# 2 days in Istanbul: a day-by-day itinerary > Two days let you see the old city without rushing. Day one covers the sights of Sultanahmet and a ferry on the Bosphorus; day two usually goes to the [Süleymaniye Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/suleymaniye-mosque), the [Grand Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/grand-bazaar) and [Topkapı Palace](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/topkapi-palace). Each day is built in the order with the least walking, with lunch in between. Web page: https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/in-2-days ## Day 1 1. [Hagia Sophia](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/hagia-sophia.md) — YesGo score 91/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 15 min · €25 ↓ 3 min on foot 2. [Basilica Cistern](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/basilica-cistern.md) — YesGo score 70/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · ≈ 1,950–2,250 TL ↓ 5 min on foot 3. [Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/hippodrome.md) — YesGo score 77/100 (Yes, go) · 20 min · Free ↓ 3 min on foot 4. [Blue Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/blue-mosque.md) — YesGo score 86/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · Free Lunch break, about 1 h ↓ 19 min by transport 5. [Bosphorus ferry cruise](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/bosphorus-ferry.md) — YesGo score 76/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · Price: verifying Total with walks: 6 h 35 min ## Day 2 1. [Süleymaniye Mosque](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/suleymaniye-mosque.md) — YesGo score 70/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · Free ↓ 12 min on foot 2. [Grand Bazaar](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/grand-bazaar.md) — YesGo score 61/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · Free Lunch break, about 1 h ↓ 19 min by transport 3. [Topkapı Palace](https://yesgo.io/turkey/istanbul/topkapi-palace.md) — YesGo score 63/100 (Yes, go) · 3 h · 2,750 TL with the Harem Total with walks: 6 h 46 min ## How the two days are built Day one takes the places with the highest YesGo score. Day two is made only from places that are not in day one, again in the order with the least walking. Each day fits into about seven hours with lunch, so evenings stay free. If you have to drop something, drop from day two: day one holds the places most travellers would not want to miss. ## Where to stay for 2 days in Istanbul For a short trip stay close to the T1 tram line: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci or Karaköy. The whole plan is then on foot or a few tram stops away, and you do not lose an hour a day on the road. ## Tips - Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays — swap the days if your trip falls on them. - Mosques close to visitors for prayers; the Friday midday prayer is the longest. - One Istanbulkart works for the tram, metro and ferries for the whole trip. - On busy days buy tickets for Topkapı and the Cistern online — the queues there are the longest. ## Questions ### Is 2 days in Istanbul enough? Enough for the old city and the Bosphorus: Sultanahmet, the bazaars, Süleymaniye, Topkapı and a ferry. The Asian side, Galata in the evening and the palaces on the Bosphorus need a third day. ### What is the best order for the two days? Sultanahmet and the ferry first — they hold the places with the highest score. The bazaars and Topkapı on day two: Topkapı alone takes about three hours. ### Is this route good with kids? Mostly yes, but Topkapı is long for small children. There is a separate family route: Istanbul with kids. ### How much is Topkapı Palace? Foreign visitors buy a 2,750 TL combined ticket for the palace, the Harem and Hagia Irene. It is closed on Tuesdays. ### How long does Topkapı take? About 2.5–3 hours. Arrive when the ticket office opens at 9:00 to beat the queues. ### When is the Grand Bazaar open? Monday to Saturday, 8:30–19:00. It is closed on Sundays and on religious holidays. ### Where should I stay for 2 days in Istanbul? Near the T1 tram: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci or Karaköy. Then the whole plan is on foot or a few stops away. ### Is the Süleymaniye Mosque worth it? Yes: it is free, calmer than the Blue Mosque and has the best free view of the Golden Horn from its back terrace. ### Do I need to book tickets in advance? For Topkapı and the Cistern on busy days, yes — online tickets save the longest queues. Mosques and bazaars need no tickets. ### How do I pay for transport? With an Istanbulkart, bought at a tram stop; one card works on the tram, metro and ferries for the whole trip. --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.