If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, one absolute non-negotiable is a stop in the country’s lively heartbeat, Istanbul. And if you want the best things to do in Istanbul without wasting a second, this 48-hour itinerary is your golden ticket.
It packs in ALL the icons, the lessor known gems and all the Instagramable spots & aesthetic cafés you’ll wish you’d found sooner.
So…. let’s dive in.
Where to Stay in Istanbul – My Top Picks!
I personally stayed in both of these hotels and would highly recommend either. Both had incredible views, hospitality and location. Personally, I just liked the location of the first hotel and its Juliet balcony moment better…
Des Art Hotel (My Top Pick)
Des Art Hotel is my top pick in Istanbul, sitting right near Galata Tower… correction – overlooking it. It honestly feels like you’re looking out over a European postcard. The location is unbeatable: you can wander straight out onto a cobblestoned pedestrian street lined with cafés, vintage shops, and all the little gems that make this area so charming.
And the real magic? Those Juliette balconies. Swing open the doors and you’re met with colourful buildings spilling down the street and the Galata Tower standing proudly in the centre of it all. Plus, you’re only steps away from so many of the main things to do in Istanbul, which makes staying here feel both dreamy and ridiculously convenient.
This was my room for $150aud a night! (Find out more)
The And Hotel
The And Hotel is another great option, especially if you want to soak in the city’s cultural sights and stay on the Sultahmet side. The real showstopper is the panoramic views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, from the rooms! Waking up to the sunrise over Hagia Sophia would never get old.
Perfectly located for a 48-hour trip, you’re just steps from major landmarks, cafés, and markets, making it easy to dive straight into the city’s magic. Plus, their rooftop restaurant is a great spot to unwind and take in the skyline.
This room cost me $170aud a night! (Find out more)
General Tips for Istanbul
🕌 Dress modest for mosque visits and bring a scarf to cover up!
💳 Cards accepted almost everywhere (I use a wise card for the best exchange rates)
🚕 Insist taxis use the meter!!! DO NOT negotiate a price, they will ALWAYS try to rip you off. Use Bitakis to get the correct price!
🎟 Buy skip-the-line tickets for busy attractions – I used Trip.com
🍽 Try the local cuisines, Turkish tea and their bakeries are to die for!!
📸 Sunrise & sunset = are Epic in Istanbul and the best photo times
🚶Get ready fo the hills (There are alot!)
Discounts for Istanbul
You can get discounts for your Istanbul Tours and Attractions using the following links and discount codes:
- Klook – TRAVELLIVNKLOOK
- GetYourGuide – TRAVELLIVN5
⭐ Day 1 – Culture, History & Sunset Views
Kick off your Istanbul itinerary in Sultanahmet, where all the iconic cultural and historical sights are waiting
1. Hagia Sophia – The Crown Jewel of Istanbul
Cost: $50
Ticket: Hagia Sofia Tickets
Opens: 8am
One of the most iconic things to do in Istanbul is stepping inside Hagia Sophia. Towering domes, glowing light, and centuries of history fill every corner. Pre-buy tickets to skip the long queues and glide straight into wonder.
2. Blue Mosque – Free & Beautiful
Cost: Free
Opens: 8:30am
No list of things to do in Istanbul is complete without the Blue Mosque. With its blue Iznik tiles and spacious courtyard, it’s one of the most peaceful places to visit, right in the heart of Sultanahmet.
Remember to dress modestly, as it’s an active mosque.
3. Basilica Cistern – A Must-See Underground Wonder
Cost: $55
Ticket: Pre-Purchase to skip the queue
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Opens: 9am
If you’re checking off essential things to do in Istanbul, start beneath the city. The Basilica Cistern mixes mood, mystery, and ancient engineering. Arriving at opening time lets you experience it quietly before crowds shuffle in.
4. Grand Bazaar – A Classic Istanbul Experience
If you love colourful chaos, you’ll adore this one. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous things to do in Istanbul, with over 4,000 shops tempting you from every direction. Lamps, ceramics, spices, gold, Turkish delight, you name it.
Take your time, bargain heavily, and enjoy the chaos.
5. Balat – Colour, Cafes & Cobblestones
Balat is the perfect place to slow down after the bustling bazaars. It’s known for its colourful houses, quirky shops, and steep, postcard-worthy streets. Exploring Balat is one of the more unique things to do in Istanbul, offering a look at local life beyond the tourist core.
6. Seven Hills Restaurant – Unreal Sunset Views
Wrap up Day 1 at Seven Hills Restaurant, one of the most iconic sunset spots in the city. Watching Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque glow in golden hour light is one of the most magical things to do in Istanbul.
⭐ Day 2 Sunrise, Skylines and City Beats
1. Ortaköy for Sunrise + Coffee
Start your morning at Ortaköy Mosque, one of the prettiest sunrise backdrops in the entire city. If you’re chasing the most picturesque things to do in Istanbul, this one is non-negotiable.
And if you’re after one of those trending “bird moment” videos, you can even pay a local bird feeder to help bring the magic to life.
🔥 Pro Tip: Head up to one of the nearby rooftop cafés for an uninterrupted view of Ortaköy Mosque. Top picks: the Starbucks with its dreamy Juliette balcony on the third floor, or Cups and Clouds (just note it doesn’t open until 9am!).
2. Galata Tower – The View Everyone Talks About
The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s standout sights, rising proudly in the centre of a neighbourhood filled with cobblestone streets, cute aesthetic cafés, souvenir shops, and decadent restaurants, the whole area is a vibe on its own and totally postcard worthy.
And yes, you can actually head up to the top. It’s one of the best things to do in Istanbul for those incredible 360° panoramic views. Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful moment overlooking the historic skyline.
🔥 Grab brekky: Afterward, head to one of Istanbul’s most Instagrammable spots—The Guney. You’ll sit European-style, people-watching with Galata Tower right in front of you. Order the tasting plate for the full Turkish breakfast experience.
3. Taksim Square – The Heart of Modern Istanbul
From here, make your way to Taksim Square. It’s energetic, busy, and packed with shops, cafes, and people. It’s also where you’ll catch the nostalgic red tram.
A classic thing to do in Istanbul? Riding the tram straight down Istiklal Street.
4. Grab a Kebab at “Kebab Corner”
You’ll know it when you see it, your unofficial “Kebab Corner.” Cheap, fast, and delicious. Eating kebab in Taksim is one of the most satisfying things to do in Istanbul, especially between sightseeing stops.
5. Istiklal Street – Nightlights, Music & Endless Energy
Finish your trip walking the length of Istiklal Street. It’s buzzing day and night with street performers, rooftop bars, shops, galleries, and cafes. Wandering here in the evening is one of the essential things to do in Istanbul if you want to feel the city’s electric, modern side.
Ready to Discover the Best Things To Do in Istanbul?
From sunrise at Ortaköy to sunsets at Seven Hills, this quick itinerary hits all the unforgettable things to do in Istanbul in just 48 hours. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone passing through.
If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up below.
