What to See in Istanbul in Just One Day

You’ve come to Istanbul for a meeting, work appointment, or vacation, and you only have one free day. Where should you go, and what can you see in just one day in Istanbul?

Last September, I hosted a guest from London, UK, who was in Istanbul to shoot a short film. He had only one free day. Fortunately, most of Istanbul’s fascinating sights are located on the historic peninsula, meaning they are close to each other and can be explored in just one day.

Later, I thought that the places we visited could serve as a guide for people who come to Istanbul for just one day, so I decided to prepare a guide. Here is a guide on what you can do in Istanbul in one day. The list includes the most visited places by tourists in the historic peninsula and the must-see spots that come to mind when you think of Istanbul.

Here’s a list of places you can visit if you only have one day to explore Istanbul:

Istanbul in a Day: Essential Landmarks for a Quick Visit

1. Grand Bazaar

First, we took the metro from Bahçeköy (where I live) to Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Our first stop was the Grand Bazaar, which is about a 5-10 minute walk from Vezneciler metro station.

Beyazıt Entrance of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul.

The Grand Bazaar (Turkish: Kapalıçarşı, lit. means “covered bazaar”) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century. Founded in 1461, it spans over 30,000 square meters, with more than 4,000 shops lining its labyrinthine streets. The bazaar is a bustling hub for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of goods, including jewelry, spices, textiles, carpets, antiques, and handmade crafts.

Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited landmarks in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually. Its historical significance, dating back to 1461, combined with its vast scale -over 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets- makes it a major draw for visitors.

Its central location in Istanbul’s historic peninsula, close to other iconic attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, adds to its appeal. According to many reports, the Grand Bazaar consistently ranks among the top tourist attractions globally, showcasing its enduring popularity as a must-see destination.

Pro tip: Do NOT buy anything from the Grand Bazaar. You can thank me later.

In Istanbul (and in general, in Turkey), do not buy anything that doesn’t have a price tag on it. If someone is persistently trying to sell you something, definitely don’t buy it – just say “no, thank you” and continue on your way.

2. Roman Era Hippodrome and Obelisk of Theodosius

The next place we visited was the Roman-era Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius. Now known as Sultanahmet Square, the Roman-era Hippodrome was once the social and sporting center of the ancient city of Constantinople. Built in the 3rd century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Emperor Constantine, the Hippodrome hosted chariot races, political events, and public ceremonies.

While much of the original structure is gone, remnants remain, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, which was brought from Egypt in the 4th century. This towering monument, over 3,000 years old, was erected to commemorate Theodosius I’s reign and stands as one of the city’s most impressive ancient relics. Today, the site offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s Roman and Byzantine past, right in the heart of the historic district.

3. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii) in Istanbul is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior, the mosque’s name comes from the overwhelming color scheme of the tiles. The mosque features a grand central dome flanked by six minarets, a unique characteristic at the time.

Its design blends traditional Islamic architecture with Byzantine elements, especially drawing inspiration from the nearby Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque is not only a functioning place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to admire its exquisite architecture and experience a serene spiritual atmosphere in the heart of historic Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque is located near the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The two landmarks are just a short walk from each other, making it easy for visitors to explore both in one visit.

Since Blue Mosque is a place of worship, female visitors are required to cover their heads with a scarf.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul — Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Istanbul. I took this photo back in 2016.

4. Hagia Sophia

The magnificent Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya) stands at the Roman-era Hippodrome’s south end. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, with a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. Originally built as a cathedral by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it was the largest Christian church of the Byzantine Empire and a marvel of ancient architecture. The massive dome, which seemed to float above the interior, was a groundbreaking achievement for its time.

In 1453, following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II. Minarets were added, and Christian mosaics were covered or removed. In 1935, it was transformed into a museum under the secular Turkish Republic, showcasing its Christian and Islamic heritage. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was once again declared a mosque. Today, it stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural history, blending elements of both Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, attracting millions of visitors annually.

How to enter Hagia Sophia?

Since Hagia Sophia holds the status of a mosque, entrance is free. However, following UNESCO’s recommendation, a new visitor management plan has been implemented as of January 15, 2024. Hagia Sophia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 and has been serving as a mosque since July 24, 2020. You can visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque 24/7, but be aware that entrance lines can be quite long, especially on weekends. We also suggest keeping prayer times in mind when planning your visit.

