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.
In 2024, hakia sophia used to be free of charge. But now it cost 25 eur. However, the place full of history and interesting thing inside. Avoid long waiting line by purchasing on line.
The main purpose was to check in. I didn't expect that there would be cats in such a big and famous church...Only local people can enter for prayer and worship on the first floor, and it is not open to tourists.
There were a lot of people queuing up at the Hagia Sophia, waiting in line for an hour to see the cathedral for ten minutes, and tourists were not allowed to go to the first floor, only the second floor. The Water Palace was pretty good and interesting, but the tickets for both were very expensive and not cost-effective!
When you come to Turkey, you must see St. Sophia's Cathedral in the old city, which is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Saint Sophia Cathedral is the Central Church of the Orthodox Church built in Byzantine times. It is quite magnificent and magnificent. It fully reflects the outstanding architectural art and is absolutely a model of the architectural community. Later, the Ottoman Empire destroyed the Eastern Roman Empire. When Islam cleansed the pagan religion, it did not have the heart to destroy the symbol of the pagan religion, the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, but transformed it into a mosque. [Overall Feeling] Finally came to St. Sophia's Cathedral, which was full of expectation and excitement. St. Sophia's Cathedral has created many of the world's first churches, and the beauty of the cathedral makes us wonder. First enter the church, we have to know that St. Sophia Cathedral is repaired all year round, you can only see half of the church, the other half is always repaired. Entering the church, we marveled at the luxurious marble floor, which has remained intact for so many years. Take a look at the famous murals on the wall. The huge yellow dome will surely shock you. In addition, St. Sophia Cathedral has a second floor, so you must go to the second floor to see it, you can experience the beauty of the cathedral more closely!
It's really beautiful. I like the chandeliers inside. It's just too well-known. Tourist groups are bound to visit scenic spots. There are so many people. It's too difficult to take a picture of nobody! You have to go early, or you'll have to queue for n long at the gate alone. In Istanbul, churches are not free in Europe, they are all museums, they all need tickets! Museum stores have good things. Specially made coins are just the opposite of St. Sophia's Cathedral and Blue Mosque. It's very memorable! When I went there, some of them were being repaired, which somehow affected the viewing.
St. Sophia Cathedral is a symbolic building of Istanbul with its dome spire. Standing in the central hall of the cathedral, looking up at the dome roof, we can feel its brilliant momentum. Not only do we remember Ma Tianyu taking out his telescope to show his pattern sister the portrait of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus, it not only makes us feel the greatness of the ancients, but also how to build such a magnificent building. Feel the power of God, the power of faith.
Hagia Sophia was the cathedral of the Eastern Roman Emperor when the Byzantine Empire was at its peak. Later, when the Byzantine Empire declined, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque for worshiping Allah. Today, Hagia Sophia is a sacred place for both Christians and Muslims. Therefore, the exterior looks like a combination of a church and a mosque, and once you enter the church, you can see traces of the coexistence of two religions everywhere. The visit takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket price is 25TL. There is an audio guide that can be rented for 10TL, but unfortunately there is no Chinese version, so I didn't rent it.
It was built by Christians and later modified by Islamists, but the charm of both religions is reflected in the entrance, the central hall, the interior floor is paved with multi-colored marble, and the wall is also inlaid with colored marble patterns, it looks very colorful and beautiful. The large and small partitions of the church and the pendant chandeliers maintain the light in the hall, while the exquisite chandeliers bring a warm atmosphere to the hall, together with the tall dome, which gives people a sense of awe. The dome retains Byzantine frescoes, which are very colorful. Video http://www.tudou.com/listplay/6WJZJs5kAJ4/RqgD-qaKFaU.html?FR=LIAN