How many days do you need in Istanbul?

If it’s your first time in Istanbul, figuring out how long to stay can feel a bit overwhelming. This is the kind of city that works whether you’re packing your days full or taking it slow, just in different ways. This guide goes beyond the usual tourist spots to help you figure out not just how many days to spend but how to actually spend them. Because with a city this layered, it’s not just about ticking off sights. But how many days in Istanbul should you spend? 

How many days do you need to see Istanbul

This city is huge—15 million people spread across 2,063 square miles and two continents. It can be a lot to wrap your head around. You can hit the major sights in two days if you’re moving fast, but it’s worth thinking about the time of year before locking in your plans.

If you’re going to Turkey in summer (June–August), give yourself extra time. The crowds are intense and the heat is no joke—lines at top attractions can triple in length, and you’ll probably want to duck out of the sun for a few hours each afternoon. Winter’s a different story. You’ll be able to get around quickly, but snow and storms do happen, so it’s smart to leave room for delays just in case.

For most people, 3–4 days is a solid amount of time in the city. That said, it really depends on your bigger plans—if you’re also heading elsewhere in Turkey, you might adjust. If you're not sure how to structure your trip, our guide to how to plan a trip to Turkey is a great start. 
 

2 days in Istanbul

With just 48 hours, your best bet is to stick to the historical peninsula (Sultanahmet) and nearby neighborhoods. It’ll save you time getting around and make the most of your stay. No matter how many days in Istanbul you have, there are some sights that cannot be missed. 

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Start your first day at Hagia Sophia when it opens. The building’s been standing for over 1,500 years and has been both a church and a mosque, so you’ll see elements from both woven into its massive, echoing interior. 

Just across the square is the Blue Mosque. It’s one of the few mosques with six minarets, and the inside is covered with over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. It’s still a working mosque, so you might need to time your visit between prayer hours.

For lunch, head to Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a no-frills spot that’s been serving grilled köfte and beans since the 1920s. It’s fast, filling, and just a short walk away.

After lunch, cool off in the Basilica Cistern. This underground reservoir is dimly lit and lined with marble columns, two of which sit on mysterious Medusa heads.

After that, make your way to Topkapı Palace, which was home to the Ottoman sultans for centuries. The Treasury’s a highlight, especially the Spoonmaker’s Diamond—86 carats and completely over the top.

Wrap up with seafood at Balıkçı Sabahattin, set in a restored wooden house. After dinner, stroll through the quiet Hippodrome and its ancient Roman relics.
 

Day 2

For a second day, begin at the Grand Bazaar, a 15th-century labyrinth of 61 covered streets containing over 4,000 shops. The market has survived earthquakes and fires throughout its history.

Next, visit Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of the Ottoman architect Sinan. Unlike the Blue Mosque, its interior uses subtle ivory and pink stone rather than tiles, creating an atmosphere of serene spaciousness. 

For lunch, head to Pandeli, tucked above the entrance to the Spice Market. It’s been around for ages, with turquoise tiles and classic Turkish dishes. The Spice Market downstairs is worth a look too—smaller than the Grand Bazaar and full of stalls selling spices, teas, nuts, and sweets, it's one of the best things to do in Istanbul.

From there, hop on the Tünel funicular. It’s only about a minute ride, but it’s one of the oldest underground railways in the world. It drops you off at the bottom of İstiklal Avenue, a long pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Beyoğlu. It’s always busy—shops, cafés, old buildings, side streets to wander down.

To end your day, grab a table at a meyhane like Asmalı Cavit. These spots are all about shared small plates (meze), fresh bread, and rakı—the anise-flavored drink that turns cloudy when mixed with water (a must-try no matter how many days in Istanbul you have).
 

3 days in Istanbul

With an extra day, you’ve got time to slow down a bit—explore the Bosphorus and check out the Asian side without rushing.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

Start the day with a Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü. It’s a good way to get a feel for how Istanbul is laid out—the city literally stretches across two continents.

You can hop off near Ortaköy and spend a little time walking around. The mosque there sits right by the water and appears to float from certain angles. For lunch, head to Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası. They keep the day’s catch on ice out front so you can see what’s fresh and choose something that looks good.

In the afternoon, take the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side. The commuter ferries have operated continuously since 1846, even during wartime. 

Once you’re in Kadıköy, check out the food market. It’s full of energy—pickle shops stacked with colorful jars, places selling honey still in the comb, and plenty of spots to grab a snack. If you’re up for a bit more walking, head over to Moda. You’ll find a lot of great places to sit with a tea.

For dinner, try Çiya Sofrası. It’s known for regional dishes from all over Turkey, and the menu changes a lot. You’ll probably run into a few things you haven’t seen before.
 

4 days in Istanbul

With four days in Istanbul, you’ve got enough time to slow down a bit and explore some neighborhoods beyond the usual sights.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start your last day at the Chora Church, tucked away in the city’s western districts. It’s known for its detailed Byzantine mosaics and frescoes—many were hidden under plaster during the Ottoman era and uncovered in the 1940s.
From there, head over to Fener and Balat. These old neighborhoods sit side by side and are easy to explore on foot. They were home to Greek and Jewish communities for centuries, and you’ll still see traces of that today. 

When you’re ready for lunch, Asitane is a good stop nearby. The restaurant focuses on historical Ottoman recipes pulled from old palace records, so you’ll likely try dishes you haven’t seen before—maybe something like melon stuffed with meat, cinnamon, and pine nuts.
In the afternoon, take the short cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill. There’s a café at the top where you can sit for a bit and take in the view over the Golden Horn.

