French poet Lamartine once said, “If a man could only view the world once, that view should be directed at Istanbul.” When you witness it in person, you’ll find that this statement is not an exaggeration at all. As a local guide in Turkey, I’m here to tell you exactly where to explore in Istanbul!
πΆββοΈ Istanbul City Walk Route: β Meeting Point: Seven Hills Restaurant (Self-arranged transportation required) πΊ Seven Hills Restaurant This trendy restaurant is specially selected for you. It’s truly on fire and offers a rooftop breakfast with a fantastic view. With the Hagia Sophia on one side βͺ and the Blue Mosque on the other π, the 360-degree panoramic view is superb! The photos turn out great, and you can avoid the crowds. They even provide free fries, and you can hand-feed seagulls, making your pictures natural and stunning.
β Itinerary: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Boat Tour, Istiklal Avenue
β Schedule: π‘ 9:00-10:00 Arrive at the meeting point, where the guide will be waiting. Enjoy breakfast, take photos, and the tour starts at 10:00. π‘ Professional Chinese-speaking guide leads the tour: Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Boat Tour, Istiklal Avenue (The Istiklal Avenue itinerary may be adjusted based on the day’s actual conditions; follow the guide’s arrangements.) π‘ Estimated finish at 17:00 on Istiklal Avenue. Afterward, disperse at the same location. Return to the hotel on your own. π‘ If you’re still not satisfied, you can optionally join the evening Turkish dance show or experience the exhilarating Turkish ββcludesγ Breakfast at Seven Hills Restaurant Basilica Cistern entrance ticket Bosphorus boat ticket Professional Chinese-speaking guide
π Highlights: [Must-Visit] Blue Mosque Named for its blue ceramic tiles, it is one of Istanbul’s iconic buildings! [Must-Visit] Hagia Sophia Once the main cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, later a mosque in the Ottoman Empire, now a museum, renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich history. [Must-Visit] Basilica Cistern An underground reservoir dating from the Byzantine to the Ottoman period, supported by over 300 columns, creating a vast space. [Must-Visit] Bosphorus Strait The strait divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts, and a boat trip provides a panoramic view of both sides. [Must-Visit] Istiklal Avenue A traditional pedestrian street with restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs, perfect for strolling, and the ice cream is delicious.
Whether with friends, parents, or besties, embark on a romantic one-day tour in vibrant Istanbul!