6 days in Istanbul Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Do your shopping at Kapali Carsi and Jennifer's Hamam. Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Haydarpasa Terminal, take an in-depth tour of Galata Tower, delve into the distant past at Basilica Cistern, and explore the world behind art at Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk ve Islam Eserleri Muzesi).

For more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Istanbul trip planner.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are İstanbul Airport, İstanbul Atatürk Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. In August, daytime highs in Istanbul are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 25°C.