Hi, Wanderlust fellow! It's GG, a history and culture geek based in Istanbul. If you consider yourself the same, then come and join me so that we can get the show on the road together! If you have been planning to visit Istanbul for a cultural trip, then you are lucky you've come across me! :) While with me, you will enjoy the city without worrying about tourist traps ;) Let's see what the trip is basically about. The trip will be for 4 days starting from the heart of Istanbul; "Sultanahmet" the old town where most of Byzantine and Ottoman history is based. Plus, there are many attractions in the city in the same area. After the old town, we will visit "slightly" the modern part of the city and enjoy the breeze of sea. Since this trip will be culture and history-oriented — and I know, you are particularly seeking that ;) — we will be visiting the most famous museums and attractions of the city. Yay! Plus, we will experience delicious Turkish cuisine and enjoy the bustle of the town while sipping our coffee. We will walk on the famous Istiklal Street in Taksim, and pay a visit to Pera Palace - the oldest and most famous hotel in Istanbul in which Ataturk, Hitchcock, Agatha Christie, and many celebrities had stayed. We can also have coffee and try delicious chocolates at Patisserie de Pera, a famous cafe in the hotel. At night, we will go to a pub — there are plenty of nice pubs in Beşiktaş and Taksim. Accommodation: We will stay at a hostel for 3 nights — a Standard 6 Bed Dorm Ensuite. (For private room you need to pay extra for the hostel). On the last day, after we check out, we can leave our bags at the luggage storage and enjoy our last hours ;) In case of in need, make sure to take more cash with you before you actually take the trip. You will also need an Istanbul Public Transport Card. You can buy it at the airport station. What is included in the cost? - Accommodation (hostel, shared rooms) - Breakfast - Local Guide *Additional Costs: Lunch, dinner, coffee, museum tickets, tramway, Istanbul Public Transport Card, alcohol. If you want to stay in a private room, please let me know. If you have a particular date for the trip in your mind, please let me know, so I can arrange that for you. Ps. Allianz Travel Insurance is provided by JoinMyTrip for German and Austrian residents. Hope to meet you in person and see you there! :)
This ship has sailed!
Unfortunately this trip has commenced or been completed already. But don't worry! We have a lot more similar trips that you could check out.
Gůlçin, thank you for your knowledge of Istanbul. Unfortunately your time management disappointed me. Telling me you’re not a foodie also made me feel quite awkward. Good luck!
On the first day of our trip, Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople) will be our starting point. We will stroll around the square and enjoy the hippodrome. We will first visit the Obelisk of Theodosius, then Serpent Column and Column of Constantine and lastly the German Fountain.
2
Topkapı Palace
Day 1
Afterwards, we will go to Topkapı Palace. Then, we will have lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Later on, we will get some free time to stroll around the old town and take photos. Then, we can grab our coffee and enjoy the rest of the day.
3
Hagia Sophia
Day 1
After 8 pm, we will pay a visit to the Hagia Sophia. Note that: There is always a long line for the Hagia Sophia the whole day, and it does not come to an end before 8 pm. So, the best time to visit will be after 8 pm.
4
The Blue Mosque
Day 1-2
On the second day of our trip, we will start with the Blue Mosque. Then, we will pay a visit to the tombs of Ahmet I and Abdul Hamid II. Spending some time there, our next destination will be the Archaeological Museum.
5
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Day 2
At the Archaeological Museum, we will spend quite a time since there is so much to see. Then we will have our lunch at a local restaurant at Sirkeci (we will go there on foot). After our lunch, we will go to Gülhane Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery while strolling around.
6
Gülhane Park
Day 2
At Gülhane Park, we will visit the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam. We will pay a visit to the Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library — one of the significant poets of Turkish history. Lastly, we will have a coffee break at one of the cafes located in the park.
7
Basilica Cistern
Day 2
When we leave Gülhane Park, we will visit the Basilica Cistern. At the Basilica Cistern, we will see the biggest cistern (water storage) of Constantinople. After we are done with the cistern, we will have dinner at the famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
8
Taksim Square
Day 2-3
On our third day, we will go for a walk on the famous Istikal Street in Taksim. We will pay a visit to the Republic Monument in the Taksim Square and take photos and stroll around. Then we will head to the Orthodox churches that are just on our way.
9
Sent Antuan Kilisesi
Day 3
After our visit to the Republic Monument at the square, we will visit the Hagia Triada Church and the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. Our next stop will be Galata Tower - one of the oldest towers in Istanbul.
10
Galata Tower
Day 3
At Galata Tower, we will climb up the tower and enjoy the view from the top of it.Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant at the Taksim square. Then, we will have some time to stroll around and take photos and discover the street more.
11
Pera Palace Hotel
Day 3
Walking down the Istiklal Street, we will arrive at Pera Palace. There we will enjoy the historical hotel and will have coffee and try delicious chocolates at Patisserie de Pera, a cafe in the hotel. For the night, we will go to an Irish pub on foot. Yay! :) And enjoy ourselves before we get back to hostel.
12
Dolmabahçe Palace
Day 3-4
On our fourth and also last day, we will take the tramway and get off at the Kabatas station. We will walk along the street and arrive at Dolmabahçe Palace. We will get our tickets and visit the palace.
13
Beşiktaş
Day 4
When we arrive at Besiktas Carsi, we will have lunch. After lunch, we can stroll around and go to a pub, have a drink and have fun. Then we will go back to hostel by tram and get our backpacks and take a leave :)
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hostel
4 days trip
Hippodrome of Constantinople, Topkapı Palace & 11 more
Transportation
Trekking, Train
Have A Question?
Ask the TripLeader questions about the Trip by clicking on the button below. Your question and the response will be visible on this page once it’s answered.
Why JoinMyTrip?
Trusted platform used by 150K+ TripMates
Have A Question? Live Chat with our experts 24x7
Unique Trips hosted by Experienced Travellers
Secure Payments to ensure your money is always safe
Show All 34 Photos 
Turkey
Turkey
5 
5% off
Almost Full
4.25
Phone Verified
Identity Verified
3 Countries
13 Trips Completed
based on 4 reviews 
Trusted platform used by 150K+ TripMates 
Have A Question?
Unique Trips hosted by Experienced Travellers 
Secure Payments to ensure your money is always safe