Discover Istanbul Build Your Own Itinerary

Three full days allow a first visit to the Historic Peninsula, Galata and Beyoğlu, plus a ferry crossing to the Asian side. Choose a few main stops each day and leave room for meals and queues. Longer museum visits, the Islands and distant Bosphorus neighbourhoods need more time.

There is no single duration. Short sightseeing cruises, long cruises with stopovers and private boats have different schedules. Check the actual sailing, departure pier, stops and return time with the operator before booking another activity. A regular transport ferry is a different service.

Müzekart and Museum Pass are different products with their own eligibility and coverage. International visitors should check the current Museum Pass options and the official list of included museums. Private museums and separately ticketed areas may be excluded; compare your planned visits with the pass before buying.

The T1 tram connects Sultanahmet, Gülhane, Sirkeci, Eminönü and Karaköy. Ferries connect the European and Asian shores. Pick the correct line and destination, then check the current timetable and payment arrangements. Bosphorus sightseeing tours can have separate tickets from ordinary transport services.

Bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and follow the instructions at the entrance. A head covering may be required for women; footwear rules depend on the area being entered. Worship takes priority, so allow for pauses in sightseeing access and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.

Use the trip builder to select places, assign them to days and change their order. Destination pages also have an add-to-itinerary button. Keep each day within a sensible area, then check the opening arrangements and bookings separately: adding a place to your itinerary does not reserve admission.