Istanbul in two outings: old-city culture and a ferry day
Give Sultanahmet its own time, then pair Karaköy with Kadıköy on a separate harbour-focused outing.
4 MIN READREAD ↗
Türkiye / Europe
Istanbul
Historic squares, working ferries and a different neighbourhood across the water.
- Currency
- Turkish lira (₺)
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Airports
- IST · Istanbul Airport; SAW · Sabiha Gökçen
- Getting around
- Metro, trams, buses and ferries; choose the airport transfer by your actual arrival airport
THE LOCAL CALENDAR
WHAT’S ON IN ISTANBUL
No confirmed upcoming dates are listed right now. Explore our city guides for places to visit.
FIELD NOTES
ISTANBUL GUIDES
PLACES & LOCAL FAVOURITES
EXPLORE ISTANBUL
See & do · Historic peninsula
Sultanahmet area
An old-city focus for one half-day. Individual landmarks and places of worship have their own visitor arrangements.
Hours: Check current local visitor or service informationCost: See official visitor information; no bundled price assumed
See & do · European waterfront
Karaköy
A cultural neighbourhood for browsing before checking your ferry departure.
Hours: Check current local visitor or service informationCost: See official visitor information; no bundled price assumed
See & do · Asian shore
Kadıköy
The far-shore neighbourhood for this ferry-focused outing; check the current municipal route and return schedule.
Hours: Check current local visitor or service informationCost: See official visitor information; no bundled price assumed
Markets · Historic Istanbul
Grand Bazaar
A broad covered-market option for textiles and decorative browsing. Individual shop arrangements vary.
Markets · Eminönü
Spice Bazaar
A market option for spices and food products; confirm quantity, packaging and total price with the seller.
Hours and prices may change. Confirm with the venue before a special trip.