Istanbul Stopover: What to See in the City in One Day

In the ‘Stopover’ section, we tell you how to spend time in a transit city — wisely and without suffering at the airport. The first issue is about Istanbul, which is popular nowadays. Columnist Ekaterina Aniskina (ex-Tatler, Grazia) explains how to get to know it even in a short amount of hours and avoid falling for taxi drivers’ tricks.

What to see

Believe it, you can really see all of Istanbul’s main attractions in 24 hours. Even less. From the airport, head to Taksim Square, a kind of city center, around which all the most worthwhile places of the metropolis are concentrated. You can get there by bus (you’ll see it right at the airport exit, pay the driver) or by taxi. The price will be from 25 Turkish Lira. But for this, you’ll have to exchange money at the airport.

Taksim Square itself, with its monument to national hero Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is the epicenter of public festivities. There are always many people here: not only tourists but also locals. Nearby is the tiny Taksim Gezi Park, which offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus.

Also, from Taksim begins the city’s main pedestrian street — Istiklal. It is a bustling pedestrian street with a large number of clothing stores and cafes. Be prepared for crowds here. Especially in the evening. But you’ll immediately feel the local flavor and enjoy the shopping.

Also, in Taksim Square, you’ll notice a large glass building with a fountain. This is the Atatürk Cultural Center. It’s not necessary to go inside if you’re only in the city for one day. Just remember that to the right of the center, going downhill, begins Gümüşsuyu Street with beautiful houses reminiscent of classical Europe. Walk along Gümüşsuyu and you’ll eventually descend to the Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the city’s main attractions. Be sure to stroll through the park on the palace grounds. And if you love oriental aesthetics and are a fan of ‘Magnificent Century,’ buy a ticket to go inside. You’ll see the luxurious interiors of the Turkish sultans with your own eyes.

From Dolmabahçe, head right to the freshly renovated Galataport. This is Istanbul’s most beautiful promenade, which opened just this year. On a bench or sun lounger there, you can have a picnic with pomegranate or orange fresh juice, a simit bagel, fruits, and sweets, which are sold everywhere here. Galataport also has many stylish and delicious bars, restaurants, and cafes. Choose any that catches your eye. They are all truly good there.

For shopping fans, Galataport houses boutiques of Turkey’s main brands. There’s also a branch of the country’s most fashionable department store, Beymen, with luxury brands. Another Beymen is located in the Nişantaşı district. But believe me, the assortment at the port is better. Prices are higher than European ones, but you can still find good deals.

And what is Istanbul without mosques? The oldest and most famous Hagia Sophia, founded by Constantine I the Great as early as 324 and built in 532–537, became a mosque again in 2020. Therefore, keep in mind that women must enter it with a head covering, covered arms, and in trousers or a skirt below the knee. By the way, a headscarf and skirt can be bought at a shop on the mosque grounds. It’s easy to get there from Galataport. Just cross the Galata Bridge of the same name. Then walk through the Grand Bazaar. Pop in there too and buy some tea or a box of baklava. It weighs little and keeps for a long time. And then move on to the Sultanahmet district. This is the old part of Istanbul, so you’ll immediately feel the contrast after the modern port.

If you have time, take a ferry from the European side to the Asian side across the Bosphorus. Go to the embankment, buy a ticket at the machine, and take a seat on the open deck. The ride isn’t long: about 15 minutes. But you’ll definitely remember this short trip for a lifetime. Asian Istanbul is mostly local residents’ homes. So, if your time in the city is limited, there’s no point in wandering around there.

In the evening, head to the Beyoğlu district for dinner. Stroll through the local streets, and reach the Galata Tower. Around it, there are many decent cafes and vintage shops where you can find stylish jewelry and glasses.

Where to go shopping

All the main boutiques of luxury and local Turkish brands, besides Istiklal Street, are located in the Nişantaşı district. Look for the former in the Beymen department store and the boutiques around it. For mass-market and mid-segment, go to City’s Nişantaşı shopping center. And be sure to pay attention to the numerous jewelry stores. Turkish designers are famous for their high-quality and stylish costume jewelry. It’s really worth stocking up on it in Istanbul.

Keep in mind: purchases over 7000 Lira cannot be paid in cash.

