One-Day Istanbul Transit Itinerary
#springwander #istanbul
Arriving in Istanbul at 6 AM, I took advantage of the Turkish Airlines transit program, which offers a free city tour. By 8 AM, our bus departed from the airport, heading toward the heart of the city.
Our first stop was near Dolmabahçe Palace, where we enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast—menemen (Turkish-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), fresh bread, olives, cheese, and, of course, Turkish tea. After breakfast, we entered Dolmabahçe Palace, marveling at its lavish interior, crystal chandeliers, and grand halls that once housed Ottoman sultans.
From there, we took a stroll along Galata Port, a beautifully renovated waterfront area with scenic views of the Bosphorus. A short walk led us to Galata Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We climbed to the top, taking in panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, where Europe and Asia meet.
Next, we crossed the Bosphorus to Üsküdar, experiencing the Asian side of the city. A brief visit allowed us to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the views of the Maiden’s Tower from the shore. Afterward, we headed back to the European side to explore the bustling Egyptian Bazaar, filled with the scent of spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights.
For the midday prayers, we visited the Blue Mosque, admiring its grand domes and intricate tilework. Afterward, we took a short break at Hafız Mustafa, a legendary sweet shop, where we enjoyed authentic Turkish desserts like baklava and künefe, paired with Turkish tea.
Recharged, we walked to Hagia Sophia, once a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque, and now a symbol of Istanbul’s layered history. The grandeur of its massive dome and intricate mosaics left a lasting impression. From there, we continued to Topkapı Palace, where we explored the royal chambers, treasury, and courtyards, imagining the lives of Ottoman sultans who once ruled from here.
Before heading back to the airport, we took a relaxing walk through Gülhane Park, soaking in the greenery and reflecting on the day’s journey. By the late afternoon, it was time to return to the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable layover in Istanbul.
Absolutely stunning. Really nice palace. However, the rntrance fee was quite expensive. Recommended. Avoid long ticket queue by purchasimg online ticket via trip.com
Dolmabahçe Palace Constructed by Sultan Abdülmecid I from 1843 to 1856, it was known as the New Palace. … The last sultan also left Turkey from here. It's truly beautiful. The New Palace is magnificent! Tickets are expensive, 331 RMB. There's a Chinese guide. The palace is magnificent.
The palace is big. Separate on 2 parts Harem & Sultan palace. Make any pictures not allowed 🚫 inside palace
The Turkish name of Dolmabahce Palace means "filled courtyard". It was built on the original port structure. It is located on the waterfront and has beautiful scenery. Although the flowers and plants in the garden are not lush, they are still lush and green. There stands a Baroque clock tower in the garden, which also served as a guard tower. Strolling in the courtyard and stopping by the pier, you can slowly experience the glory of the Ottoman Empire during its heyday.
This palace is worth a visit, at least half a day is needed, otherwise the ticket price is not worth it. However, the only regret is that photography is not allowed inside. I took a few photos secretly, but I was very nervous. You can take photos outside the palace. The Bosphorus is close at hand and the scenery is very good.
Dolmabahce Palace, commonly known as the New Palace. Just like the Summer Palace to the Qing Empire, the New Palace was almost the last glory of the Ottoman Empire. Its construction exhausted the national strength of the empire. Its luxury and magnificence even made the initiator Sultan Abdomeqi sigh. The New Palace is located at the European end of the Bosphorus Strait, covering an area of 25 hectares, with a panoramic view of the strait. There are hundreds of rooms and halls in the palace, and countless rare treasures are displayed. It is impossible to tour such a huge palace in one or two hours. The full-time tour guide took us on a classic route, which can only be regarded as a cursory visit. But even with a quick glance, there are several places that I can't forget. The most impressive one is the crystal staircase hall. When I was dizzy with the tour guide, the huge crystal chandelier suddenly appeared in the air in front of me, as dazzling as the sun, and even the stairs leading to it were inlaid with glittering crystals. It was luxurious to the extreme and unreal. It shocked everyone who saw it for the first time. In fact, this crystal chandelier weighs 2.5 tons, which is a small matter compared to the 4.5-ton one in the Grand Ballroom. However, due to its clever design, this chandelier appears larger and more dazzling visually. The Grand Ballroom was where I spent the longest time. This hall may be the largest single room I have ever been to. Even if a banquet for thousands of people is held, it will not seem crowded. In the middle of the Grand Ballroom is a tall dome. The ceiling painting on it is a masterpiece of a famous artist. Even the crystal giant chandelier hanging below, which was once the world's first, cannot block its brilliance. The painting has a special three-dimensional effect, as if it has merged with the dome. If you don't look carefully, you will not be able to tell what is a painting and what is a building. The New Palace was also used as the official residence of Kemal, the founding president of the Republic of Turkey. Kemal eventually died here. In order to commemorate him, the Turks stopped all the clocks in the New Palace forever at 9:05 when he died. Photography is not allowed in the New Palace, which is a pity!
The new Palace of Doma Bach, located in the European part on the West Bank of the Bosporus Strait, stretches over 600 meters. It was built in 1843 and completed in 1856. [Overall Feeling] This trip we went to the old palace and the new palace, first to the new palace, very many people, almost every tour group will go to the old palace to see. But the new palace is different. Few tours in China will come to the new palace, and the new palace is closed every Sunday and Monday. Of course, during the summer vacation, the peak season is closed. The new palace is adjacent to the Bosporus Strait, and its geographical location is quite good. The outside looks very simple and the gate is not very big, but the sculpture and decoration are really very beautiful. Walking into the palace, you will be shocked by its beautiful decoration, which is no different from the European palace. But the decoration and luxury of the new palace surpassed even some of Europe's famous palaces. Especially the huge crystal lamp in the atrium, although not turned on, but the luxury of the crystal has been astonishing. Therefore, it's very worthwhile to go to the new palace and have a look at it. It's really beautiful. In addition, the new palace is only allowed to take pictures outside, and photography is not allowed inside.
Dolma Bachche Palace, there is no place that does not reveal that the Ottoman Empire once flourished for a while brilliant, the palace is extremely luxurious. Baroque style and Ottoman's Oriental lines make my first trip abroad very exciting. Where the eyes go is not enough to record everything. It frustrates me not to take pictures in the palace. Unfortunately, I missed the crystal ladder mentioned in the book and did not notice and see it.