Gateway to new cultures: A 24-hour city guide to Istanbul
Live like a local in Türkiye’s cultural capital, where flavours, styles and even continents collide.
07:00: Food
Eat a classical breakfast
Breakfast is often a multi-course feast in Türkiye – and Balat is the place to experience the classics. A traditional breakfast includes menemen (scrambled eggs with vegetables) and platters of cheese, olives, jams and simit, a moreish sesame-crusted bread ring.
09:30: Ferry Tour
Cross the Bosphorus Strait
İstanbul’s ferries are iconic, both for their vintage design and their unparalleled perspective on this meeting place of continents and cultures. From Karaköy and Eminönü at the mouth of the Golden Horn to Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian side, regular services pinball between ports and reveal all facets of this city: the mosques, churches and palaces alongside the modern apartment blocks and museums. Be sure to look down too, as pods of dolphins often play alongside the boats.
12:00: Shopping
Immerse in retail delights
Next to the İstanbul peninsula’s Unesco World Heritage-inscribed historic areas lies the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest shopping centre. Bypass the overpriced souvenirs to instead seek out unique antiques, jewellery and quality leather. The nearby Spice Bazaar is piled high with fragrant pastes and powders; Pandeli, a historic, blue-tiled restaurant, is a Monocle lunchtime favourite. From there it’s a short hop to Galataport, İstanbul’s newest retail destination, which stocks the best high-end local design brands.
15:30: Culture
Explore a rich artistic heritage
The city’s culture is both ancient and evolving. İstanbul Modern moved to its Renzo Piano-designed home next to Galataport in 2023, while the rebuilt Atatürk Cultural Centre reopened in Taksim Square with a breathtaking opera hall and regular state symphony concerts.
19:00: Nightlife
Enjoy an evening in Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu has been the heart of İstanbul nightlife for centuries. When the sun sets, the streets charge with fresh energy and it is thrilling just to mingle and soak up the atmosphere. Music pulses from clubs around Asmalı Mescit, as rooftop bars serve drinks with views. Buskers entertain crowds along İstiklal Caddesi, while the parallel Nevizade Sokak has fish and mezze restaurants that spill onto the pavements. Eating is an essential part of any Turkish night out, washed down with lots of rakı.
Find out more at goturkiye.com.