About transport

You can hail a taxi or use the Uber app. In the first case, always make sure the driver turns on the meter when you get in. Often, they take advantage of tourists’ unfamiliarity and end up charging several times the actual cost.

Turkish Uber, however, shows an estimated trip cost. But in most cases, if you don’t get stuck in heavy traffic, the meter will show an amount even less than initially stated.

For buses, trams, ferries, and the metro, you need an IstanbulKart, similar to transit cards in other major cities. Without it, you won’t be able to buy a single ticket from the driver. The card is sold in the metro and some street kiosks, so take care of this in advance. The cost of the card (50 Lira) and any remaining balance on it are non-refundable.

Where to eat

During the few hours you’re in Istanbul, you should, of course, try as much local food as possible. To avoid running around the city looking for the right places, remember that dürüm, döner, and lahmacun are best ordered in cafes where locals eat. These are usually not the most stylish cafes in terms of interior, but they are delicious.

For a modern take on local cuisine, head to the prestigious Yeni Lokanta restaurant. And if you want to see a magnificent view of Istanbul, go to the terrace of Mikla restaurant.

Around the Galata Bridge, buy balık ekmek from street vendors, which is flatbread with fried fish — another symbol of Istanbul. Also try the famous mussels with rice from them. Don’t worry: the seafood is cooked. But if street aesthetics aren’t for you, order such mussels at the Midyeci Ahmet chain.

Try Turkish sweets at the beautiful Hafiz Mustafa cafes. You can also buy lokum and baklava as gifts there. This chain definitely has the most beautiful packaging for edible souvenirs.

Also, order the San Sebastian dessert at a cafe — a divine airy cheesecake, unparalleled anywhere else.

If you’re in the city in the morning, order a traditional Turkish breakfast. This includes several mezes with vegetables, cheeses, ham, jam, honey, and olives. Scrambled eggs are usually served with this set. But instead, you’d better try the local equivalent of shakshuka — menemen. These dishes can be ordered in any cafe: Turks always prepare them equally well.

And if you suddenly crave familiar fast food, go to the city’s most delicious burger joint, Hopdaddy Burger in Nişantaşı.

Where to drink

Turkish coffee. You can confidently order it everywhere. Seriously. Turks know how to make their signature coffee excellently. Unlike cappuccinos, lattes, and other Western coffee drinks. If you’re a spoiled connoisseur, coffee will disappoint you almost everywhere in Istanbul. Exceptions are the Tchibo chain, where it’s worth getting coffee to go, Cafe Nero, and cafes on Sair Nedim Street near Dolmabahçe.

Turkish tea. Remember: if you say the word ‘tea’ in Istanbul, you’ll get a teapot and boiling water. Locals drink çay.

Freshly squeezed juice. Feel free to buy it from street vendors who prepare the juice right in front of you. Definitely the cheapest fresh juice in Europe. The price for a 0.3 glass of pomegranate juice, for example, is about 30–40 Lira, and even less for orange. And sometimes even less.

Alcohol*. In Turkey, it’s more expensive, harder to find in stores, and many cafes simply don’t have a wine list. So for delicious cocktails, head to the stylish Luca bistro in the Beşiktaş district.

Where to exchange money and how to pay

In Turkey, there are ATMs at every step. Firstly, cards are not accepted everywhere here. And secondly, even if a terminal is available, international cards may sometimes face connectivity issues, so it is always good to have cash on hand.

If you arrive with dollars or euros, keep in mind that the most favorable exchange office is deep inside the Grand Bazaar. On the aforementioned Istiklal Street, the rate is worse, but not the worst. Conditions are slightly better at exchange offices in the Nişantaşı district.

Where to stay

If you have a long stopover, we advise not to waste time traveling around the city. Stay near all the attractions we mentioned — in the Beyoğlu district. Choose a quieter street: for this, check the map to ensure there are no mosques, clubs, restaurants, or schools nearby. And if your budget allows, stay at Istanbul’s most famous hotel — Pera Palace with a view of the Bosphorus. The very one built for the passengers of the ‘Orient Express’ and where Agatha Christie wrote her legendary detective novel of the same name. Room prices start from 170 EUR.

I want to go to Istanbul!

*excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health!