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Istanbul in One Day: What Not To Miss

What do you do when you’ve never been to Turkey? Especially if you only have one day in Istanbul? I created our own packed itinerary.

Our arrival at the hotel was around late afternoon. We had one full day (until late afternoon the next day) to ourselves before we took a connecting flight to Hungary. This is what we did. Likewise, I recommend you do the same as it was a winner.

PS: I am sharing a summary of the itinerary at the end of this article.

Best Hotel Choice for Sightseeing

Grand Hotel Gülsoy

We chose to stay in Eminönü (the hub of ancient Constantinople) which is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Istanbul smack in the center of the Old Istanbul City area. Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City is about ten minutes’ walk from the Grand Bazaar (one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world) and the Suleymaniye Mosque. If you feel like a brisk walk to get your exercise in for the day, you can walk the 2.5 km to the Topkapi Palace and absorb old Istanbul the old-fashioned way. We opted for the train, which took the same amount of time as the walk would have taken us – around 30 minutes, with all the stop points.

The room was spacious and comfortable, and the hotel’s service was excellent.

Situated in the center of old Istanbul the hotel is surrounded by many restaurants, and plentiful shopping opportunities for house and home, friends, and family, and don’t forget… you! Some restaurants put their meals on display to passers-by!

Istanbul Airport is 52 km away. Allow traffic congestion time when you plan your trip to and from the airport.

One Day In Istanbul - Things To Do

Pop in at the Grand Bazaar

Forget about unpacking in your hotel room. Instead, get yourself to the Grand Bazaar. This is where you can do quick souvenir shopping but also get to experience the aromas and flavors of Turkey.

Reserve a Table at Hamdi Restaurant

Reserve a dinner table at the world-famous Hamdi Restaurant, recommended to me by a South African friend. I will be forever grateful to Marietjie for this recommendation.

The restaurant goes back to the 1960s when it started as a street-food vendor. Today it is one of the best-loved restaurants in Turkey and is known across the world.

The food was beyond my expectations and the service of the best in Turkey.

Address: Rüstem Paşa Mah Tahmis Caddesi, Kalçin Sk. No:11

🎒 Travel Tip(s):

When you book, ask for a table at the window on the upper floor. It just adds to the experience.

Put On Your Walking Shoes

Afterward, we walked back to the hotel. Yes, it’s safe. The walk was longer than I anticipated but worth every moment because we were amid it all. People are walking everywhere, chatting, shopping, and dining… the perfect opportunity to blend in and absorb the Turkish culture, mannerisms, street fashion, and plenty more. Coupled with a general sense of safety, we thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to Istanbul.

Go on a Boat Cruise

We chose a lunch cruise with an ASIA side stopover which would take us to Bosphorus and the Black Sea. From the boat, we saw Rumeli Fortress and The Maiden’s Tower dating back to 1110 (built by Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus).

Another thrill was that the cruise included a stopover at Anadolu Kavagi, the northern tip of Bosphorus on the Asian side, and the intersection of the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. It used to be a small fishing village that transformed into a popular tourist destination. A highlight of the cruise was the chance to swim off the boat where the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea meet.

By the way, there are many beautiful sights to photograph from the Bosphorus and the architecture is impressive. So, make sure your camera is fully charged.

Furthermore, another benefit of the boat cruise is that you get a glimpse of what to see the next time you visit Istanbul.

Generally, hotel pickups are included. That sure helped a great deal with our time management!

Topkapi Palace Museum

The palace was a hit. We bought tickets for the palace as well as the harem.

I have only one regret. Namely, that we did not have more time to do a proper guided tour. Leaving the palace I felt we did not get to appreciate all of its heritage. Therefore, I recommend that you book a half-day guided tour. When you pre-book a guided tour, you also get to skip the line, which is pretty awesome. Our line was quite long before we got to buy tickets. And then the language barrier when you buy the tickets… that was a challenge. Topkapi Palace Museum is well worth a visit. Consequently, I am going back for sure. However, on a guided tour instead so I can hear all about its vibrant history and fascinating anecdotes of the sultans!

Duty Free Shopping

Since we’re on the subject of the airport. If you run out of time and need some shopping done, this is the time to buy Turkish Delight.

I had a sincere and pure dislike of Turkish Delight (since my childhood) until I tasted the real product. My, oh my!! Instead of souvenirs, I bought Turkish Delight for our friends and family. They loved it! There is a wide range of different delights. The photos are some of my personal favorite delights!

So, I imagine you are asking yourself…

What makes the Istanbul Itinerary so special?

Well, the Istanbul Itinerary is a perfect blend of land and water activities in a matter of twenty-four hours. Now to me, that already is a five-star itinerary, right!?

Free Itinerary: One day in Istanbul...

The Grand Hotel Gulsoy, Kemal Paşa, Şehzadebaşı Cd. No:17, 34000 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Drop your luggage down and shoot out to meander around the Grand Bazaar, 820 m from the hotel.
Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Dine at Hamdi's - 1 km further and in walking distance.
Hamdi Restaurant Eminönü, Rüstem Paşa Mah Tahmis Caddesi, Kalçin Sk. No:11, 34116, Turkey

After Hamdi, walk back to your hotel. In the morning it's time to leave for the Topkapi Palace Museum. Of course, after a super delish breakfast! Topkapi is about 2.9km from the hotel. That said, there are hotels very near to the palace. (link above)
Topkapi Palace Museum, Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

Head back to your hotel after the palace tour, just in time to be picked up for your boat cruise.
Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea

Since the cruise includes lunch, it is a perfect choice to end your one day in Istanbul. Now it is a matter of grabbing your bags and off you go to catch your next flight!

🛒🛍️ Don’t forget your timeless little black dress! It’s a versatile must-have that can easily transition from a casual daytime look with sandals to a glamorous evening outfit with the right accessories. Save suitcase space and be ready for any occasion!

Extend Your Trip In & Around Istanbul

Must-See Dolmabahçe Palace – Where Ottoman Opulence Meets European Elegance!

Perched on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Dolmabahçe Palace is a dazzling fusion of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles—fit for sultans and emperors. With its crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf ceilings, and rooms that seem straight out of a royal daydream, this palace is a must-see!

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Ceremonial Hall—home to one of the largest Bohemian crystal chandeliers in the world!