Istanbul in Days✨

Soaking up Istanbul’s magic in just a few days? I got you, bestie! Here’s your turbo-charged guide to the city’s epic must-sees, secret snack hacks, and breezy travel tips. ✨🕌

Top Spots to Visit:
1. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Meydanı, Fatih) – Open daily, sunrise here is totally magical! Get there early to skip the crowds and catch the iconic morning glow. 🌅
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi, Atmeydanı Cd.) – The inside is sooo peaceful. Remember to dress modestly so you can vibe in style (scarves are provided!).
3. Grand Bazaar (Beyazıt Mh., Kalpakçılar Cd.) – Open Mon–Sat, 9am–7pm. Haggling is basically a game, so bring your A-game! Visiting early means fewer people, more treasures.
4. Topkapi Palace (Cankurtaran Mh., Fatih) – Don’t sleep on the harem section! Palace opens daily, but closed Tuesdays (don’t be that person…).
5. Bosphorus Ferry Ride – Literally the best-value tour! Grab a ferry from Eminönü; the city skyline is 🤯. Pro move: snag a simit (Turkish bread ring) from a local vendor for a riverside snack.

Personal Pro Tips:
Don’t mess with single tickets—grab an Istanbulkart at any major tram stop for easy travel on trams, ferries, & buses!
Tap water’s cool, but Turkish tea (çay) is basically liquid friendship here. Locals love refills—chat them up while you sip!
Skip the pricey sit-down spots and hunt down a buzzing street kebab stall. If locals are lining up, that’s your sign!

Getting Around:
Trams and ferries are legit the fastest way to roll. Istanbulkart is your MVP. Taxis exist, but traffic is NO joke—stick with public transit and thank me later!

Food & Drink Recs:
You *need* to try pide (it’s Turkish pizza, trust), baklava from Hafiz Mustafa (Sirkeci location is OG), and lahmacun from a tiny Sultanahmet shop—extra yum. Definitely don’t bounce without a glass of çay; it’s a Istanbul rite of passage.

Key Tips:
Cards work almost everywhere, but bring cash for the bazaars!
Spring and fall = perfect weather, so pack light layers.
Good news, wanderers: No visa needed for loads of nationalities (but double-check just to be safe!).

#travel #hellohalloween