Planning a 4 day Istanbul itinerary? Here’s our travel guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Istanbul. Spend your time discovering mosques, beautiful neighbourhoods and catching ferries at sunset. In this Istanbul itinerary, we’ll show you the best things to do in Istanbul, how to get around, where to stay and places to eat! Let’s plan your 4 days in Istanbul!

Istanbul is the largest city in Europe, making it Türkiye’s largest city with over 15 million people. Although it’s not the capital of the country, it definitely feels like it!

Luckily the main highlights of the city are close together and it’s easy to get around when spending 4 days in Istanbul. You’ll have plenty of time to see famous landmarks, whilst finding hidden gems and indulging in Turkish cuisine.

The city sits on the divide between Europe and Asia, split by the Bosphorus Strait. This makes Istanbul a very unique city to visit and you can visit both sides in one day during your 4 day Istanbul itinerary.

Istanbul quickly became one of our favourite cities in Europe, there’s so much atmosphere and people are simply enjoying life. There’s a strong cafe culture with locals and visitors drinking coffee, juice, or eating baklava. The neighbourhoods are incredibly beautiful and the city has so much history.

4 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Istanbul (2023)
4 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Istanbul (2024)

Note – Although you may know of Türkiye to be Turkey. At the end of 2021, the name was officially changed to its original name from 1923 – Türkiye. It is pronounced Tur-key-yeh but you’ll still hear people calling it Tur-key.

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Planning a 4 Day Istanbul Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

  • Türkiye Currency – Turkish lira (Compare the currency here)
  • Türkiye Power Voltage – Plugs C & F (230 V)
  • Cash or card – Both! Some places only accept cash.
  • Apps – Google Maps or Citymapper & BiTaksi (for taxi’s)

Accommodation in Istanbul – The Soul Istanbul Hotel $$ – A luxury-style hotel, next to the popular Istiklal street! – Find on Booking.com here! We also have more budget-friendly recommendations below this Istanbul itinerary.

Best tours to booking Istanbul – Here are a few recommendations on what activities to book in Istanbul:

Where to get cash out in Istanbul – Use HSBC to get money out in Istanbul if you have a foreign card! It’s the only ATM we found that doesn’t charge fees for using a foreign card. It’s best to use a card that doesn’t charge you fees back home (for example Starling, Revolut, First Direct from the UK).

Best time to visit Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul is in the shoulder season which is Spring and Fall. (April to May and September to October). However, Istanbul is an all-year-round destination. We visited in July and although it was hot, we still managed to do our Istanbul itinerary.

Throughout the winter months of December to February will be quite cold and you’ll probably need to wear a coat. This time is also the most affordable and the quietest for tourism.

Grand Bazaar - Best things to do in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar – Best things to do in Istanbul

How to get to Istanbul

The best way to get to Istanbul is by plane, train or bus! We flew into Istanbul Airport and took a night bus to Bulgaria when our 4 day Istanbul itinerary was over. There are two international airports in Istanbul!

How to get from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Centre – Take the M11 to Kağıthane and change to another line or a bus. The 46Ç bus goes through Taksim Square to Galata. Use Google Maps to find the best route for you to find your accommodation.

Another option is to take the H16 bus from Istanbul Airport to Taksim Square. The price is currently 67₺ per ticket (roughly £2-3, the exchange rate keeps changing). This option can take almost 1.5 hours whilst the metro is slightly faster.

If you’re travelling as a group, this Istanbul Airport Private Arrival Transfer might make your Istanbul itinerary a lot easier! The vehicle also has an air con!

How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul City Centre – Take the M4 line to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and then change to another metro or bus depending on where you’re accommodation is. The B1 line takes you from Ayrılık Çeşmesi to the old town area of Istanbul.

Check bus routes on 12.Go if you’re planning to head to Bulgaria or to another destination in Türkiye. We also use Flixbus when travelling in Europe to find the best routes and prices. Take the metro to Otogar to catch intercity buses in Istanbul.

Exploring Balat in Istanbul
Exploring Balat in Istanbul
Inside the Grand Bazaar
Inside the Grand Bazaar

How to get around Istanbul

Although Istanbul is a big city, it’s pretty easy to get around the main areas which are based around the Old Town. However, the traffic (both road and people) can get very busy, especially during rush hour.

