3 days in Istanbul

Istanbul - the city where east meets west.

The only city on the globe that straddles between two continents - Europe and Asia, Istanbul is definitely a must visit. The skyline dotted by spires, minarets and domes, Istanbul is the city where Agatha Christie wrote "The Murder on the Orient Express".

Day 1:

The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD and is the epitome of Byzantine architecture. For 916 years it was used as a church. However, after Istanbul was conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Hagia Sophia was used as a mosque for 482 years until 1935 when Ataturk and his Council of Ministers ordered it to be converted to a museum.

Opening hours:

Summer Schedule- 15 APRİL - 31 OCTOBER Visiting Hours: 09.00 am - 7.00 pm

Hours of Ticket Sale: 6:00 pm

Winter Schedule- 01 NOVEMBER - 15 APRİL Visiting Hours: 09:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hours of Ticket Sale: 4:00pm

Ticket Price: 60 TL

Closed on MONDAYS

The Blue Mosque

Next to the Hagia Sophia is the impressive Blue Mosque. Built by Sultan Ahmet I, it is still in use and is also known as the Sultan Ahmet mosque. The interior is lined with beautiful handmade iznik ceramic tiles.

Opening hours:

9am to one hour before dusk. Since it is an active mosque, it isclosed to non-worshippers for about a half hour during the five daily prayers. It is also closed for two hours during Friday noon prayers.

Please dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting although outer garments and shawls are available at the door and may be given if necessary.

The Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul. It is called Basilica cistern because it lies beneath the Stoa Basilica. Venture underground into the Basilica cistern and take a walk around to find the Medusa Pillar Bases.

Opening hours:

9:00 am to 05:30 pm everyday

If you have time and if you plan to visit more than four of the attractions in the Sultanahmet area then it makes sense to buy the Istanbul Museum Pass for 85 TL. Buy it here.

By night: Explore Kadıköy

Kadıköy is a foodies paradise. There are lots of restaurants in the area which serve authentic Turkish food.