Day one
Tuck into a lavish Turkish breakfast by the Bosphorus
Kick off your weekend in the most Turkish way possible – with a lavish breakfast along the shores of the Bosphorus strait.
Head to Emirgan Sütiş or Mangerie in Bebek for a spread that includes freshly baked simit (round, sesame covered bread), menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), honey with clotted cream, and endless cups of strong Turkish tea.
Explore the city’s historic heart
Once fueled up, it’s time to dive into İstanbul’s historic core. Start with a visit to Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has stood for over a millennium.
Just across the square, the iconic Blue Mosque dazzles with its multiple domes and stunning blue Iznik tiles. If time allows, take a quick detour to the Yerebatan Sarnıcı, a fabulously atmospheric underground cistern that dates back to 532CE.
From there, make your way to the Grand Bazaar İstanbul’s infamous Grand Bazaar.
One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, there are over 4,000 stores set within its labyrinth of lanes, selling everything from handmade carpets to ceramics, spices, and jewellery.
Savour authentic local cuisine
After a morning of exploring, hop on the tram or a ferry to Karaköy, an upbeat neighbourhood filled with street art, stylish cafes, and historical landmarks.
Stop for lunch at Karaköy Lokantası, known for its beautifully tiled interior and traditional Turkish dishes. The meze platter and grilled sea bass are great picks.
Cruise the Bosphorus at sunset
As evening approaches, there’s no better way to experience İstanbul than from the water.
A Bosphorus sunset cruise offers spectacular views of the city's skyline, historic mansions, and iconic landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace.
Day two
Sip Turkish coffee
Coffee culture is huge in İstanbul, so head out first thing in the morning to get your caffeine fix at one of the city’s buzziest spots. Traditional Turkish coffee is like rocket fuel - thick, rich and velvety, you can order it in any cafe or restaurant.
In fact it’s such an important part of Turkish culture, it’s included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
If you prefer to begin your day with a specialty brew, try one of İstanbul’s trendy coffee shop chains such as Coffee Sapiens or Petra Roasting Co. both of which have several branches around the city, and serve great snacks and light bites too.
Pick up some souvenirs on İstiklal Caddesi
Head up to İstiklal Caddesi, İstanbul’s most famous boulevard. Lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and bookstores, it’s a lively area for shopping and people-watching.
For a cultural stop, visit the art museum Pera Müzesi, home to an impressive collection of Orientalist paintings and Anatolian artefacts.
For lunch, try Asmalı Cavit, a classic meyhane (Turkish tavern) serving up traditional mezes and rakı, the love-or-hate-it anise-flavoured spirit. Order a selection of small plates, including fava bean purée, grilled octopus, and ezme (spicy salad) and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Relax at a Turkish hammam
After a long day of walking, treat yourself to a Turkish hammam experience at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, a beautifully restored 16th-century bathhouse.
The steam, scrub, and massage will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the night ahead.
Dive into the city’s nightlife
As night falls, make your way to Karaköy for dinner at Mikla, a rooftop restaurant blending Anatolian flavours with modern twists. The views are spectacular, and the tasting menu is worth the splurge.
For cocktails, head to Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutköy or 360 İstanbul, where you can sip on expertly crafted drinks while enjoying panoramic city views.
If you're in the mood for live music, Babylon Bomonti hosts a mix of local and international acts. For electronic beats, MiniMüzikhol in Cihangir is a favourite among İstanbul’s cool crowd and for a rooftop party, Monkey İstanbul offers great DJ sets with a killer view of the Bosphorus.