Before you start travelling on public transport in Istanbul, grab an Istanbul Card (from the airport or stations). This will save you money on each ride during your 4 days in Istanbul and you can top it up along the way!

  • Metro – The metro is the best way to get around in Istanbul, there are options to cross over the different islands and it takes you straight to the highlights of the city.
  • Buses – As the metro doesn’t have stops all over the city, buses are the next best option to get around the neighbourhoods.
  • Ferries – The best way to get between the two continents.

There are also plenty of taxis around the city. We used Google Maps in Istanbul and it helped us find the best route when using public transport.

4 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Istanbul

So it’s time to share our 4 day Istanbul itinerary and all the best places to visit. Use this itinerary as your guide and visit the places that interest you and are within your budget. We generally travel on a low to medium budget, so these 4 days in Istanbul can suit anyone!

Day 1 – Mosques & Culture in Sultanahmet

We arrived the night before this itinerary, so we started our official day one bright and early exploring the unique mosques of Istanbul. We understand that you may be arriving in Istanbul later, so you can mix these days around to suit your needs!

The first day of your Istanbul 4 day itinerary will be discovering the main highlights of the city around Sultanahmet Square. These are the places to visit if you only have one day in Istanbul.

Visit the famous Hagia Sophia

A visit to the Hagia Sophia can’t be missed during your 4 days in Istanbul. It was interestingly once an Orthodox Christian Church before being turned into a mosque, then a museum and now a mosque again. It’s free to visit!

It’s one of the most popular places to visit and gets very busy throughout the year! It’s best to arrive early to avoid long queues, but it’s totally worth it! There are also guided tours if you want to learn even more about Istanbul’s iconic mosque.

Note – you’ll need to cover the top of your head, shoulders and legs. I (Amy) used a sarong but also noticed you could rent clothing to wear.

Visiting the Hagia Sofia
Visiting the Hagia Sofia
Istanbul itinerary - Hagia Sofia
Istanbul itinerary – Hagia Sofia

Walk around Sultanahmet Square

Exploring the Sultanahmet District is one of the best things to do in Istanbul as that’s where you’ll find some of the famous monuments. After exploring Hagia Sophia, grab a simit and orange juice from one of the local stalls nearby.

You’ll find fresh orange juice everywhere in Istanbul and it’s perfectly paired with a Turkish Simit, similar to a well-known pretzel.

Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square

Admire the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a beautiful UNESCO Heritage Site and an active place of worship. It’s definitely worth visiting during your 4 day Istanbul itinerary and it’s also amazing to do a guided tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia as they’re close together.

The Ottoman-era imperial mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and nicknamed Blue Mosque due to its blue tiles on the interior. It’s the only mosque in Istanbul that has six minarets which is unique to find in Türkiye!

Find a Turkish Lunch

After exploring two lovely mosques it’s time to grab a local Turkish lunch. We highly recommend Kosk Kebap which is just down the street. Maya’s Corner Cafe is also a good option! You won’t go hungry in this area of town with lots of options to choose from and many Döner kebap eateries!

Kosk Kebap - Turkish food in Istanbul
Kosk Kebap – Turkish food in Istanbul
Juice stalls
Juice stalls

Explore the Basilica Cistern

Spend part of your afternoon under the streets of Istanbul, admiring the historic Basilica Cistern. It’s an underground ancient cistern with beautiful architecture. If you didn’t know a cistern is a place for collecting and holding water.

The price to enter is 350 lira for the day (around £10) and 550 for the evening and you can also buy tickets online to save time. You’ll probably spend around 30 minutes there unless you take a guided tour.

If you want to add the Basilica Cistern to your Istanbul itinerary, this tour may interest you more – Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia & Basilica Cistern Tour.

Relax in Gülhane Park

It’s time to take a break from visiting cultural buildings on your Istanbul 4 day itinerary and relax in Istanbul’s largest urban park, Gülhane Park.

It’s right next to the wonderful Topkapi Palace which you’ll have more time to visit later on in this Istanbul itinerary. You can find a few Roman artefacts throughout the park and completely get lost in nature. There’s a lot of shade if it’s a sunny day too!

Go on a Sunset Walk

The best way to end your first day in Istanbul is a sunset walk around Eminönü and Karaköy. The mosques light up with a beautiful orange glow and you can hear the call to prayer throughout the city (this also happens all day).

