Istanbul for a weekend
Istanbul spans two continents: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in the old city, a Bosphorus ferry, and modern Beyoğlu and Karaköy for food and nightlife. Allow for traffic: the airports are far from the centre.
What to see in two days
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace
- Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus ferry (public Şehir Hatları)
- Galata Tower and Karaköy
Where to stay
- Sultanahmet: Next to the big sights Hotels on the map
- Karaköy / Galata: Cafés, views, tram + ferries Hotels on the map
- Kadıköy (Asian side): Local food scene, near SAW Hotels on the map
Neighbourhood advice only: we do not earn from hotel bookings.
From the airport
From IST take the M11 metro or a Havaist bus (60–90 min); from SAW a Havabus/HAVAIST bus or the M4 metro.
Official transport sites: Havaist · Metro Istanbul
When to go
Best: April–June and September–November. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cool and rainy, sometimes with snow, but the city is calmer.
Average weather by month
Averages for 2016–2025: daytime high and days with rain (1 mm or more) per month. Source: Open-Meteo (ERA5).
Useful for this trip
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- Airport transfer Kiwitaxipartner Welcome Pickupspartner
- Tickets and tours Tiqetspartner WeGoTrippartner
- Car rental Localrentpartner GetRentacarpartner
- eSIM for mobile data Airalopartner Drimsimpartner
- Luggage storage Radical Storagepartner
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istanbul.goturkiye.com · Wikivoyage · Guide checked October 24, 2026.
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