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Welcome to The Hidden Coconut’s 4 days Istanbul itinerary! Istanbul is a city with a rich history and culture, and there is a tremendous amount to see and do. After all, the city is spread across two continents. In this blog post, I will guide you through a four-day trip to Istanbul, including some of the city’s top attractions and hidden gems. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Istanbul. So pack your bags and let’s get started on this adventure through one of the world’s most fascinating cities!

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Know Before You Go

• The language in Turkey is Turkish.
• The capital is Ankara, not Istanbul.
• The currency is Turkish Lira (TL). In some tourist destinations, you can also pay in EUR or USD.
• The western, middle, and northern Black Sea regions of the country are all safe to travel.
• Buses, trains, planes, and boats are the easiest way to get around the country and are inexpensive.
• 3% of Turkey is located in Europe and 97% of the country is located in Asia, known as Anatolia.

How to Get Around Istanbul

Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system that is really easy to use. There are buses, trams, metro, and ferries that connect to all parts of the city. All you need is an IstanbulKart to load with money and you’ll be off to your destination in no time.

To purchase an IstanbulKart just go to any metro station, ferry station or tram station and find the yellow ticketing machines. These machines are available in many languages so no need to worry about translation.

Just select IstanbulKart from the menu, insert the correct cash, and the card will be dispensed at the bottom. The machine doesn’t give change so any extra money will be added to the card to use for the fare.

I recommend downloading the app Moovit to easily plan your route throughout the city. It gives you real-time updates while you’re on the move to let you know when your stop is close. You can also use these other apps that will be useful during your stay in Istanbul.

Day 1 – Old City, 4 Days Istanbul Itinerary

On day one of this 4 days Istanbul itinerary, we are going to hit the ground running in the Old City, also known as Eminönü and Sultanahmet. This area is where many of the top tourist attractions are in the city. It is possible to see all of them in one day, but keep in mind that you will spend most of the time waiting in lines to get inside. So, if possible buy your ticket ahead of time.

Getting around this area is very easy since everything is close together. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the tram which has plenty of stops throughout the area to hop on and hop off.

1. Hagia Sophia

Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Arguably the most iconic building in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor as a Christian church. When Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire, the structure became a mosque in 1453. Then in 1935, the building changed again to a museum. Lastly, and most recently, in 2020 the Hagia Sophia changed back to a mosque.

Inside, there are many fascinating religious artworks. It is also the resting place for 5 sultans and their families.

During your visit to the Hagia Sophia, you should dress modestly, and have your shoulders and knees covered. Women need to wear a headscarf inside which is given for free at the entrance. Visitors will need to remove their shoes so bring a small bag to carry them in.

There is no entrance fee or ticket however, non-Muslims should avoid going during prayer times which occur 5 times a day. Prayer times are based on many factors including the rotation of the Earth, rotation around the sun, and various different latitudes.

2. Blue Mosque

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque is across from the Hagia Sophia. It is an Ottoman-style structure built between 1609 and 1616. The mosque draws in millions of visitors every year from its famous hand-painted mosaic blue tiles that decorate the interior.

Entrance to the Blue Mosque is free. Just like in any other mosque, dress respectfully, remove your shoes, and women need to cover their head.

3. Topkapi Palace

Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Closed on Tuesday, tickets are 420TL for the palace + Harem (Jan 2023)

Situated just behind the Hagia Sophia is Topkapi Palace. This palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans and the main administrative building of the empire until the 17th century.

The design and architecture of Topkapi Palace are more of an Asian style with many outdoor pavilions and gardens. The grounds are divided into 4 courts which all serve a different purpose.

The Court of Janissaries is the First Court and is open to the public without a ticket. This is a garden area and very spacious. Ticket counters are located in this section to see the rest of the palace.

After passing through the gate to the Second Court, you will be greeted with yet another garden and many buildings. The Second Court is where all the business took place in the Imperial Council Chamber.

