4 Days in İstanbul
A city where two continents collide and beautifully blend. Istanbul is one of those cities where you just don’t run out of things to do. It’s also pretty simple to navigate, so if you’re thinking of visiting Istanbul, keep reading and I’ll show you how to spend 4 amazing days there.
Heads Up!
Some of the links you’ll find on this site are affiliate links, which means that if you book a flight, a stay or even that quirky travel gadget through them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s like buying me a virtual iced capp (thanks!), and it helps keep this blog running so I can continue to share all the travel inspiration and tips with you.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
how to get there
Most international flights arrive at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Unfortunately, if you don’t live in or near one of the Big 3—Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver—there aren’t any direct flights. So be prepared for a layover or two depending on where you’re flying from in Canada.
I was already in Europe when I flew to Istanbul—it was my next stop after London. (You can read about how I spent 4 Days in London, England here!)
There are a handful of ways to get to Istanbul: by air, rail, road or sea. Just pick what works best for you. In my case, flying made the most sense.
Find the best transfer service from/to Istanbul Airport on GetYourGuide
how to move around
First things first—download CityMapper. It’s way better than Apple Maps or Google Maps when it comes to navigating public transport.
Istanbul can be a bit pricey when it comes to getting around. I usually change my location on Uber ahead of time just to see how much trips cost in the city I’m headed to. If the prices feel “ehh,” I start digging into public transport options.
Luckily, Istanbul has a great and affordable system.
The cheapest (and often fastest) way to get to your hotel from IST is by train. There’s one that’ll take you straight to the city hub, and from there you can switch to another line that gets you closest to your accommodation.
Get an IstanbulKart from the machines at the station.
You can use it for buses, trains, trams—you name it.
Now that you’re in the city, it’s time to explore!
I’m officially team public transport now, but do what works best for you and your wallet. Just don’t use public transportation during rush hour. Trust me, it’s not worth having some random man try to grind on you.
where to stay
$ Budget
The Central House Istanbul Galata
This is a hostel/hotel blend, but honestly, it felt more like a hotel with private rooms. Spacious rooms, friendly staff, and an unbeatable location—yes please!
Breakfast was included and served up your classic Mediterranean spread: different breads, cheeses, fruits, veggies, nuts, boiled eggs, juice, tea, coffee—you get the idea. They’ve also got a restaurant that’s open throughout the day. I only ate there once (on my first night), and I went with the pasta the staff recommended. Always ask what they suggest—it usually hits.
Book The Central House: Istanbul Galata on Expedia
One of my favourite things? The rooftop.
It’s got a few tables and chairs where guests can chill. Officially, you’re not allowed to bring outside food or drinks up there… but literally everyone I met had snacks and drinks with them soooo… when in Rome? The staff didn’t seem to check, so it’s clearly not enforced.
Location-wise, you couldn’t ask for better.
Şişhane metro station is just a 10-minute walk away, and I got around the entire city without needing a taxi or rideshare—just my feet and public transport. Galata Tower, Galataport and İstiklal Caddesi were all a short walk away.
what to do
Istanbul is massive, which means loads of things to do—and a lot of it won’t break the bank.
- Bosphorus Boat Tour: I recommend the sunset one! Mine included a guide explaining what we were seeing and some very tasty snacks. 10/10.
- Explore Galataport: This place is huge and really pretty. I mostly window-shopped and people-watched while sipping a drink at Gina’s.
- Free Walking Tour of Fener-Balat: I joined this last minute and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. The history in these neighbourhoods is rich, and the architecture is stunning. The famous colourful houses are here too!
- İstiklal Caddesi: This lively street is just a 5–10 min walk from the hotel. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and general chaos (in a fun way). The shopaholic in me was fighting for her life—I wanted everything.
Other must-sees: The mosques—Hagia Sophia is a must. Also, hit up any of the bazaars. I accidentally ended up at the Egyptian Bazaar and it was the happiest accident.
Honestly, I only paid for one tour and tipped the guide on the free walking one. The rest? I navigated solo.
Heads up though—as a Black woman, the men will be very fascinated by you. They will try their luck. Just be firm with your “no,” keep walking, and they’ll move on to the next tourist.
where to eat
- Galataport Restaurants: So many options, from Turkish to international. Yes, prices are “touristy,” but it felt like dining at somewhere like Earl’s in Canada—so not wild.
- Kebap Shops: You have to try a good tavuk kebap (chicken kebab). These places are everywhere, and don’t forget to order an ayran (a salty yogurt drink) with it!
Ernest’s Bar – Çok Çok Pera: A very cute resto-bar. I went for a cocktail and the vibes. The price of said cocktail was the price of a typical cocktail in Canada so I didn’t stay there too long but it was defintely a very good cocktail.
- Ilter’s Coffee in Balat: Cute terrace, good vibes. Fair warning: there is no elevator, so get ready to climb a few flights. It was worth it though.
- Restaurants on İstiklal Caddesi: They’re everywhere, including just off the main street. If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find spots here too. Some guys might stop you and try to lure you into their “place.” I didn’t think it was sketchy per se, but I had a feeling they’d charge inflated prices, so I kept it moving.
Let’s talk travel insurance for 1 second,
Travel insurance is your safety net when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost luggage, it’s there to save you from unexpected expenses and a lot of stress. For solo travelers especially, it’s like having backup when you’re out in the world on your own. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing you’re covered if life throws you a curveball while you’re exploring.
World Nomads is the company I trust to handle my travel insurance needs. Their 2 insurance packages can cater to any kind of traveler. They are there to help you 24/7.
Make the smart move and get travel insurance for all your adventures.
Have a safe trip!
conclusion
Istanbul really said, “Let me show you how it’s done,” and I ate it all up—literally and figuratively. Four days flew by faster than a man offering Turkish tea and compliments. From boat rides to bazaar chaos to kebap-induced food comas, this city did not come to play. Trust me, Istanbul is that girl—and she deserves a spot on your travel list. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Chapters
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