Updated Date : 15.01.2022
24 Hours in Istanbul
What is more interesting than visiting a place in this world that spreads over two continents? Yes, you guessed it right. We are talking about Istanbul. One of the chief cities in Turkey, it offers a beautiful amalgamation of East meeting the West.
Istanbul is an ideal place if you want a peek into the past with the touch of modernity. The combination of stunning architecture takes you back in centuries while the metropolitan buildings grab your attention. Finally, how can we forget the tantalizing aromas that are constantly enticing our taste buds?
From Byzantium to Constantinople to finally now known as Istanbul, the city took many names. But it also expanded its heritage in the process.
With a city offering so many attractive places to visit, it might take you some time to see everything this city offers.
However, if you have planned a quick holiday break for spending 24 Hours in Istanbul, we offer you a prompt to make the most out of your trip.
How to spend 24 Hours in Istanbul?
Let's get you through a quick guide on how to spend 24 hours in Istanbul. The goal is to make the trip as inclusive and exciting as possible. Narrowing down a few worth visiting sites is undoubtedly a hard nut to crack. Therefore, we include the most attractive tourist locations.
Bosphorus Cruise
Your 24 Hours in Istanbul trip is incomplete without a visit to the Bosphorus Cruise. The length of the cruise is also contingent on your company. In most instances, you get digital guides providing you information on all points you pass through.
The price of the cruise is 30 Turkish Lira. The price for children is lesser, and for adults, it is more. Besides, it also depends on the length of the cruise.
Dolmabahce Palace
While you are in Istanbul, don’t forget to spare some time to visit this 19th-century palace. It is one of the gorgeous palaces in the entire world and the largest palace in Turkey. With its gravitating fountain outside and mighty chandeliers inside, it is highly enticing.
The Ottomans used Dolmabahce Palace as their administrative center. After establishing the New Turkish government, Mustafa Kemal resided in Dolmabahce Palace on his visits to Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
To make your experience of spending your 24 Hours in Istanbul richer, make sure you visit the Topkapi Palace. It was the home of Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years, so this palace worth a visit from tourists in Istanbul.
Up till now, you might have observed that a central theme of the architecture in Istanbul is the aesthetic placement of domes. Topkapi Palace is no exception.
The palace comprises multiple courtyards and thrones ornamented with jewels. The palace displays the clothes and jewels of sultans. This is a sneak peek into how they lived their life while they ruled a large part of the world. One of the exciting places in this palace is the treasury with 86 carats, “Spoonmaker’s Diamond.” The diamond is a sight to behold, but remember, you cannot take a picture of this treasure.
Hagia Sophia
You might already have heard about Hagia Sophia. This is incredible both in historical background and architectural formation.
Hagia Sophia is also a UNESCO-declared global heritage site.
There is no chance that a picture of beautiful mosaiced walls and illuminating chandeliers, not to mention the beautifully placed domes, comes into your mind when you think about it.
Initially, it was a church built by Byzantine Emperor Constantius. Before restoring its mosque status, it was a museum for about a century, a place open to all religions and people. Therefore, you see the touch of both Christianity and Islam in its architecture.
Grand Bazaar Istanbul
Your next destination is the Grand Bazaar Istanbul. After a savoring breakfast, you have all the fuel required to forage through shops filled with all kinds of goods.
The most exciting fact about Grand Bazaar Istanbul is that it is the biggest sheltered Bazar globally. Here you find 4000 shops with an opportunity to Shop till you Drop. You get everything from jewelry to clothes to ceramic in this market. Don’t forget to have fun with the shopkeepers haggling about the prices. It is common knowledge to everyone that shopkeepers try to charge a higher price to tourists. But you can have your way with them with clever bargaining.
The hilarious experience is when the shopkeepers call you back when you try to leave. That’s when you know you have got your favorite deal elevating your 24 Hours in Istanbul trip.
Madame Tussauds
Who does not know about this famous museum? This is a renowned museum in many parts of the world. Located at the heart of Istanbul on Taksim’s Istiklal Avenue, finding it is not difficult at all. If you want to have a feel of a celebrity on your travel to Istanbul in 24 hours, this is the best place for you. The welcome with red carpets is enticing for the visitors calling them to take more steps forwards.
The exhibition at Madame Tussauds Istanbul starts with the statue of Mustafa Kemal, founder of modern Turkey. The figures in the museum stand out for their attention to the minutest of details.
The museum takes you through Turkish History. But it is the only thing you see there. The wax figures in Madame Tussauds are there to perfect your 24 Hours in Istanbul.
Dinner
End your day with a delicious dinner at Agora Meyhanesi. This is among the oldest eateries in Istanbul, established in 1980. You will have the option to taste the wonderful flavors of Greek Orthodox, Zaza and Turkmen, chefs.
The Final Word
Istanbul is full of beautiful places to visit. From historical mosques to palaces to delicious eateries, the list is endless. But when the goal is to make the most out of your 24 Hours on Istanbul trip, you have to choose wisely.
The places mentioned in this guide are highly famous, and entry to these attractions included free with Istanbul E-pass . You won't regret going to any of these places. But one thing we bet on is that this trip will be so gripping that it won't take much longer before you come back again.