After last week´s post featuring the impressive Topkapi Palace, I just couldn’t let go of the city of Istanbul – not yet!
Let´s talk more about all the places I’ve managed to see during my layover. Even though I tried to be extremely organized and fast to cover everything I planned, one day in Istanbul – was definitely not enough…
Istanbul layover: One Day in the City
Istanbul is definitely one of my
While a day-long Istanbul layover is not enough to experience the city fully, it is a unique chance to get a quick glimpse of the main historical sites and meet the versatile Turkish culture.
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Istanbul is the largest city in Europe. With a population of 15 million – just imagine that traffic! So, in case you have a brief stop – keep in mind that in order to visit several places in one day, you’d rather be choosing those located close to each other. Plan your trip efficiently, that´s your only chance. And if you have more than just one day – check this 3 Days In Istanbul Itinerary for more ideas.
I´d say 3 days is a minimum for Istanbul, however if you have more you won’t be bored either. There are so many things to see and do!
Let´s face it: Istanbul layover with a one-day sightseeing plan – it sounds like a challenge, but why not?!
Istanbul layover: Must See Places
1. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque
The most emblematic Turkish landmark built between 1609 and 1616 years during the rule of Ahmed I, known as Blue Mosque or The Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Here, you should mind the dress code for women: head, legs, and arms covered. I was wearing a long skirt (and as a solo female


2. Hagia Sophia
An ultimate architectural phenomenon and a monument for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empire – Hagia Sofia. Built in 537 AD as an Orthodox cathedral of Constantinople, Hagia Sofia was converted into an Ottoman mosque under Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453. It is currently a museum. I´d recommend you to check the opening hours here.
3. The Grand Bazaar
I´m terrible at bargaining and markets always feel too crowded and overwhelming for me. However, being in Istanbul and not visiting one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world would be impossible. The Grand Bazaar is touristic, but you could still get there many local products and decorations. I normally go for the rose tea, rare spices and Turkish delights for souvenirs.
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An authentic Turkish tea set is something I wanted to have at home for a while (typical Turkish tea itself is quite strong for me, but I love those hand-painted saucers and glasses with Ottoman ornaments). But last time my layover on the way back home was too short, so I couldn’t buy on.
Besides, next time I´ll visit Istanbul with kids and it’s going to be their first trip outside


4. The Basilica Cistern
Built in 532, the Basilica Cistern is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. It has 336 columns and is able to store up to 80,000 cu meters of water. What a subterranean structure!

6. The Topkapi Palace
After watching the popular Turkish Tv Show called The Magnificent Century ( Muhtesem Yuzyil in Turkish) I just couldn´t miss the Topkapi Place. Check more details and photos here.

I can´t say no to Istanbul layover no matter where my final destination is. It is absolutely one of those cities you can travel back forever and always find something new. The Ottoman history is waiting to be uncovered around every corner, while the Turkish markets literally give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant culture! No matter how many days you have, or which is your best Istanbul itinerary going to be – it will be an adventure! That´s for sure.
For more Turkey travel tips, itineraries, and photography check my Pinterest board Turkey Travel Collection.
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This place is pretty amazing.
Would love to visit it one day
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Thanks, Jane!
I have never been to Istanbul, but it is on y list of places to see. The city must be beautiful judging by your pictures.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
It is such an interesting place to visit indeed!
Oh wow, these are incredible sights to see! I’d love to see places like this! 🙂
Hope that you are having a lovely week and you have a good weekend ahead of you 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thanks, Mica!
The pictures are amazing darling, planning to visit in the not so distance future! Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you! Great weekend to you too!
I haven’t been to Istanbul before, but heard it is a nice country to play tourist. From your shots, its definitely is true.
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Thank, Missy May! It´s definitely worth visiting!
Istanbul looks gorgeous. Wow, these buildings look amazing, especially with them being built AGES ago! The Hagia Sophia has history! Wow, the bazaar is packed with goods. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
exquisitely.me
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy! Always great to hear from you!
This is lovely photos! I love this post so much 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2018/05/how-sweet-desserts-inspire-colours-of.html
Thank you!
Wow these places look magnificent! One day sounds a bit challenging but you did manage to do a lot! ⭐️
http://www.elegantduchess.com
Thanks! It´s definitely challenging, but so worth it!
Everything seems so colorful there, doesn’t it? Looks like a fairytale, not a real city. I wrote under your previous post how I wish I went there, but for now I have to stay home, so maybe next year for holidays I’ll be able to go there 🙂
The market is just like a perfect scenery for some fantasy movie. Astonishing.
Dorota
http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com
Thanks, Dorota! It looks like a fairytale indeed, with all these colors! I want to visit again myself – just so many amazing places to see in Turkey yet (even within the city of Istanbul)!
Definitely wanna travel to Istanbul one day!
Daniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
Definitely worth a visit!
Looks SO WOW! I really wanna go to Istanbul, your pics are giving me a serious case of wanderlust!
Love from London,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
Thanks, Whitney!
Wow! Istanbul seems so astonishing, Anna! You definitely had a blast there. As one day is a rather short period for such a huge city, how many days would be perfect to stay there?
I´d go for 3, but I guess you could spend a week and not see it all!
Thanks for the prompt reply, Anna! I would definitely opt for a week! 🙂
Great information! I loved Istanbul, but unfortunately was only there for a day myself, so I definitely need to go back and explore more. The Grand Bazaar was an absolutely crazy experience! It was fun, but we had a couple sketchy & uncomfortable moments… but all part of the experience! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I also have these moments every time I visit markets like Grand Bazaar! I know people who just take it easy, bargain, talk with locals, find great cheap stuff and have fun, in general. My experience is always the opposite lol
wow you saw so much in one day! amazing =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Thanks! It was a day of intense sightseeing!
What a fabulous pictures! In love with the place!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/get-summer-ready-in-valentine-clothes/
Thank you, Nistha!
Istanbul looks amazing!Great pictures:-)
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Thanks, Olga!
Wow! What gorgeous photos!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Thank you, Jessica!
pretty place, next month me too planning to go there for family trip. Thanks for sharing good trip experience.
Thank, Prabhu! Have a great trip!
I bet there are so many worthwhile places to visit in Istanbul. You would literally fall in love with the scenery. The pictures and the mosque looks breath taking.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Thanks Katya! The views of Bosporus were so magical – Istanbul is so worth visiting!
I have always been tempted to fly Turkish Airlines to Europe just to have a layover in Istanbul and get a glimpse of the attractions. It’s great to know that you can see quite a bit in one day. Beautiful pictures and hoping to make it there one day soon.
Thanks, Mary! Hope you’ll get to visit soon! Istanbul has many wonderful sites – one day is so not enough! But it´s better than not visiting at all! So I always try to book with Turkish for the same reasons!
Wow, that’s a great article, Istanbul is definitely a beautiful city to travel to, especially in the spring