Updated Date : 09.01.2025
At this blog you can read best itinerary for Istanbul for 2025. This itinerary will make your vacation more comfortable and memorable. With Istanbul E-pass you can make this itinerary even more convenient.
Here you can find most convenient itinerary for Istanbul visitor.
DAY 1
Some attractions in Istanbul are close each other. On your first day visitors can start with Old City, Sultanahmet area. As in Istanbul, your first day will be less tiring and more productive. In the morning, start with Hagia Sophia. Tourists can visit only 2nd floor because ground floor is only open for praying. It may take around 30 minutes to explore Hagia Sophia Mosque museum. After the impressive spell of Hagia Sophia, you can visit the Blue Mosque and let the magic continue. If you are with Istanbul E-pass guide, it may take up around 30 minutes. E-pass guide will unlock all the secrets of Sultanahmet mosque and Hippodrome. A visit to the Basilica Cistern before the lunch break with the E-pass guide will make the first half of the day wonderful.
After lunch break you can start with Topkapi Palace. You can explore Topkapi Palace comfortably with an E-pass guide. Topkapi Palace guide tour takes around 1.5 hour. It will be easy to understand Ottomon Empire. After unlock Topkapi Palace, you can visit Archelogical Museum. After Topkapi Palace, you will realize how productive your day was exploring the Archaeological Museum.
If you will have leisure time you can visit Grand Bazaar and Arasta Bazaar. They are the ideal places to relieve the tiredness of the day. But it doesn't end there, you can end the day by going to a Whirling Dervish Ceremony. The whirling dervishes will soothe your soul and help you explore Istanbul with more energy for tomorrow.
DAY 2
Let's continue exploring Istanbul with renewed energy. You can start your day with enigmatic Dolmabahce Palace. Dolmabahçe's location by the Bosphorus will be refreshing for you. You can sit and sip your coffee at the Dolmabahce cafe. After sipping your coffee, you can explore Dolmabahce in detail with the E-pass guide. Dolmabahce palace guided tour takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Of course, the day is just beginning with Dolmabahce Palace. After your tour is finishing you can visit Taksim and Istiklal Street. E-pass provide audio guide for Istiklal Street. Audio guide will help you to explore more easily this most famous street of Istanbul. On this Street you can visit Museum of Illusions and end of Street you can break the talisman of Galata. With an E-pass you can skip the ticket line Galata Tower.
On today's evening you can visit Galataport and Ortakoy area. You can enjoy the Bosphorus in both places. In particular, you can go to Ortakoy in the evening and drink your coffee against the view of the Bosphorus Bridge. Of course, let's not forget to eat kumpir in Ortakoy.
DAY 3
On morning you can visit Fener & Balat disctrict. On this district, visitors has opportunity to explore more about Fener & Balat district. Fener Balat is one of the best places in Istanbul to feel like a local. After exploring Fener & Balat, you can explore Maiden’s Tower. If you are E-pass holders, it means you will just need a QR code to visit Maiden’s Tower. Take ferry to Maiden’s Tower from Karakoy port. After exploring Maiden’s Tower, take boat to Uskudar port and see view of Bosphorus from Asian side. You can take lunch break at Uskudar.
If your belly is full, not it is time to explore Beylerbeyi Palace. Whenever you get there all you need is get QR code. You must be very lucky to have an e-pass! The day does not end with Beylerbeyi Palace. After Beylerbeyi Palace you can visit Camlica Tower. Also, after Beylerbeyi Palace you have another option to visit Kucuksu Pavillion. If you manage your time well, you can visit both places.
Itinerary for Other Several Days
Istanbul is a city that never ends. For other days we are sharing some example itineraries that you can explore other days in Istanbul.
Istanbul’s Favorite Princess’ Islands
If you want to spend a day apart from the noise of Istanbul If you want to spend a day apart from the noise of Istanbul, you must visit Princess Island. Istanbul offers Princess Island guided tour with lunch or you can take roundtrip boat to Princess and explore by yourself. For more information about Princess Island you can read our blog about Priness Island.
