How To Spend 48 Hours In Istanbul

Once home to Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is a city whose rich history is evident everywhere you go – majestic historical sites lie alongside modern hotels; ancient artefacts are carefully preserved and widely documented on social media feeds everywhere, and neo-classical buildings serve as a home for some of the cities coolest bars, restaurants and shopping centres.
It’s a city of contrasts, where modern life hurries on in the bask of old charm charm. And it’s a place that’s alive in every sense of the word – from the chatter that rings across the chaotic markets to the calls of prayer that echo from its grand mosques, there is life in every corner, that almost screams at you to look a little closer.
With one part lying in Europe, and the other in Asia, Istanbul is separated by the 31-km-long Bosphorous strait, a natural boundary between the two continents. For a first-timer, Istanbul’s confluence of cultures is hardly obvious because the city manages to merge them so well – and while there is lots to see and do, we’ve put together an easy guide to a weekend that will cover all the must-see sites, and some delicious Turkish cuisine. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Istanbul:
What To See & Do
Visit the historic mosques
Your first stop is the most obvious one – the glorious Hagia Sophia, a site that has lived many lives over the years. Built as a church in the 6th century under the Byzantine Empire, over the centuries it has become a mosque, a museum and now a mosque again. With religious inscriptions and artwork that reflects both Islam and Christianity, Hagia Sophia’s sheer artistry and layers of history make this UNESCO World Heritage site a stunning place to visit.
Don’t miss: The Hagia Sophia museum has a VR experience that goes into detail about its vivid past – a must-visit for anyone interested in history.
The Hagia Sophia museum has a VR experience that goes into detail about its vivid past.
To enter, you need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, plus women need to have head scarves. If you don’t have the appropriate clothing on, you do have the option of buying a scarf or a full-body covering when you buy your ticket.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia is the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. With six minarets, a grand courtyard and four domes, the Blue Mosque is one of the most majestic architectural creations of the Ottoman Empire. It gets its unofficial name from the blue, green and white Iznik tiles that adorn its interiors, and the heavily decorated blue calligraphy that lines its domes.

Explore the Sultanahmet district
The Sultanahmet district is the historic part of Istanbul where it’s recommended to spend at least half a day, so you can enjoy all that the bustling area has to offer. The underground Basilica Cistern, is a tourist favourite – a subterranean marvel from the Byzantine era, a memorable scene from the 1963 James Bond film From Russia With Love was filmed here where Sean Connery famously rows through the Basilica Cistern. Another marvel is the Topkapi Palace, which served as the seat of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years.
Once the home of the Sultans, the palace complex now houses incredible jewellery, manuscripts and artefacts.
Once the home of the Sultans, the palace complex now houses incredible jewellery, manuscripts and artefacts. Visitors can walk through the gardens, sprawling courtyards and glittering rooms, and you can even visit the private quarters of the Ottoman Sultans.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a chaotic but beautiful covered market that houses over 4,000 shops in a maze that one can get happily lost in. You can find everything from Turkish spices to antiques, jewellery, shoes, carpets and lamps. Don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills and pick up some treasures to take home.
Another spot to shop is the Feriköy Antique Market, that’s open every Sunday.

Another spot to shop is the Feriköy Antique Market, also known as the Bomonti Antique Market, which is open every Sunday between 9 am and 6 pm. The market has more than 450 stalls where you can find some incredible vintage records covering the 50s to the 90s with everything from Turkish folk music to hip hop. Another highlight is the extensive collection of vintage toys – making it a great spot to get souvenirs and presents for folks back home.
Experience a hammam


Another thing you must try at least once is a Turkish hammam, a communal ritual dating back more than two millennia. Known to have healing properties, the hammam experience is said to boost the immune system and relax the mind and body. One to visit is the beautiful Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, a 500-year-old space in Istanbul that was opened in May this year after a 13-year restoration project. Accompanied by a museum, art space and private gardens, this is a great place to learn about the history of hammam culture and indulge in their signature bathing experiences.
Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, a hidden 500-year-old treasure in Istanbul, following an ambitious thirteen-year-long restoration project.
You can choose between different treatments, that last from 25 to 100 minutes. “The Original” is a modern interpretation of the hammam treatment that begins with warm marble therapy where you can relax on a central stone (known as göbektaşı). You lie under a magnificent starry dome, after which the hammam therapists (natır for women and tellak for men), then take care of each guest individually, gently scrubbing the skin, before giving you a foam massage and washing your hair with local natural products.
Take a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus
A sunset cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul is a great chance to maybe get a glimpse of the dolphins that show their faces here. It’s also a lovely way to experience both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.
From the deck of your boat, you’ll see palaces like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi.
From the boat, you’ll see some of Istanbul’s most famous historic sites like the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces and the Ortaköy Mosque. You can order champagne, Turkish tea and some traditional snacks on the boat as well to really enjoy the holiday spirit while soaking in some history and culture.

