İstanbul, Türkiye’s vibrant metropolis, is a city where history, cuisine, and culture blend seamlessly, and offer an unforgettable experience even on a short stay. From breathtaking breakfasts to cultural treasures and lively markets, İstanbul has endless discoveries awaiting the weekend visitors.
See below the ideal itinerary for a weekend getaway to Istanbul:
Saturday
Start the Day with a Turkish Breakfast with a Twist
Begin your day with a spread of traditional Turkish breakfast at a café overlooking the Bosphorus or the city skyline. Expect an array of Turkish cheeses, fresh olives from the Marmara and Aegean regions, honey, homemade jams, and kaymak (clotted cream). The meal is brought to a crescendo menemen—scrambled eggs with peppers and tomatoes—and baskets of warm simit, all served with tea in traditional tulip-shaped glasses.
Explore the Historical Peninsula: An Open-Air Museum
After breakfast, head to the Historical Peninsula, the heart of İstanbul’s rich past. This area features remarkable landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Topkapı Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, and the İstanbul Archaeological Museum are nearby, providing a glimpse into the city’s storied past. For lunch, stop at a classic spot for Sultanahmet meatballs.
Shopping Therapy at the Grand Bazaar
A short stroll from Sultanahmet leads you to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets. Here, you’ll find a mesmerizing selection of carpets, ceramics, tiles, jewelry, and countless other treasures, perfect for unique souvenirs or gifts.
A Sunset on the Bosphorus
From the Grand Bazaar, take the tram to Eminönü to visit the Spice Bazaar, where vibrant spices, teas, dried fruits, and Turkish delights fill the air with fragrance. From there, a five-minute walk brings you to the ferry pier for a scenic Bosphorus cruise. On the short tour, lasting around 90 minutes, admire the city’s skyline as the sun sets. Try the beloved fish sandwiches from the nostalgic boats nearby before boarding.
Dinner and Fine Turkish Cuisine
End your day with dinner at one of İstanbul’s celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants. İstanbul’s culinary scene offers bold creations by chefs who blend tradition with innovation, all paired beautifully with Turkish wines for an evening to remember.
Sunday
A Sunday Like a Local
Begin your second day with breakfast in Karaköy, enjoying fresh simits, white cheese, and tea in a cozy café. Wander through Karaköy’s bohemian streets, lined with art galleries and unique cafés, until you reach Galataport, a lively waterfront hub. Here, high-end shops, cafés, and the impressive İstanbul Modern art museum, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, await. The nearby İstanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture showcases Türkiye’s finest artists.
Taksim: The Heart of the City
From Karaköy, take the historic Tünel funicular to İstiklal Street. Stop by Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city. Walking down İstiklal, you’ll encounter a mix of bookstores, arcades, historic churches like St. Antuan, and local street food vendors offering roasted chestnuts, corn, stuffed mussels, and kokoreç.
An Evening of Art and Local DelicaciesEnd your weekend at Taksim Square with a visit to the Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM). This iconic venue hosts world-class opera and musical performances in its spectacular opera hall. After the show, return to İstiklal for a traditional Turkish meal with meze, fresh fish, and raki at one of the street’s classic taverns.
Experience the magic of İstanbul’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and sights in a weekend that will stay with you long after you leave.