Spending 4 days in Istanbul
Spending 4 days in Istanbul
Istanbul at night
Istanbul at night

There are so many places to eat in Istanbul, grab yourself a dinner in the area you’re staying. We recommend Helvetia if you’re based near Galata, for some fresh healthy Turkish food!

Day 2 – Galata, Shopping, Karakoy & Dinner Cruise

On the second day of your 4 days in Istanbul, you’ll explore the north side of Istanbul centre, focusing on the neighbourhoods and surroundings of the city!

We grabbed some fruit, smoothies and simits for breakfast as they’re so affordable and everywhere in Istanbul. You’ll be beginning your day in Galata – which we also think is a great place to base yourself during your stay.

Find Galata Tower

Galata is a vibrant and busy neighbourhood in Istanbul. You’ll find a main street with shops selling souvenirs, clothes and Turkish items. It’s the best place to find patterned coasters! The area is filled with restaurants, cafes and juice shops.

The main highlight of the Galata is Galata Tower, which is hard to miss! This is the busiest area and a popular spot for photos. Spot Amy in the picture below!

Galata Tower offers amazing 360 views of the Bosphorus River and the rest of Istanbul. There are also small exhibits on each floor leading to the top. Along with the mosques, the tower also lights up in the evening. The price to enter is 350 lira, or you can simply enjoy the exterior from down below.

Istanbul 4 day itinerary - Galata Tower
Istanbul 4 day itinerary – Galata Tower
Near Galata Bridge
Near Galata Bridge

Take in the atmosphere on Galata Bridge

As we stayed near Galata during our 4 day Istanbul itinerary, we crossed over Galata bridge many times! It’s actually downhill from Galata Tower and our itinerary continues in the other direction, so we recommend visiting in the evening or on another day.

There’s a high chance you may have seen it already! It’s best to visit in the evening when the atmosphere is lovely. We popped it here on this itinerary as it fits nicely with Galata Tower and it’s a popular crossing bridge.

Explore Istikal Street

Istikal Street is the place to go for shopping in Istanbul. It’s a busy and long main street with commonly-known clothes shops on either side like Zara and Nike. It starts at Galata Tower and ends around Taksim Square.

It’s also the street in Istanbul with the trams! If you’re lucky you’ll find them running up and down. You can also find Çiçek Pasajı (historic passage) and the Church of St. Anthony of Padua.

Istikal Street in Istanbul
Istikal Street in Istanbul
Taksim Square in Istanbul
Taksim Square in Istanbul

Check out our Europe travel tips if you’re planning on visiting more places!

Head to Taksim Square

Taksim Square is at the end of Istikal Street and your turning point to head to Karakoy. In the area, you’ll see the beautiful Taksim Mosque, which was the first mosque we saw in Istanbul as our bus from the airport dropped us off in the heart of the square.

It’s also a popular place for nightlife, and restaurants and also where you can find the trams waiting around. They don’t run as public transport anymore, but more like rides.

Grab some Lunch at Vegan Dükkan Lokanta & Loved Gelato

We really wanted to mention this vegan Turkish restaurant on our Istanbul itinerary. Vegan Dükkan Lokanta (Vegan Shop Restaurant) serves some lovely Turkish food in the neighbourhood of Çukurcuma.

As the name suggests, they also have a grocery shop next door with vegan and organic products. We tried vegan versions of Turkish ravioli and an Adana Kebab.

A short walk away down the road is Loved Gelato – the best place for vegan ice cream in Istanbul!

Vegan Dükkan Lokanta
Vegan Dükkan Lokanta
Loved Gelato
Loved Gelato

Wander around Karakoy

Next on your Istanbul 4 day itinerary, make your way to Karakoy neighbourhood that’s nestled between Galata and the Bosphorus Strait.

Karakoy is a district with vibrant street art, boutique shops and lovely cafes. It is known as Istanbul’s cool and hipster district and you’ll find Ottoman-era buildings blended in between trendy modern shops. Have a browse around before making your way to the most delicious cafe in Istanbul.

Eat the best Baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to try Turkish baklava. You’ll find many cafes and shops selling it all over the city. Our favourite is Karaköy Güllüoğlu – they’re one of the best and busiest in the city and they also have vegan options.

Now is the perfect opportunity during your 4 day Istanbul itinerary to try Turkish tea and Turkish baklava. There’s seats outside and you can people-watch or read a book! We recommend trying the pistachio or walnut baklava.