Next is the Third Court, which is the private residence of the Sultan. The Imperial Treasury is also located in this area. It is home to many valuable belongings of the Ottoman Empire including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, and the Emerald Dagger.

The Fourth and last court of Topkapi Palace is a private garden with various pavilions and a great view of the Bosphorus.

When planning a visit to the palace, you’ll want to have at least 2 hours or more to see everything. The Harem section is extra but also worth seeing.

4. Basilica Cistern

Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, tickets are 300TL (Jan 2023)

The Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarnıcı, in Turkish, is an ancient Roman waterway built during the Byzantine period. It is about 9,800 square meters and can hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. The cistern distributed water throughout the city to hundreds of people including the palace.

There are 336 columns each 9 meters tall all evenly distributed inside. The lighting gives the space a warm red-orange glow. The section that draws the most attention is the upside-down head of Medusa which is used as a column stand near the back of the cistern.

There are many different thoughts as to why the sculpture is upside-down. Most think that since the head is near the back of the building, no one thought it would be seen, so it was just an afterthought.

When visiting this museum, I recommend about 1 hour to see everything. The space isn’t that big and there is only one path to walk through so you cannot get lost. The walkway is elevated throughout because the floor of the cistern is filled with water.

5. Grand Bazaar

Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and closes every day at 6 pm. The entrance is free.

Let me start off by saying that the Grand Bazaar is a HUGE place and there is no way to see all of it in one day. It is one of the oldest covered markets in the world with 61 streets and 4,000 shops.

The construction of the building started around 1455 after the conquest of Constantinople. Over the centuries the bazaar grew and grew to what it is today. Many shops have a long family history of trade in the Grand Bazaar.

For example, Ethem Tezçakar Kahveci is a coffee and tea cafe inside the Grand Bazaar. They have been in operation since 1909 and even have the original Ottoman receipt of business operation.

Since the bazaar is very large, the organization of shops is divided into different sections. If you are looking for something specific it will be a little easier to find. You can simply go to the textile section, ceramics, gold, silver, clothing, shoes, and so much more.

Walking through the Grand Bazaar is a fun experience and you’ll discover a lot of history just by chatting with the shop owners who are more than willing to offer you tea as part of Turkish hospitality.

Just be wary of every other person trying to sell you a carpet 😉

6. Spice Bazaar

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is an important center of trade that started in 1597. It is called the Egyptian Bazaar because many of the goods sold were from Egypt.

Today, you’ll still find many spices; however, that is not the only product sold inside. Many shops also sell tea, Turkish Delights, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Definitely take in the smells and sounds of the bazaar and brush up on your haggling skills if you plan to make any purchases.

The entire layout of the building is an “L” shape with 90 vendors. Entrance is free and the bazaar closes at 7 pm.

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Day 2 – Galata, Karaköy, and Cihangir

For the second day of this 4 days Istanbul itinerary, we’re going to explore the areas of Galata, Karaköy, and Cihangir. In my opinion, these neighborhoods are foodie central so come hungry because this day will include a lot of eating and walking.

1. Galata Tower

Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

Tickets are 175TL (Jan 2023) and the tower is open every day until 10 pm, closed on National Holidays.

A true symbol of Istanbul, the centuries-old Galata Tower stands 67 meters tall. It is a must-see site in Istanbul.

Did you even go to Istanbul if you didn’t get a selfie with Galata Tower in the background?

I’m just kidding …

But in all seriousness, the Galata Tower was built 1348 by the Genoese as a watch tower which later became a prison and now it’s a museum. The tower was part of Galata Castle, which doesn’t exist anymore, and also has a network of underground tunnels that are not open to the public. It’s definitely had a rough history being destroyed and rebuilt many times due to conquests, and natural disasters.

When you go inside the tower, you will be taken up an elevator to the top where you will get an amazing view of the entire city on a clear day. You can stay at the top for as long as you like, but it can get quite crowded.

After you’ve finished taking in the views you’ll head down the stairs where each floor has historical information about the tower.