Attend a whirling dervish performance
The whistling dervish ceremony, known as the “sema,” is more than just a dance form – it’s a meditative practice dedicated to the teachings of the 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi.
There are regular shows at the popular Galata Tower, where whirling dervish ceremonies are performed every Sunday at 6 pm, but since there are only 150 seats, tickets are usually sold out quickly. There are no seat numbers, so if you want to view the ceremony from the front rows, make sure you arrive early.
In terms of genuine whirling dervish ceremonies in Istanbul, there are also performances at the Hodja Pasha Culture Center, a 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath in the Sultanahmet-Sirkeci district.
Where to stay
Orient Occident Hotel, Autograph Collection
Orient Occident Hotel, Autograph Collection is a boutique gem located in Istanbul’s Karaköy district, which makes the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the old district. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel has intricately designed interiors which embrace Ottoman influences and the entire hotel has a regal, old-world charm to it. With its prime location, the Orient Occident Hotel is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Galata Tower and Istanbul Modern, while its proximity to the food and shopping scene in Karaköy makes it ideal for foodies and shoppers. Plus, don’t miss a visit to the rooftop terrace which makes a fabulous early breakfast spot with a view of the city, or a gorgeous date night at sunset.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul is a five-star luxury hotel perched in the heart of Istanbul with seriously great views of the Bosphorus. Set within 65 acres of lush gardens, the hotel has Swissotel’s classic tennis courts, and great Turkish cuisine at Sabrosa. The Gabbro Resto Bar and 16 Roof are also chic spots for drinks with a view. And if you do get some time to relax in the hotel, there’s an outdoor and indoor pool, a sauna and a hammam experience in the hotel.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul is a five-star luxury hotel perched in the heart of Istanbul with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
A majestic Ottoman imperial palace turned luxury 5-star hotel on the Bosphorus, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski has 317 luxe rooms with a selection of restaurants and bars, plus spa facilities and an outdoor infinity pool. For Turkish fine dining head to Tuğra Restaurant, and for a lazy Mediterranean-inspired brunch visit Akdeniz. The rooms are as opulent as you can imagine, with its majestic suites offering views of the palace courtyard, and offering a 24-hour butler service. Expect royal Ottoman interiors, with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.
As the only Ottoman imperial palace and luxury 5-star hotel on the Bosphorus, the 317 rooms make for a luxurious stay.
Where to eat and drink
For a Turkish breakfast
You can’t visit Istanbul without trying a delicious Turkish breakfast. Nicole, located on the top floor of a historic building, is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine that you can enjoy with a view of the Old Town and Princes’ Islands.
Nicole, located on the top floor of a historic building, is a Michelin starred restaurant that serves delicious Turkish cuisine.
For something simpler, but equally delicious head to Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu in Beşiktaş, a Turkish breakfast cafe where you can get everything from kavurmalı yumurta (a traditional fried egg dish) to menemen (spiced scrambled eggs with meat), and bal-kaymak (a sweet, clotted cream dessert-like dish had with simit – Turkish bread).
For lunch
The city is full of kebab shops on every corner, so you won’t find it hard to find one. But here’s a tip – go for the ones with the longest queues, you can be sure that if there’s a line of people waiting patiently for a succulent kebab during their lunch break, you know it’s going to be good. Any of the little shops around the Old Town are fabulous – or you can elevate the experience by heading to one of Istanbul’s finer foodie spots.
Dürümzade is a simple but great restaurant that serves up grilled kebab wraps in the Antalya style.
Dürümzade is a simple but great restaurant that serves up grilled kebab wraps in the Antalya style. The spot was famously one of Anthony Bourdain’s favourite Istanbul restaurants, and if you visit you’ll see pictures of him plastered on the walls.
For dinner
Elvet Steakhouse is great for meat-eaters – from tenderloin to veal chops, entrecôte to T-bone, you’ll get it all. Go for the Turkish delight burger that’s made with sliced beef tenderloin, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and fries, and the smoked rib-eye that comes with arugula, parmesan and cherry tomatoes.
Another great spot is Devili, which has branches all over Istanbul – the 109-year-old establishment serves recipes passed down through generations, including eggplant salads, stuffed meatballs, kunefe, and of course, kebabs.
If you’re looking for seafood, head to Sariyar Balik, a Turkish family-run restaurant where you’ll also find raki – a traditional Turkish alcoholic drink that you must try at least once.
For dessert
You can’t go wrong with Karaköy Güllüoğlu‘s incredible array of Turkish sweets. A shop that’s been around since 1843, Güllüoğlu’s serves freshly made baklava that comes in different flavours (good luck trying to choose one – but if you’re struggling, we recommend just picking the classic pistachio). If you want to try a host of sweet treats, go for the kadayif (a crispy dessert made from finely shredded filo) or the colourful array of Turkish Delight.
You can’t go wrong with Karaköy Güllüoğlu‘s incredible array of Turkish sweets
Tips
Summers are quite hot in Istanbul and if you plan to do a lot of walking around the city, you might have a hard time adjusting to the heat. Autumn is a great shoulder time to visit, when the sun is gentler, it’s getting cool but it’s not quite cold yet. There will also be fewer crowds at most of the touristy spots so you’ll spend less time waiting in line. And talking about lines – if you don’t want to spend hours in queues, book ahead for all the historical spots so you can skip a long wait.
Lastly, it’s always best to research the dress code before you visit any of the mosques or heritage sites so you don’t spend extra money on coverups and scarves (not to mention that there will probably be another queue for this too.)
Getting there
Hop on a non-stop flight from London Heathrow, and you’ll be at the Istanbul Airport (IST) in four hours. And if you’re looking to extend your stay in Turkey, head to one of the most exciting beach resorts in the Mediterranean.