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What to do in Just One Day in İstanbul

Published on Sat Nov 18, 2023

Istanbul in Turkey is a city of two continents – Europe and Asia, divided by the sparkling Bosphorus River. It’s one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations, captivating the imagination at every turn, and you can walk to many of the historical landmarks easily when you spend a day here.

Highlights of Istanbul include a visit to majestic Hagia Sophia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, climbing Galata Tower for incredible views, and feasting on mouth-watering Turkish cuisine, and that’s just to start!

Port of Istanbul Galata Map

Istanbul Turkey cruise port can be found in the neighborhoods of Galata, Karaköy and Tophane, at the entrance to the Bosphorus River.

The new, state-of-the-art cruise port covers 1.3 kilometers of shoreline. Its design is based on the Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul, with much of the terminal located underground.

The port can host three cruise liners at any one time, and surrounding, the pretty promenade boasts a number of art and cultural centers, a hotel, cafes, and restaurants.


INSERT PORT MAP VISUAL

What to do in Istanbul if You Only Have One Day

If you only have one day to spend in Istanbul, there’s much to see and do, from delving into the city’s rich history, to sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

It’s easy to access the city centre on foot (50 minutes’ walk), via the T1 tram which stops by the cruise port (€1,20 one-way), or bus, ferry, or taxi (€3-5). With this in mind, here are a few ideas of things to see and do in just one day in Istanbul, Turkey.

Traditional Turkish Breakfast

Begin your shore day with a hearty Turkish breakfast. These typical, delicious platters are filled with everything from cheese, bread, olives, menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), and tomatoes, all served with a choice of teas or aromatic Turkish coffee.

Sultanahmet Square & Hippodrome

In Sultanahmet Square, you can discover the famous domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque, one of the city’s most photographed attractions. The interior is adorned with 20,000 Iznik tiles, hand-painted with flowers, as huge pillars support the central dome.

Enjoy walking around Sultanahmet Square, once the site of the Hippodrome, which held chariot races, ceremonies, and games, and imagine what life was like centuries ago.


Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia was built in 537, by Emperor Justinian, as a cultural landmark to surpass all others. It was a symbol of the Byzantium age and the largest church in the world until the 15th century. Visitors can step inside (appropriately dressed), to marvel at the architecture, lighting, and mystical ambience.

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar offers a memorable shopping experience for all cruise passengers. The busy covered market dates back to the 1400s and is home to around 4000 shops selling everything from carpets and spices to lamps and delicious Turkish delights.

Climb up Galata Tower

Before heading back to Galataport Istanbul take a slight detour to historic Galata Tower. Climb the steps of the old watchtower to the observation point to gain outstanding 360 degree views of Istanbul.


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Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street begins at Galata Tower and extends towards Taksim Square. This is the beating heart of Istanbul, a place where labyrinthine alleyways, galleries, grand buildings, and museums reside. It’s a great place for shopping and dining, and if you find yourself in Istanbul in the evening, check out the nearby rooftop bars and clubs for dancing.


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Istanbul Galata Cruise Port Excursions

If you only have a few hours to spare, a hop on hop off bus Istanbul cruise port excursion is a perfect way to see the city. There are also Istanbul cruise port to Blue Mosque tours, and itineraries which take in Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.

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