I highly recommend going early because the ticket line can be very long, especially in the afternoon and during sunset hours.

2. İstiklal Caddesi

İstiklal Caddesi is a top shopping destination in Istanbul with many popular nightlife spots and tasty restaurants. The name translates to Independence Avenue which comes from the beginning of Turkish Independence in 1923. The street itself is 1.4 km long with a historic and famous red tram that runs down the middle every 15 minutes. It is pedestrian-only, so you won’t have to worry about any vehicles.

Even though this is a top shopping destination, as you’re walking along the famous street, you’ll notice a lot of historic buildings and many architectural styles including Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, Beau-Arts, and Art-Nouveau.

In the center of the long street is one of Istanbul’s most prestigious high schools called Galatasaray Lisesi. The school is the oldest high school in the entire country. Its selection process is highly competitive and accepts only the best of the best. Education is taught with an integration of the French education system, so the core languages used are Turkish and French; however, they also learn English and German.

Some notable religious sites to see while you’re wandering around are these famous churches. Sent Antuan Kilisesi is a Catholic Church constructed in a Venetian Neo-Gothic architectural style. The Roman Catholic Church of Santa Maria Draperis was built in 1453 in a Neo-Classical style. It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Istanbul. Lastly is the Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church which is the largest Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul. It was built in 1880.

Definitely be sure to check out Çiçek Pasajı, which translates to Flower Passage, on İstiklal Caddesi. It is an old covered passageway that connects to the Fish Market. The architecture inside is stunning. It was once a place that had a bunch of flower stalls, which is where the name comes from, but today it is full of restaurants and cafes. It is a great place to get Turkish mezes and drink raki in the evening.

If you’re into modern art don’t miss these art galleries while you’re in the area.

• Hope Alkazar
• Salt Beyoğlu
• Pera Museum

3. Cihangir

Cihangir is a cute bohemian neighborhood in Istanbul located close to Galata and Taksim. It is most well known for its artistic, intellectual, and international vibe. Many ex-pats live in this area so you will hear many different languages being spoken here.

It’s most closely compared to SoHo in New York City.

The thing to do in Cihangir is to grab a coffee in one of the many local cafes, walk around the narrow streets, and play with all the cats.

Istanbul is well known for its cat population but for some reason, there seem to be more cats in this area.

4. GalataPort

Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. No: 8 İç Kapı No: 102, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

GalataPort is one of the newest additions to the top tourist attractions in Istanbul. If you haven’t been to the city in a few years and are a returning traveler to Istanbul, you’ll want to stop by here and check it out.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Istanbul, GalataPort opened in 2021 after a delay due to COVID. It takes up 1.2 km of shoreline along the Bosphorus. A total of three large cruise ships can dock here at one time. There is an entire underground cruise terminal for Customs and Immigration.

Above ground, there are 250 restaurants and shops as well as the Istanbul Modern Art Museum.

Overall it’s a fun place to hang out and window shop Turkish clothing brands.

Restaurants that I recommend within GalataPort are:

• The Populist
• Baylan
• Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar

5. Karaköy

Karaköy is historically one of the oldest neighborhoods in the entire city. It has always been a top trading hub and port.

Today, it is a transportation hub connecting Galata and the Old City and Kadikoy and Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul. You’ll also find many local bars and cafes that lots of young people like to chill and relax in.

I particularly like Karaköy for its small and lively streets. There are a lot of boutique shops where you can find cool souvenirs. There is a store called Kagithane House Of Paper where they sell adorable notebooks, postcards, coasters, and other items made out of paper.

If you aren’t worn out from all the walking and sightseeing I definitely recommend checking out Bankalar Caddesi, or Bank Street. Here you will see the Ottoman Bank Museum inside Salt Galata. It’s pretty cool is see the former headquarters of the Ottoman Central Bank.

Day 3 – Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş is a district in Istanbul that is home to the largest palace, Dolmabahçe, and the current financial center of the city. There are many 5-star hotels in this area including the Four Seasons Bosphorus, Shangri-La, and Çırağan Palace just to name a few. The area is a bit more glamorous with modern shopping malls and wide streets.