Entrance Fee

The mosque section is free.
The upper gallery is 25 Euros for foreign visitors (as of 2024).
You can also purchase “no wait” tickets. These tickets are sold by tour guides, who take you inside while explaining the history, features, and more about Hagia Sophia. The tours usually last around half an hour. Naturally, these tickets are more expensive, starting at around 40 Euros.

Opening Hours

The mosque section is always open
The upper gallery can be visited until 7:00 PM.

Since Hagia Sophia is now a place of worship, female visitors are required to cover their heads with a scarf. If you don’t have items like a shawl or headscarf when visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque, you can purchase one at the entrance. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside, but you can buy disposable long coveralls at the entrance if needed. The prices are generally inexpensive, around 2-3 US dollars.

Inside Hagia Sophia from the upper gallery. I took this photo back in September 2016.

5. Basilica Cistern

Our next stop was Basilica Cistern. It is known as Yerebatan Sarayı, “Sunken Palace” by the locals of Istanbul. Located about a hundred meters in the southwest of Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Constantinople.

Built in 532 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565), it served as an underground water reservoir, supplying water to the Great Palace and other buildings in the city. The cistern is an architectural marvel, with 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows, many of which are repurposed from earlier Roman structures. One of its most famous features is the two Medusa head columns, which add a mysterious touch to the site.

The dim lighting and the sound of dripping water create an atmospheric experience for visitors. Today, the Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist destination, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of ancient Constantinople.

Inside Basilica Cistern — The marble columns of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient Byzantine water reservoir, create a stunning underground atmosphere in the heart of Istanbul. I took this photo back in September 2016.

The entrance fees for the Basilica Cistern are:

Pricing between 09:00 and 18:30:

Turkish Visitor: 200 TL
Foreign Visitor: 900 TL (around 25 Euros or 30$, as of 2024)
Student: 50 TL

Pricing between 19:30 and 23:50:

Turkish Visitor: 350 TL
Foreign Visitor: 1,400 TL (around 35 Euros or 40$, as of 2024)
Student: 150 TL

Medusa column bases

The Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern are among its most intriguing features. Located at the base of two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern, these heads are believed to have been repurposed from earlier Roman structures. One head is positioned sideways, while the other is placed upside down. The exact reason for this unusual placement is unclear, but it may have been done to minimize the mythological power of Medusa’s gaze, which, according to legend, could turn people to stone. Another theory is that the stones were used purely for practical purposes, with no symbolic meaning. Regardless, the Medusa heads add an air of mystery and mythology to the cistern’s atmosphere.

In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons, monstrous sisters with snakes for hair. Medusa was the only mortal among them, and her gaze had the power to turn anyone who looked directly at her into stone. According to myth, she was once a beautiful woman but was cursed by the goddess Athena after a violation in her temple. Medusa’s curse made her so terrifying that even her reflection could petrify.

Medusa was ultimately slain by the hero Perseus, who used a mirrored shield to avoid looking directly at her. After beheading her, Perseus used Medusa’s head as a weapon before giving it to Athena, who placed it on her shield.

The mysterious Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern are two of its most famous features. Positioned at the base of two columns, one sideways and the other upside down, these ancient relics are believed to be repurposed from Roman structures. The placement adds an air of intrigue, tying the cistern to Greek mythology, where Medusa’s gaze could turn people to stone, making her one of the most feared figures in ancient myth.

6. Beyoğlu (Pera)

If you didn’t drink a beer on Istiklal Avenue (Turkish: Istiklal Caddesi) in Beyoğlu, you didn’t truly visit Istanbul. Beyoğlu, also known historically as Pera, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich districts of the city. Just a few kilometers from the historic peninsula, it offers a completely different atmosphere: more modern, yet steeped in history. You can easily reach the avenue by taking the tram from the historic areas and switching to the tunnel or the funicular to reach Taksim Square, the heart of Beyoğlu.

We chose the second route, first traveling by tram to Kabataş, then taking the funicular up to Taksim Square. From there, we strolled down the famous Istiklal Avenue, lined with historic buildings, shops, cafes, and pubs. St. Anthony of Padua Church is also on the Istiklal Avenue.

After wandering for a while, we stopped for a beer at one of the many cozy pubs that dot the area, soaking in the lively and eclectic atmosphere that Beyoğlu is famous for. Afterward, we headed home, having experienced a true slice of Istanbul’s modern culture in one of its most iconic neighborhoods.