TripSmithIstanbul
A curated guide to Istanbul, Turkey: 8 top sights, 8 standout places to eat, where to stay, and a sample itinerary.
What to see
- Suleymaniye Mosque 4.9★ (66,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Rahmi M. Koç Museum 4.8★ (27,000 reviews) · Technology museum
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque 4.8★ (135,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- The Blue Mosque 4.7★ (120,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Dolmabahçe Palace 4.7★ (91,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Gülhane Park 4.7★ (69,000 reviews) · Tourist attraction
- Turkey İş Bank Museum 4.7★ (6,100 reviews) · Museum
- Sakıp Sabancı Museum 4.7★ (5,900 reviews) · Museum
Where to eat
- Hidden Garden Restaurant Sultanahmet 4.9★ (21,000 reviews) · Restaurant
- Garden 1897 Restaurant 4.9★ (22,000 reviews) · Restaurant
- Carlos Terrace Restaurant İstanbul 4.9★ (5,900 reviews) · Restaurant
- Pleasure terrace roof top restaurant 4.9★ (9,100 reviews) · Restaurant
- Luco Restaurant Rooftop Sirkeci 4.9★ (2,600 reviews) · Restaurant
- Mivan Restaurant & Cafe 4.9★ (9,000 reviews) · Restaurant
- Harab'be Cafe 4.9★ (4,800 reviews) · Cafe
- EHLİ KEYF CAFE 4.9★ (2,800 reviews) · Cafe
Where to drink
- THE IRISH CORNER PUB 4.9★ (2,000 reviews) · Bar
- U2 Istanbul Irish Pub 4.8★ (3,600 reviews) · Irish pub
- Ritim Roof (Teras) 4.6★ (3,800 reviews) · Bar
- Tower Pub 4.8★ (1,400 reviews) · Bar
- FLEKK 4.8★ (1,300 reviews) · Cocktail bar
Where to stay
- The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul 4.6★ (4,623 reviews) · 5-star hotel
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus 4.6★ (8,570 reviews) · 5-star hotel
- Grand Hyatt Istanbul 4.5★ (5,329 reviews) · 5-star hotel
- Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel 4.5★ (6,934 reviews) · 5-star hotel
- InterContinental Istanbul 4.5★ (5,636 reviews) · 5-star hotel
A sample 3-day shape
Day 1
- Morning: Suleymaniye Mosque
- Afternoon: The Blue Mosque
- Dinner: Hidden Garden Restaurant Sultanahmet
- Nightcap: THE IRISH CORNER PUB
Day 2
- Morning: Rahmi M. Koç Museum
- Afternoon: Dolmabahçe Palace
- Dinner: Garden 1897 Restaurant
- Nightcap: U2 Istanbul Irish Pub
Day 3
- Morning: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- Afternoon: Gülhane Park
- Dinner: Carlos Terrace Restaurant İstanbul
- Nightcap: Ritim Roof (Teras)
This is a starting shape — plan your own Istanbul trip →
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
With 20 notable sights and 24 standout eateries, 2–4 days covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.