20 hours in Istanbul → More details on neighborhoods →

Sultanahmet (1)

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Basic Itinerary

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Start at the waterfront at Karaköy

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Take the Rick Steve’s Golden Horn walking tour to the old city side.

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When you get to the old city side (Eminönü), should see docked boats serving fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) and purple pickle juice (Tursucu on the map).

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Walk up the hill towards the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Can take the tram to save energy.

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Visit the Hagia Sophia

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Now that it’s a mosque, I don’t know what the touring situation is once inside. A walking tour or some pre-reading on the history of the building would be worthwhile. Rick Steves’ walking tour in the Istanbul guide is good if the places are still accessible.

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Do the Historic Core walking tour using the Rick Steves book

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Other options for things to see

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Blue Mosque

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Might be worth checking if it’s still under renovations inside

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Basilica Cistern

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Surprisingly cool to see, doesn’t need to take too long

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Grand Bazaar

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Noteworthy, but a bit repetitive to spend a long time. Rick Steve’s has a walking tour for this in his book.

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Topkapi Palace

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The main Ottoman palace, would probably need some time for this

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Spice Market

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Included in Rick Steve’s Old Town Back Streets walking tour

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If you have time, can take the Old Town Back Streets walking tour back to the Golden Horn

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