1 Day Itinerary for Istanbul, Turkey

In this 1 Day itinerary of Istanbul, Turkey, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting city. Explore the wonders of Istanbul, Turkey, in just one day with my introductory itinerary. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting city and maximise your adventure.

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Breakfast – Taksim Square

For your 1 Day Itinerary of Istanbul, Turkey, start with breakfast in Taksim Square. Perhaps you will want a more healthy breakfast than mine that consisted of caramel cheesecake and Turkish Delight (Lokumlar) in three different flavours. Very naughty! Taksim Square was a lively place with some tourists and Istanbullians going about their business. I had my ‘breakfast’ at a café that was established in 1864. Wow! 

Best Time to go

BEST TIME TO GO Spring, spanning from April to May, and autumn, covering September to October, offer the ideal conditions for a visit to Istanbul with pleasant and sunny weather. April marks the city-wide Tulip Festival, adorning parks and green areas with vibrant bulbs. However, summers bring hot and humid weather, prompting many locals to escape to the southern beaches, yet the lively nightlife comes to life as the air cools down. In winter, Istanbul takes on a more sombre and evocative ambiance with gray skies and rainy days.

Taksim Square, located at the heart of Istanbul, stands as a symbol of the city’s vibrant energy and dynamic history. Surrounded by a bustling array of shops, hotels, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, the square is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. It has witnessed countless historic events and remains a central hub for social and political gatherings, showcasing the beating heart of Istanbul’s cosmopolitan spirit. At the square’s centre stands the Monument of the Republic, an iconic symbol representing the birth of the Turkish Republic, making Taksim Square not only a geographical center but a cultural and historical focal point of this magnificent city.

Istiklal Caddesi

Head down Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street) which is a pedestrian thoroughfare. Unfortunately I did spot a Burger King, MacDonalds and Pizza Hut – what a shame. There were many well known brand name shops and I browsed for awhile.  This is a great shopping opportunity. Istiklal Caddesi, a bustling and vibrant pedestrian street in Istanbul, is a must-visit destination for you while exploring the city. Lined with an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, cafes, and historic landmarks, this iconic avenue offers a delightful sensory experience. As I walked down the thoroughfare trams passed me and a Call to Prayer sounded from the local Mosque.

Istiklal Caddesi is not just a shopping district; it’s a cultural journey, where you can immerse yourself in Istanbul’s diverse atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and admire the city’s unique blend of East and West. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a shopaholic or simply in search of the perfect Turkish delight, Istiklal Caddesi promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Istanbul.

Lunch and the Galata Tower

Soon it will be time for lunch. Call into one of the many restaurants along Istiklal or the laneways off it. Yummy Halloumi was on the menu for me at a lovely little restaurant in a laneway off Istiklal. For a list of restaurants in the area try the Yummy Istanbul website. After lunch continue your trek and you will soon come to the Galata Tower. This is a pleasant place sit down in a rest area next to the tower. As always be aware of your surroundings. As I was preoccupied watching a family of ginger cats deal with a black cat intruder, I felt someone touch my hair. I turned to see a man behind me taking his hand away from my hair. Ooh creepy! I moved away quickly and back onto the street.

Üsküdar

The area between Galata Tower and the water had many music stores (selling instruments) and some arts and craft stores. At the Galata Bridge you can either cross the bridge by foot or take a ferry ride. I decided on the later and jumped on a boat that went to a place called Üsküdar. I had no idea where that was but it sounded nice so I went with the flow (so to speak). It turned out to be on the Asian side of Istanbul (across the Bosphorus).

A Place to Chill

Istanbul is, of course, famous for being a city that is located in two continents; Europe and Asia. It was a good choice, I really loved the serene character of this side of the river and highly recommend it as a reprieve from the busy areas of Istanbul. So find a spot to sit, relax and unwind a little.

