Day 2: Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar

Begin the second day of your travels with a visit to the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace. While you are there, make sure that you see the Treasury and take the tour of the Harem. Also on the palace grounds, you will find the entrance to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which houses a collection of famous and priceless artifacts. Among them you may discover the original Treaty of Kadesh, signed by Pharoah Ramses and the Hittite King.

When you leave the palace grounds, turn right just outside the main gate and follow along Sogukcesme Sokagi to experience a walk through what appears to be a 19th century Ottoman neighborhood. Afterward, take the tram at Guilhane to Bayezit. This brings you to the entrance into the Grand Bazaar, also known as the Covered Bazaar, which has an amazing 6,000 shops spread over 58 streets.

Day 3: A Day on the Bosphorus

Taking the daylong cruise up the Bosphorus is an essential experience; however, allow some extra travel time so that you will be able to get a good look at the flavourful Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Yeni Cami before boarding the ferry. The day includes a variety of sights along the Asian and European shores as well as a visit to nearby Rumeli Castle.

Spend the afternoon walking Istanbul’s busiest streets; among them is Istiklal Caddesi, an elegant avenue showcasing authentic Turkish architecture that is filled with boutiques, cinemas, art galleries, cafes, libraries, bookstores, night clubs, and much more. Pause your afternoon exploration to enjoy Ottoman music played by the Mehter Band at the Military Museum in Harbiye. From the Military Museum, try and take a taxi to the trendy seaside village of Ortakay. Here you will find cafes, restaraunts, and sidewalk vendors beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. Enjoy dinner at one of the many places on the quay or head back to Beyoglu for a meal at one of the local taverns or fish bazaars.