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Home/Destinations/Istanbul/Istanbul in 2 days
2 days · Istanbul itinerary

Istanbul in 2 Days: The Ideal Itinerary

Two days in Istanbul lets you pair the old city with the Bosphorus. This 2-day Istanbul itinerary covers Sultanahmet on day one and a Bosphorus cruise and bazaars on day two — with the top-rated tours to book.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: old city sights
  2. 2Grand Bazaar
  3. 3Day 2: Bosphorus cruise
  4. 4Dervishes evening

Day 1: the old city

See Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet.

Day 2: the Bosphorus

Take a Bosphorus cruise, explore the bazaars and cross to the lively Asian side.

Evening: dervishes

End with a whirling dervish ceremony or a Turkish night.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Istanbul — prices per person.

Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Skip the Line Private Tour Best Highlights
5.0(100)·40 min
from$59/ person
via Viator
ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour
Kusadasi
ONLY FOR CRUISE GUESTS: Best Seller Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour
5.0(298)·5h 30min
from$39/ person
via Viator
Istanbul Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience
−6%
Istanbul
Istanbul Traditional Turkish Dinner and Dervish Experience
4.9(741)·3h–3h 30min
from$100$107/ person
via Viator
Istanbul Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and More!
Istanbul
Istanbul Guided Tour: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and More!
5.0(66)·5–7 hours
from$105/ person
via Viator
Born on the Bosphorus: Exploring Three Distinct Waterside Neighborhoods
Istanbul
Born on the Bosphorus: Exploring Three Distinct Waterside Neighborhoods
5.0(188)·6h 30min
from$150/ person
via Viator
Cappadocia Whirling Dervishes Ceremony with Optional Transfer
Goreme
Cappadocia Whirling Dervishes Ceremony with Optional Transfer
4.8(282)·1 hour
from$29/ person
via Viator
Hagia Sophia Private Tour
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Private Tour
5.0(110)·1 hour
from$180/ person
via Viator
CRUISERS ONLY: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Cruise Port
Kusadasi
CRUISERS ONLY: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi Cruise Port
5.0(289)·4–8 hours
from$49/ person
via Viator

Istanbul in 2 days — FAQ

Is 2 days enough for Istanbul?
Two days covers the old city sights on day one and a Bosphorus cruise, the bazaars and the Asian side on day two, with a dervish ceremony or Turkish night in the evening.
What should I not miss in 2 days in Istanbul?
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, the Grand Bazaar and a whirling dervish show.
Is a Bosphorus cruise worth it in Istanbul?
Yes — cruising past the palaces and waterfront mansions, between Europe and Asia, is a magical highlight, especially at sunset or on a dinner cruise.

Explore more in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia & Blue MosqueTopkapi PalaceBosphorus CruisesBazaars & FoodBasilica CisternDervishes & ShowsDay Trips