StreetlyIstanbul beyond Hagia Sophia: from the Bosphorus to the antique quarters
Istanbul joins Europe and Asia and offers an endless list of monuments. To make the most of your time, combine the essentials with walks through less touristy neighbourhoods and take advantage of public transport, especially the ferries.
The must-sees of Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern are very close to each other. Queues change with the time of day and the season, so check the entry conditions and arrive early.
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The Bosphorus by ferry
Public ferries cross between the European and Asian sides and are an affordable and very beautiful way to see the city from the water, with no need for organised tours. At sunset, the light over the Bosphorus is especially good.
Kadıköy, on the Asian side
Kadıköy is a neighbourhood with a market, cafés and regional-cuisine restaurants. It is a good place to eat where locals eat and to try meze, sweets and Turkish coffee.
Karaköy, Galata and antique shops
Karaköy and Galata mix cafés, galleries and antique shops on sloping streets. They make a good plan for an unhurried afternoon.
Sample 3-day route
A starting point for your trip; in Streetly you can adjust days, pace and interests and get your own version with a map.
- Day 1Hagia Sophia → Blue Mosque → Basilica Cistern
- Day 2Bosphorus ferry → Kadıköy (market and food)
- Day 3Karaköy → Galata → antique shops and Turkish coffee
Practical tips
- To enter mosques, cover shoulders and knees; women usually need a headscarf.
- Mosques may close to visitors during prayer times: check the hours.
- Public ferries tend to be cheaper than organised excursions.
- Haggle politely in the bazaars.
Create your Istanbul route with Streetly: ordered stops, a map for each day and a budget.
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