The best baklava in Istanbul, Turkey
The best baklava in Istanbul, Türkiye

Go on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

End your day on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise sailing between Asia and Europe. It’s honestly the perfect way to spend sunset on your second day in Istanbul.

The cruise usually lasts 3 hours and there’s food and entertainment onboard! There’s multiple places to hop on a cruise around the water or you can book in advance online.

Find your tickets here – Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show or Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht!

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Day 3 – Ferry Trip, Grand Bazaar & Rooftop Views

On day 3 of your Istanbul itinerary 4 days, we’re going to show you how to get to the Asian side of Istanbul and a few of the things to do there.

Take the ferry to Asian Side

The best way to get from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side of Istanbul is by boat. Head to Eminönü Ferry Terminal and get the ferry to Kadıköy. The journey takes around 20 minutes! You can also take the metro or bus to get over, but it definitely isn’t as fun!

There’s a few tours you can do such as the Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side that’ll take you to the Asian side of Istanbul with an activity!

The Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait
Exploring Kadikoy
Exploring Kadıköy

Explore Kadikoy

Kadıköy is a very chill neighbourhood in Istanbul on the Asian side of the city. It’s home to hip cafes, cosy eateries, bookstores and beautiful colourful streets. The best places to visit are Bahariye Street and Kadıköy market whilst exploring the area in between.

One of our favourite things to do in Istanbul is walk along the coast in Kadikoy admiring the European side of Istanbul from a distance. Here’s a few more things to do in Kadikoy:

  • Kadikoy Bull Statue
  • Barış Manço House Museum
  • Osman Aga Mosque
  • Look out for Maiden’s Tower (island)

Grab Lunch before heading back on the Ferry

After exploring the laidback neighbourhood of Kadikoy, find a cosy spot for lunch. We walked along the coast and into the northwestern side of Kadikoy to find Mahatma Cafe & Restoran. The owner even snapped a photo of us for their Instagram – they are so lovely here and have a delicious menu!

If you’re a foodie, you may be interested in a Taste of Two Continents Food Tour! Discover both sides of Istanbul and eat at 9 unique restaurants and eateries (There’s not many vegan options).

Check out 12+ Best Vegan Restaurants in Istanbul, Türkiye (2024)

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Once back on the European side of Istanbul, head to the famous Grand Bazaar for some browsing, shopping and haggling (if you want)! It’s the world’s biggest enclosed bazaar with around 4,000 shops inside and out.

The Grand Bazaar is a must-visit on your Istanbul 4 day itinerary, but you don’t have to spend long. Although the painted ceilings and interior is lovely and unique, the halls smell so strong of smoke! If you’re not a smoker, it’s pretty overwhelming, but after a breath of fresh air, it’s hard not to appreciate one of the biggest markets in the world!

The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar

Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque (Rustem Pasha Mosque) in Eminönü is a lovely place to visit after the Grand Bazaar as it’s only 10 minutes away. It’s also free to visit like most mosques around Istanbul.

This mosque isn’t as visited as much as the others located in Sultmant Square, but it’s equally as holy and peaceful with beautiful stained glass windows.

Suleymaniye Mosque is also at the top of a slight hill, but the view is beautiful! It’s a very photogenic mosque from other areas of the city!

Browse through the Egyptian Bazaar

If you have time, visit Egyptian Bazaar before dinner (also known as the Spice Bazaar). It has a slightly different vibe to the Grand Bazaar and the smells of spices are soaps are a lot nicer! The decorations in the bazaar are beautiful!

The Egyptian Bazaar was named due to the items being sold were mostly from Egypt. It was built in 1664, 200 years after the Grand Bazaar in 1460.

Enjoy the views of Istanbul with a Rooftop dinner

One of the best things to do in Istanbul during your 4 day Istanbul itinerary is to have a rooftop dinner and admire the glows of the mosques as the sun goes down.

The restaurants with the best views are a little more than the average restaurants in Istanbul, but they’re totally worth a beautiful evening. Here’s a few that we were recommended:

  • Turk Art Terrace Restaurant
  • The Seven Hills Restaurant
  • Balkon Restaurant & Bar

After your dinner, you can also catch a Turkish Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre -set in a unique restored 550-year-old Ottoman Turkish bath!

The beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque at night
The beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque at night

Day 4 – Breakfast, Balat, Fener & Museums

We’ve reached the last day of this Istanbul itinerary, but it’s still a great day exploring some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Istanbul.

Enjoy a Turkish Breakfast

A Turkish breakfast is another one of the best things to do in Istanbul and honestly, you could probably eat one every day, although they’re not to be rushed!

Alongside tea, a Turkish breakfast consists of fruit, salad, bread, pastries, jams, honey, cheeses and more! It’s a delicious way to start the day and there’s many restaurants that offer breakfast, here’s a few:

  • Arada Cafe
  • Müjgan Yeldeğirmeni (in Kadikoy)
  • Van Kahvaltı Evi

Here’s a guide on where to find vegan Turkish breakfasts in Istanbul!

Admire Balat Neighbourhood

You may have seen photos of the beautiful houses in Balat and although the whole area is colourful, there’s one spot in particular that stands out (see the photo of the yellow house below)!

The neighbourhood is known as the Jewish Quarter of Istanbul, and it’s incredibly charming, vibrant and colourful. There’s some amazing cafes and restaurants that make the atmosphere perfect to enjoy. As in any neighbourhood, people still live in these colourful houses, so be respectful when wandering through the narrow cobbled streets.

Note – There’s so much more to Balat than these colourful sets of houses, we’ve seen a few people feel underwhelmed but the neighbourhood. Fully explore the area to feel the real Balat and you’ll find colour everywhere!

The colourful houses in Balat
The colourful houses in Balat
Exploring Balat during 4 days in Istanbul
Exploring Balat during 4 days in Istanbul

Walk around Fener

Right next to Balat is Fener, the old Greek district of Istanbul. These neighbourhoods are both worth checking out on your Istanbul 4 day itinerary and they’re listed as UNESCO Heritage sites! They both blend into each other and hold some of the best places to eat in Istanbul.

Visit Umbrella Street and beautiful İncir ağacı kahvesi (cafe) to enjoy the colourful vibes of Fener! If you’re interested in the hidden gems of Istanbul, you can also check out this tour – Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul.

Our recommendations for lunch are Community Kitchen or Veganarsist for amazing Turkish cuisine!

Balat and Fener
Balat and Fener
Balat and Fener in Istanbul
Balat and Fener in Istanbul

Spend the Afternoon soaking up Istanbul

For the last part of your Istanbul itinerary, you can spend it doing something that interests you! Choose to simply wander around any of your favourite neighbourhoods, discover some new ones or learn about more Turkish culture in museums and palaces.

Here’s a few neighbourhoods to explore for a local Istanbul feel – Cihangir, Arnavutkoy, Florya and Besiktas.

We stayed a long time in Balat and Fener on our last day so didn’t have much of the afternoon left, but here are a few more of the best places to visit in Istanbul on your itinerary.

Take a visit to Topkapi Palace

When visiting Gülhane Park on your first day, you may have seen the beautiful Topkapi Palace. The palace was once the residence of the imperial Ottoman Empire from 1478 to 1856 and is now a museum.

It’s the perfect place to visit to see amazing architecture and various relics from the Ottoman Empire. You can honestly spend all afternoon here and most people recommend spending at least 3 to take everything in.

There is a free audio guide but if u want to learn more in-depth, we recommend doing a Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with a guide! If not, you can find tickets for Topkapi Palace online here (prices are quite pricey, but the palace is very well-preserved)!

Discover the Museums in Istanbul

We’ve mentioned a few museums already on this 4 day Istanbul itinerary, however, there’s so much more to discover during your trip. There’s an Istanbul: Official Museum Pass for 12 Most Popular Museums which could be best for your visit!

if you’re planning on visiting a lot! Here’s a few more museums to visit:

  • Istanbul Archaeology Museums ($)
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts ($)
  • Istanbul Modern Art Museum ($)
  • Dolmabahce Palace Museum ($$)
  • Miniature Türkiye Museum ($) (Miniaturk, outside of the city centre)
Planning a 4 day Istanbul itinerary
Planning a 4 day Istanbul itinerary
Iconic Turkish ice cream trick!
Iconic Turkish ice cream trick!

Want to be more sustainable for your 4 days in Istanbul? Check out these 18 Great Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap in 2024!

More days on your Istanbul Itinerary?

Visiting Cappadocia? Here’s a 2 Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul – Stay in a cave hotel and watch the balloons at sunrise with a 2-day tour from Istanbul. Flights are included in the price.