If you’re a football fan, Beşiktaş is home to the Beşiktaş Football Club. They have won 16 Turkish titles and regularly participate in the UEFA Championship League. If you happen to visit during the football season, definitely try to catch a game. They have many loyal fans that come together during game days to the bars and stadium.

As a first-time visitor or returning traveler to Istanbul, you’ll want to spend some time in this area which is why I’ve included it in this 4 days Istanbul itinerary.

1. Breakfast Street

It’s no secret that Turkish breakfast is one of the most well-known meals to have while in Turkey. It’s so famous that there is an entire street in Beşiktaş just for Turkish breakfast.

The official street name is Çelebi Oğlu Sk. but everyone calls it “breakfast street” or kahvaltı in Turkish.

Definitely start your day here at one of the cafes. You’ll get a table full of delicious food including cheese, eggs, olives, vegetables, fruit, jam, honey, bread, Turkish pastries, and unlimited Turkish tea.

2. Dolmabahçe Palace

Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Ticket price is 450TL (Jan 2023). The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays.

Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest palace in Turkey and it was only built because the Sultan wasn’t happy with how small Topkapi Palace was compared to the other palaces in Europe. He commissioned this palace to be built with a more modern style with grand rooms, and luxurious decor. It cost a total of 5 million Ottoman Gold Lira, the equivalent of $1.9 billion.

With such a large price tag, you’re probably wondering what’s inside.

Dolmabahçe Palace contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths, and 68 toilets. And, of course, these rooms need to be decorated with top-quality materials by the finest artisans. Fourteen tonnes of gold was used to decorate the ceilings. Not to be outdone by the world’s largest crystal chandelier, with 750 lamps weighing 4.5 tonnes, placed in the Ceremonial Hall.

If that wasn’t already elaborate enough, add in the Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany staircase, the countless Egyptian imported stones, custom carpets, and a collection of 202 oil paintings.

3. Naval Museum

Address: Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş Cd. No:6 D:1, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey

Tickets are 100TL (Jan 2023). The museum is open from 9 am – 5 pm weekdays, 10 am to 6 pm weekends, closed on Monday.

The Istanbul Naval Museum is a must-see attraction in the city. Inside is a large collection of the Ottoman Naval fleet. The main floor has about 10 boats that were used by the Sultan, all in great condition. It’s really interesting to see all the details of the design of the ship up close.

The museum does an excellent job of taking visitors through the history of the Turkish Navy. It is very thorough and detailed information. I recommend spending at least an hour and a half here or more.

4. Yildiz Park

Yildiz Park is one of the largest parks in Istanbul. It was once part of Yildiz Palace. The trees here are actually a collection from around the world. They include magnolia, bay leaves, Juda trees, silver limes, and horse-chestnuts.

Visitors can enter the park across from Ciragan Palace. It is a nice quiet escape from the city with walking and running trails, 2 lakes, picnic tables, pavilions, and the historic Porcelain Factory.

You can stop by here for a little break during the day and enjoy nature. If you want to walk from the center of Beşiktaş, where the Naval Museum is, this park is along the way to the next neighborhood called Ortaköy.

5. Ortaköy

Ortaköy is a cute little seaside neighborhood along the Bosphorus. It’s famous for the Ortaköy Mosque which has unique stone-carved exterior decorations.

The mosque was built around 1854 by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I. The architects were Armenian father and son Garabet Balyan and Nikoğos Balyan, who both also worked on Dolmabahçe Palace and Mosque.

Other things to do in Ortaköy include indulging in the popular kumpir dish (Turkish street food consisting of a large baked potato loaded with a ton of toppings), browsing through the boutique stores that line the streets and enjoying a coffee or a drink on a rooftop terrace.

