and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
Istanbul isn't one of Europe's top destinations for a weekend with friends for nothing! We start our second day on Istanbul's European side at the Grand Bazaar, one of the 10 most colorful markets in the world. This covered market is home to 4,000 stores, and it's quite simple: you'll find everything here. Clothes, jewelry, carpets, crockery, silverware and much more. The atmosphere, a mix of East and West, is very pleasant, and you'll love smelling the smells and hearing the range of languages spoken. It's the perfect place to find a souvenir and stop for tea with one of the merchants. We continue with a cultural moment at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (you can book your guided tour in just a few clicks here). The 40,000 objects on display offer a wonderful insight into the daily life of Turks through the ages. When art and history meet!
Afternoon: Asian shore and Kadiköy district, cruise on the Bosphorus
We then head off for lunch on the Asian bank, a must-see part of the Turkish city to discover its many facets. In a quieter, yet cosmopolitan atmosphere, we stroll through the streets of the Kadiköy district and observe local life. You can spend your time shopping, and it's also the ideal place to stop for a coffee over Turkish pastries. Food lovers can continue with a stroll through the Moda district, home to some excellent cafés and gourmet stores. This second day ends with an unforgettable dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. Take advantage of our partner's special rates by booking this dinner cruise right here ! A gentle, gourmet way to slow down time and admire the splendors of the European and Asian shores of Istanbul, one of the top 10 cities to discover in Europe without taking a plane.
Day 3: Suleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Balat district and hammam...
Morning: Suleymaniye Mosque and Basilica Cistern
The Suleymaniye Mosque is another of Istanbul's wonders. A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, with many Islamic and Byzantine elements. After taking time to contemplate the exterior, head inside to discover its decorations, including calligraphy, colorful stained glass and intricate tiles. The Basilica Cistern is the other place we visit this morning. This model of Byzantine engineering, which was used to supply water, is located underground. A moment out of time, with subdued lighting and background music.
Afternoon: Balat district, hammam and traditional dances
Balat isIstanbul's old Jewish quarter. Many Jewish and Greek Orthodox families live here. A stroll along its cobbled streets and alleys is a delight, with many historic buildings, churches and synagogues. It's also the place to go for great photos. You'll find many colorful houses, yellow, pink, blue, orange and green. Balat is also a great place to shop in vintage boutiques and stop for a drink in comforting surroundings. Another day of walking. There's nothing like soothing aching muscles in an Istanbul hammam. There are a number of historic Turkish baths in the city, with their exotic decor, where you can relieve tension and relieve stress. The third day can be rounded off with a dance performance at the Sema Mevlevi ceremony at the HodjaPasha cultural center, where you can watch dancers and whirling dervishes: go here to reserve your place!
There's no doubt that if you love Istanbul, you'll want to discover these places, which are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean!
Day 4: Istanbul Archaeological Museum and Gülhane Park
Morning: Istanbul Archaeological Museum
This museum houses one of the world's richest collections of antiquities. You can book a guided tourhere. It's a must-see to admire its vast collection of sarcophagi, including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, a stunning collection of oriental art, as well as numerous ceramics and jewels. It's a museum that's sometimes overlooked by the major tourist circuits, and that's a shame, because it reveals marvels from other times.
Afternoon: Last stroll in Gülhane Park
This park is very well located, right in the heart of the historic center of Istanbul, one of the 10 cities with the oldest subways in the world. A last picnic can be planned here. The area closest to the sea offers beautiful views of the Asian shore. Gülhane Park is shaded by tall trees and boasts pretty flowerbeds. A beautiful green setting in which to conclude these 4 days rich in discoveries.
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Where to stay in Istanbul for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Istanbul is one of those budget vacation destinations with awide range of hotels to suit all budgets .
- For an atmosphere of a thousand and one nights :
Located in the historic heart of Istanbul, the Sultanhan Hotel boasts a magnificent Ottoman-inspired décor, from the lobby to the rooms, which you can book right here. Its terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink, with a magnificent view of the city and the Bophore. Plus, there's a sauna and hammam where you can indulge in a moment of relaxation between two visits.
- For quality of service:
The Yasmak Sultan Hotel offers spacious rooms decorated in light tones. Rooms range from singles to suites. As well as being conveniently located in the heart of Sirkeçi, the hotel offers services to make your stay as comfortable as possible: restaurant, fitness room, Turkish baths, sauna, massages, currency exchange, meeting room, etc. An address to remember, which you can book right here.
- For the slightly offbeat
The façade of the Hypnos Design Hotel is contemporary, and each room is uniquely decorated in an original, slightly offbeat atmosphere. The comforts are there, and you'll appreciate the proximity to some of the city's must-see sites, such as Hagia Sophia Basilica, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Click here to book your stay!
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