Where to stay in Istanbul

As Istanbul is a huge city it means there are many great neighbourhoods to stay in whilst you explore Istanbul in 4 days.

We recommend staying in Sultanahmet which is close to the best sights to see or Galata, Taksim and Karaköy are great options just over the bridge. We stayed in Galata and loved our experience here! It’s so easy to get anywhere in the city.

Best Hotels and Hostels in Istanbul

Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul $-$$ – a fun social hostel with rooftop views in the Taksim area – Find them on Hostelworld here!

Cheers Hostel $-$$ – One of the best-reviewed hostels in the heart of Istanbul with lots of activities each week – Find them on Hostelworld here!

Artefes Hotel Old City $-$$ – In a great location with a buffet Turkish breakfast – Find them on Booking.com here!

The Soul Istanbul Hotel $$ – Next to the popular Istiklal Street, these rooms are beautifully decorated in the heart of Istanbul – Find them on Booking.com here!

Best Restaurants in Istanbul

  • Helvetia $ – A healthy spread of veggie foods for you to choose from! (location)
  • Kosk Kebap $ – Turkish food near the famous mosques (location)
  • Community Kitchen – amazing vegan Turkish kebabs (location)
  • Veganarsist – a variety of vegan Turkish dishes (location)
  • Karaköy Güllüoğlu $ – the best baklava in Istanbul(location)
  • Vegan Dükkan Lokanta $-$$ – delicious Turkish food (location)
  • Loved Gelato $ – Amazing vegan ice cream in Istanbul (location)

We’ve written a full guide about the best vegan restaurants in Istanbul!

Helvetia in Istanbul
Helvetia in Istanbul
Vegan Turkish Food in Istanbul
Vegan Turkish Food in Istanbul

How many days should I spend in Istanbul?

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Istanbul and even better if you make it a 4 day Istanbul itinerary. By spending the extra day, you can get a real feel of Istanbul and find some of the beautiful neighbourhoods!

Where to go after Istanbul?

  • Cappadocia – watch the hot air balloon at sunrise!
  • Ephesus – visit Türkiye’s ancient city!
  • Plovdiv – We’ve written an in-depth travel guide for Plovdiv!

What do in Istanbul at night

The atmosphere comes alive when the sun goes down in Istanbul, especially during the summer. There are so many things to do at night in Istanbul. We loved simply walking around the city during our 4 days in Istanbul, grabbing street corn and watching people dance!

Colourful steps in Balat
Colourful steps in Balat
The beautiful streets of Balat and Fener
The beautiful streets of Balat and Fener

How much to budget for 4 days in Istanbul

Istanbul is generally an affordable city to visit, however, if you’d like to visit a lot of monuments and museums then the activity cost will add up! Average (and delicious) Turkish restaurants will always be less expensive than rooftop restaurants.

The price of the Turkish Lira has changed a lot over the years and sadly it does not benefit the locals. If you can, tipping at least 10% in restaurants is welcomed!

Budget-friendly ways to travel to Istanbul – Stay in a hostel, eat simits for breakfast, visit the free museums (the mosques), and use public transport instead of taxis!

Expect to spend between £30-£50 per day, per person in Istanbul. This will give you entry to some museums and some amazing activities such as the dinner cruise during your 4 day Istanbul itinerary.

What to pack for 4 days in Istanbul?

What to wear in Istanbul

There aren’t any rules about what to wear in Istanbul and you can pretty much wear whatever you’d normally wear! The only expectation is when visiting mosques as you respectfully will need to cover up.

When visiting a mosque in Istanbul, females will need to cover their heads, legs and shoulders. Most mosques will provide a scarf to wear over your head or around your waist to cover your knees. I carried a lightweight sarong to wrap over my head and a pair of baggy trousers to put on under my dress – Amy.

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Yes, Istanbul is definitely worth visiting! Even though Türkiye is known for being a holiday destination, a visit to Istanbul will show you a whole different side of the country. There’s so much culture and history within the city and Istanbul has such a strong atmosphere, as it’s so busy.

Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! – SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing is a totally flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world.

Browse more of our Turkey Travel Guides:

That’s the end of our 4 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Istanbul (2024)! Have an amazing time exploring Istanbul and if you need any more help – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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4 day Istanbul itinerary travel guide for Pinterest
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