Üsküdar, a district nestled on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the city’s culture and history. Known for its serene atmosphere and rich heritage, Üsküdar is a blend of old-world charm and contemporary life. The area boasts historic mosques, including the iconic Şemsi Pasha Mosque, picturesque waterfronts perfect for a leisurely stroll, and bustling markets where you can taste traditional Turkish delights. With the stunning view of the European side of Istanbul across the Bosphorus and its peaceful ambiance, Üsküdar offers a welcome respite from the bustling pace of the city, making it a must-visit for those seeking a more tranquil and cultural experience in Istanbul.

I spent a couple of hours doing pretty much nothing but people and cat watching. By the way you will notice a lot of street cats in Istanbul (and other areas of Turkey). Cats have a very special place in society in Turkey and many people look after these cats making sure they are fed.

Head back and catch a ferry back to the European side. Check out the Grand Bazaar but make sure you check which days it is open before you head that way. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul stands as one of the world’s largest and most ancient covered markets, bustling with artisans and merchants occupying 60 streets and over 4000 shops. Explore a plethora of offerings, including traditional Turkish carpets, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and much more. Don’t miss the experience of sitting down, enjoying a cup of tea and engaging in the age-old art of haggling. The Grand Bazaar is open from 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. If you find yourself in Istanbul on a Sunday head to the Spice Bazaar as an alternative.

A Note about Istanbul

A NOTE ABOUT ISTANBUL Although Istanbul holds the title of Turkey’s largest city, it’s essential to note that the capital is actually Ankara, situated in central Anatolia. However, the presence of grand palaces along the Bosphorus, remnants of Istanbul’s past as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, can easily give the opposite impression. While official political affairs unfold in Ankara, Istanbul exudes an aura that makes it feel like the heart and centre of the world.

I also want to mention driving in Istanbul. I didn’t do any myself but even a ride in a taxi can rival any rollercoaster. In one particular taxi ride there were men carrying carpets who darted across in front of the car, countless buses that decided they liked our lane better (and I use the word lane very loosely) and who knew a car could even fit between two buses like that. All this at seemingly a break neck speed in peak hour traffic.

Dinner in Harbiye

Harbiye, a lively neighborhood situated in the heart of Istanbul. It offers a captivating blend of cultural richness and modern urban flair. Known for its historic charm and vibrant arts scene, Harbiye is dotted with theatres, galleries and concert halls, making it a hub for artistic expression and creativity. The area is also renowned for its lush Maçka Park, a green oasis amidst the city where locals and visitors gather to relax and enjoy nature. With its eclectic mix of trendy cafes, chic boutiques7 and an electric nightlife, Harbiye offers you a taste of Istanbul’s contemporary cultural pulse.

Dinner was at the restaurant of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Harbiye. This was a ‘splash out’ hotel for me at the end of the Turkey leg (no pun intended) of my trip. I ate the Meze, which I was destined to eat because my nickname is Mezz. It is a Turkish Platter – a little like tapas. This one had hummus, a spicy rice dip, and two vegetable selections, one which was carrots and celery and the other marinated green beans. They were very nice indeed. The Crowne Plaza in Harbiye was the best hotel I stayed in Turkey – I felt very pampered.

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Sunset over Istanbul

Sunset over Istanbul can be stunning, so don’t miss the photo opportunity. I have to say that Turkey is one of my favourite places I have been to. As a solo traveller it was a lot of fun. I will miss the Turkish smiling faces, crazy driving, persistent sexy (and some not so sexy) men and wonderful history. Goodbye Turkey.

Important Facts

IMPORTANT FACTS TIME: Turkey’s time zone is GMT+3 year-round, and is also called TRT (Turkey Time). CURRENCY: Turkish Lira (TL) LANGUAGE: Turkish I don’t speak Turkish: Türkçe bilmiyorum. I’m lost: Kayboldum Can I have…?: …alabilirmiyim? Where is…?: … nerede? CALLING CODE: +90 CAPITAL CITY: Ankara

Other Important Information

TOPKAPI PALACE | HAGIA SOPHIA & BASILICA CISTERN | THE BLUE MOSQUE Please check my three other highly important posts on Istanbul attractions: Topkapi Palace – which you absolutely do not want to miss Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern – so beautiful! The Blue Mosque – one of the most important sites to visit in Istanbul