6. Bebek

Bebek is the place where you want to see and be seen. It is the high-end trendy neighborhood of Istanbul where you will see expensive imported cars lining the streets, yacht parties, and classy nightlife. It is also the main harbor and dock for Bosphorus tours.

Don’t worry, if you’re on a budget you can still enjoy Bebek. There are plenty of low-cost restaurants that offer great value too such as Meg Restaurant and Hidden House.

If you want a little bit of a fine dining experience with great ambiance try out Bebek Balıkçı where you can dine right on the water. They have a great selection of fish and seafood to try.

Afterwards, head over to Taps Bebek where you can taste a variety of craft beers and cocktails at affordable prices.

Day 4 – Asian Side

The Asian side of Istanbul is more low-key compared to the European side. It’s a little less crowded and more local. There are fewer attractions to see on this side, but there is much more green space.

To reach the Asian side of Istanbul, easily take a ferry from Beşiktaş, Karaköy, or Eminönü. The ferries go to Kadiköy or Üsküdar and take about 25 minutes. While on the ferry, enjoy some Turkish tea as you sit back and enjoy the Bosphorus views.

If you want to get some good pics for the Gram, take some bread or simit with you to give to the seagulls. They will follow the ferry once they see people throwing bread into the water.

1. Walk Around Kadiköy

Kadiköy is a trendy and hip neighborhood and district in Istanbul. It’s known for being liberal and artistic. There are numerous cafes and restaurants to try as you explore the narrow cobblestone streets.

The area is also known for its nightlife. If this is your thing, head over to Bar Street, Kadife Sk., after 10 pm. Many of the local clubs are hidden upstairs or downstairs so they can be easily missed by visitors.

One of the popular meeting points in Kadiköy is the bull statue. The bull statue is made of bronze and has quite an interesting back story that starts in 1864 in France. It was made to celebrate a victory against the Germans over territory. A few years later the Germans took back the land and the statue moved to the capital.

During WWI the Germans and the Ottoman Empire were allies and the Germans gave the statue to them as a gift. The new home of the bull was Yildiz Palace, but once Yildiz Palace fell into disrepair after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the statue was forgotten.

In the 1950s it was moved to the Istanbul Hilton Hotel. Then later moved to the Kadiköy government building. In 1990 it was placed in its current location.

2. Cafe Hop in Moda

Moda is definitely an area you should check out during your 4 days Istanbul itinerary because it’s a beautiful seaside neighborhood. There is a walking and biking path that goes all along the coastline. You can rent a bike or an e-scooter using an app called Marti.

The cafe culture is very strong here and you’ll find yourself in the middle of countless coffee shops, it can be hard to choose which one to go to. There’s even one that has a slide inside.

Since Moda is much more chill, the thing to do here is to grab some beers from a local Tekel shop and chill on the grassy areas by the water. This is especially popular in the summertime.

3. Bağdat Caddesi

Bağdat Caddesi is one of the longest streets in Istanbul. It measures 8.7 miles or 14 kilometers. Historically, this road was used as the entrance to Constantinople from the Asian side. The Ottoman Empire built many fountains along the road for travelers to use when arriving in the city. The Turkish word for a fountain is çeşme. Today, some neighborhoods in the area are named after the old fountains such as Söğütlüçeşme.

While walking along Bağdat Caddesi you’ll notice that the sidewalks are wide, the atmosphere is lively, and there are endless options of things to eat. They are many luxury brands here making it the shopping destination on the Asian side. It’s comparable to İstiklal Caddesi on the European side.

The road is flat, so no need to worry about climbing any hills. It is also a one-way street for traffic. Bağdat is easily reachable by bus, Marmaray or simply walking.

Conclusion

As you can see, Istanbul is a city with a fascinating history and culture, with endless amounts to see and do. I hope this 4 days Istanbul itinerary has given you some ideas for your trip and helped you make the most of your time in the city.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Istanbul has something for everyone. From touring the city’s top attractions to discovering hidden gems and experiencing the local culture, there is always something new to explore in Istanbul.