Daily Tours and Discounted tours with an Istanbul E-pass
Another optional itinerary is daily tours. E-pass provides daily tours for E-pass holders. Below visitors can see lists:
Daily Bursa Tour
Bursa is one of the most visited city closest to Istanbul. Bursa is the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, Bursa is one of famous ciry in Turkey and is a historical city. You can book a daily Bursa tour via E-pass and explore more about Bursa.
Daily Sapanca Tour
Sapanca is one of the most visited destinations close to Istanbul. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Sapanca offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With its serene lake and lush surroundings, Sapanca is a favorite spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. You can book a daily Sapanca tour via E-pass and discover the charm of this beautiful destination.
Discounted Daily Cappadocia Tour
Cappadocia is one of the most visited regions in Turkey, renowned for its unique landscapes and rich history. Famous for its fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, Cappadocia offers a magical experience for visitors. It is a must-visit destination for history and nature lovers alike. You can book a discounted daily Cappadocia tour via E-pass and explore the wonders of this extraordinary region. Also, if you wish you can have 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 night tours too.
Discounted Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour 2 Days 1 Night from Istanbul by Plane
Start your journey with a visit to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, where you’ll explore the Sacred City of Hierapolis, including the Necropolis with its Tumulus tombs, sarcophagi, and house-shaped tombs. Walk through the Domitian Gate, the Main Street, and the Byzantium Gate, and visit the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium Theatre, and the stunning Travertines. Optionally, take a dip in Cleopatra’s Antique Pools (entrance is extra). Afterward, stay in Selcuk or Kusadasi for the night. The next day, visit the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of Virgin Mary. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Istanbul.
Discounted Eastern Black Sea Tours by Plane
Begin your Black Sea tour with a visit to the Surmene Knife Factory Outlet and Tea Factory, where you can discover the region's craftsmanship and tea production. Then, travel through the picturesque Solakli Valley to reach Uzungol, a tranquil lake surrounded by lush mountains. Enjoy a panoramic view from the Observation Terrace and spend some free time immersed in nature. Afterward, stay overnight in Trabzon. Continue your journey to the Altındere National Park to visit the historic Sumela Monastery, perched on a cliff. Explore the Zigana Pass and the Torul Skywalk Terrace for stunning views, before stopping in Hamsikoy to sample the local cuisine. In the morning, head to Ayder Plateau, passing through the scenic Fırtına Valley. Adventure seekers can enjoy optional activities such as rafting, ziplining, and swinging. Conclude your tour by visiting Camlıhemsin and the Gelintulu Waterfall, finishing with some free time to enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Discounted Gobeklitepe & Mount Nemrut Tour 2 Days 1 Night from Istanbul by Plane
Start your tour by visiting Gobeklitepe, one of the world’s oldest known religious structures, and explore its fascinating history. Then, head to the Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum to see remarkable artifacts, followed by a visit to the Mosaics of Haleplibahce. Continue to Kizilkoyun Necropolis to discover ancient tombs, and visit Abraham's Birthplace, before experiencing the lively atmosphere of Urfa's Bazaar. Enjoy accommodation in Sanliurfa with a 3* Bed & Breakfast stay. On the second day, visit the Black Bird Burial Mound (Karakus Tumulus) and the Roman Bridge at Cendere. Explore the ruins of Arsemia, an ancient city, before reaching Mount Nemrut at 2134 meters, where you can marvel at the monumental statues and breathtaking views.
Discounted Catalhoyuk and Mevlana Rumi Tour 2 Days 1 Night from Istanbul by Plane
Begin your tour by visiting the Catahyoyuk Archaeological Site, one of the oldest known urban centers, and explore its fascinating prehistoric structures. Continue to Boncuklu Höyük, another important archaeological site, and then head to the Konya Archaeology Museum to see ancient artifacts. Experience the charm of Sille Village, home to historical sites like the Hagia Eleni Church. Enjoy accommodation in Konya. On the second day, visit the Konya Panorama Museum for a glimpse into the city’s history, followed by a tour of the Mevlana Museum, home to the tomb of the famous philosopher and poet Rumi. Visit the Tomb of Shams Tabrizi, a key figure in Rumi’s life, and explore the Alaaddin Mosque and the ruins of the nearby palace. Discover the Karatay Madrasah & Museum, then wander through the Old Bazaar before visiting the Aziziye Mosque to conclude your tour.