2 day itinerary for İstanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a city that offers a lot of things to do and see. Here's an ideal itinerary for 2 days in Istanbul, excluding museums but including some of the best food experiences:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi in Beşiktaş. This place serves a variety of cheeses, olives, jams, honey, and freshly baked bread.
• After breakfast, take a ferry from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Bosphorus while on the ferry.
• Once you arrive in Kadıköy, explore the local markets and shops. You can find everything from spices to clothes here.
• For lunch, head to Çiya Sofrası, a restaurant that serves traditional Anatolian cuisine. Try their lamb kebab or stuffed eggplant.
• After lunch, take a walk along the Kadıköy coastline and enjoy the sea breeze.
• In the evening, head to Ortaköy, a neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and street food. Try the famous kumpir (baked potato) or waffle with Nutella.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a cup of Turkish coffee and simit (a type of sesame-covered bread) at a local bakery.
• Take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet district and admire the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from the outside.
• For lunch, head to Karaköy Lokantası, a restaurant that serves modern Turkish cuisine. Try their grilled octopus or lamb chops.
• After lunch, take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul. Explore the island by bike or horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• In the evening, head back to Istanbul and have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city. Try some meze (small dishes) and grilled fish or meat.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul! Don't forget to try some Turkish delight and baklava while you're there.