🇹🇷 2-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Old City & New City Guide! ⏳✨

Istanbul’s historical gems are concentrated in the Old City (all walkable!), while the New City has fewer but more spread-out attractions. Split your time 1 day each—but it’s very intense. Skip some "tourist price traps" and focus on the best! 🏰 Day 1: Old City Route Blue Mosque → Obelisk → Basilica Cistern → Hagia Sophia → Topkapi Palace → Archaeology Museum → Grand Bazaar → Süleymaniye Mosque → Galata Bridge → Bosphorus Cruise 🚋 Tram: T1 Sultanahmet Station (all sights within walking distance). 🌆 Day 2: New City Route Galata Tower → Istiklal Street → Taksim Square → Dolmabahçe Palace → Ortaköy Mosque 🏨 Where to Stay Taksim Square area (New City) for easy transport + ferry access. Pro pick: Barcelona Hotel Istanbul—close to airport shuttle & flat streets (no suitcase struggles!). 🍽️ Must-Eat Turkish Delights Kebabs � Clay-pot beef (Testi Kebab) 🥘 Mado ice cream 🍦 (Watch the playful vendors!) ⚠️ Pro Tips ✔️ Mosque dress code: Women—long pants/skirts + headscarf (free at entrances, but bring your own for cuter pics!). Men—long pants. ✔️ Summer sunset ~9PM—longer sightseeing! If staying near Taksim, try this walkable route: Taksim Sq → Istiklal St → Galata Tower → Galata Bridge → Süleymaniye Mosque → Grand Bazaar → Archaeology Museum → Topkapi Palace → Hagia Sophia → Basilica Cistern → Obelisk → Blue Mosque. ✔️ Skip overpriced tickets! The 45 TL Bosphorus cruise 🚢 is a STEAL—views of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden’s Tower & the Eurasia Bridge! (See my past post for cruise hacks!) ✔️ Whirling Dervishes show 💃: A UNESCO heritage performance near Hagia Sophia—affordable & mesmerizing! #TurkeyTravel #Istanbul #VisitTurkey #CappadociaHotAirBalloon