Once you’re hungry again, I would head to Karaköy Lokantas, a well-known restaurant in Istanbul located in a beautifully restored former bank. Afterwards, pop into a café or dessert spot—somewhere like Karaköy Güllüoğlu, one of the city’s most famous baklava shops. It stays open late!
 

Best areas to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul sits across two continents, split by the Bosphorus Strait. The European side is home to most of the major sights, while the Asian side has a more local, lived-in feel. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, and no matter how many days in Istanbul you have, where you stay can really shape your experience. Here is a quick list of some favorites, but for a more thorough look, see our guide to the best area to stay in Istanbul. 

Sultanahmet: Best for first-time visitors

Sultanahmet is the historic heart of the city and a good base if you want to be close to the major sights. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern are all within a short walk of each other. During the day, it’s full of tour groups, but in the evening it quiets down and the monuments are lit up, which makes walking around feel pretty special. Most places to stay here are smaller hotels, and prices are usually a bit higher than in other parts of town.

Kadıköy: Best for families

Kadıköy is across the water on the Asian side, and it’s a comfortable spot for families. It’s less busy than the tourist-heavy areas, and the streets are easy to walk. You’ll find parks, wide sidewalks, and plenty of space for kids to move around. There are good ferry and metro connections to the rest of the city, and the neighborhood feels more residential. Yoğurtçu Park is a popular green space, and the local market streets are full of fresh produce, snacks, and street food. There are also lots of casual restaurants where kids are welcome, and you won’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.

Karaköy: Best for a trendy stay

Karaköy sits at the base of Galata Hill and has gone through a lot of change in recent years. It still has a bit of its old docklands feel, but now it’s mixed in with newer cafés, bars, galleries, and street food stalls. The area is a bit rough around the edges in places, but that’s part of its charm. There’s a mix of traditional and modern here, and the views across the Golden Horn are hard to beat—especially from rooftops. It’s also easy to get around from here, with quick access to ferries, trams, and the funicular.
 

Things to know before going to Istanbul

Istanbul sits across Europe and Asia, and the city reflects that mix in a lot of ways—food, culture, neighborhoods. You’ll need to get an eVisa online before you arrive. It’s simple to do and makes things easier at the airport.

When visiting mosques, dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Most mosques will have extras at the entrance, but it’s easier to have your own.

Istanbul’s weather shifts a lot by season. Summers (June to August) can get very hot, while winters (December to February) are cold and occasionally snowy. Spring and autumn tend to be the most comfortable for walking around. See more about the weather in our guide to the best time to visit Turkey. 

Daily budget

Compared to cities like Athens, Bucharest, or Budapest, Istanbul is pretty affordable overall, especially when it comes to food and transport. 

• Budget (₺800–₺1,500 / $25–$45 per day): You can get by on this if you’re staying in hostels or simple guesthouses, eating at lokantas (local diners), and sticking to public transport. The Istanbul Card makes getting around cheaper, and you can visit a lot of major mosques for free.
• Mid-range (₺1,500–₺3,000 / $45–$90 per day): This covers a more comfortable stay—think small hotels or apartments with private bathrooms—plus meals at restaurants serving traditional Turkish dishes, entrance fees to main attractions like Topkapı Palace or Hagia Sophia, and the occasional taxi or ferry ride.
• Luxury (₺3,000+ / $90+ per day): With a bigger budget, you can book a hotel with a Bosphorus view, eat at rooftop restaurants, take guided tours, and spend time at a hamam. There’s also room for things like sunset cruises and shopping in more upscale parts of the city.

How to get around

Getting around Istanbul is pretty straightforward once you figure out how everything connects. The Istanbulkart is your best friend here—it’s a reloadable card that works on pretty much everything: metros, trams, ferries, funiculars, and buses.

The metro is efficient and hits most major neighborhoods. Trams are especially useful if you’re exploring the historic parts of the city like Sultanahmet. Ferries are a great way to cross between the European and Asian sides—they’re not just practical; they’re also a nice way to take a break.

Buses fill in the gaps where the rail system doesn’t go, but they can be packed during peak times. Taxis are everywhere, but you’ll want to make sure the driver uses the meter. It helps to have your destination written down in Turkish just to keep things simple.

In older areas like Sultanahmet, walking usually makes the most sense. Driving yourself isn’t really worth it—traffic is chaotic and parking is expensive and hard to find. See more in our guide to getting around Turkey.

How to get to Istanbul

Istanbul has two airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is on the European side and handles most international flights. From there, it usually takes 45 to 90 minutes to reach the city, depending on traffic. Havaist buses are a solid budget option, or you can take a taxi if you prefer less hassle.

Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is smaller and on the Asian side. It’s mostly for domestic and low-cost flights. Travel time into the main tourist areas is longer from there, but the airport itself runs smoothly.

If you’re coming overland, there are overnight trains from cities like Sofia and Bucharest that arrive at Halkalı station. From there, you’ll need to transfer to get into the city. In summer, there are also ferry connections from some Greek islands.
Generally, IST is more convenient if you're staying near the historic center, but SAW can be cheaper.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

If you're in the middle of the madness that is planning a trip, see our guides for help. The Rough Guide to Turkey is full of expert tips and suggestions. Our sample itineraries are also a great place to start:

• Turkey itinerary: Our favorite way to spend a trip in Turkey, with lots of great information from local travel experts.
• 7 days Turkey itinerary: One week in Turkey to explore Istanbul, visit ancient sites, relax by the coast, and end with caves and balloons in Cappadocia.
• 10 days Turkey itinerary: From Istanbul’s city streets to ancient Ephesus, Pamukkale’s white terraces, Antalya’s coast, and Cappadocia’s valleys—this trip covers big sights, local life, and a little bit of everything in between.