Istanbul
 

We are leaving from Istanbul on a cruise to Athnes. Unfortunately, we only have about 5 hours in Istanbul. What would be some recommendations?

The Bazaar or Topkapi Palace or both if possible.

Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Sultanahmed (the "Blue") Mosque, and Topkapi Saray. These attractions are very close to each other. You should have time to visit the covered bazaar, too.

In any case, take a taxi to your destination. Taxis are cheap in Istanbul.

Hi danen5,

I am sure that you will have DAILY tour in Istanbul if you have 5 hours after this daily tour you may visit DOLMABAHCE PALACE very close to cruise. It takes 2 or 2.5 hours with HAREM section.

If you are not going to have DAILY tour in Istanbul 5 hours is not enough to visit some important places like Topkapi Palace if you skip this palace you may visit St Sofia Church (1 Hour) Blue Mosque (45 minutes) Cistern (45 minutes) Covered Bazaar (depen on your shopping skils 2-3 hours maybe days) Spice market (30 minutes) Hippodrome (45 minutes) Turkish Art Museum (2 hours) Archaelogy Museum (depend on your interest 1 hours to 4 hours)

Have a nice trip in Turkey

Sinan Akdeniz

hi
Please keepin yoiur mind
Topkapi palace is closed Tuedays.
Dolmabahce Palace is closed Mondaysand Thursdays
HagiaSophia is closed Tuesdays.
While planning.
Covered Bazaar is closed Sundays.
regards

Here is what I would do:

Take a cab to Sultanahmet. You can visit the Blue Mosque. Note the dome and the Iznik tiles. The Blue Mosque can be done rather quickly, say in half an hour.

Across from the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia. You can also do the Hagia Sophia in half an hour. Go to the second floor and note the beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Also note the Ablutions Fountain on your way in.

Stop somewhere and have a nice Turkish lunch of mezes and kebab. Maybe a Turkish coffee. (I think it is important to have a taste of Turkish cuise, that is the foodie in me.)

After your lunch, you can either head to the Grand Bazaar if you want to shop. If not, I would definitely see the treasures of the Topkapi Palace (there is a jewel-encrusted baby's cradle that has to be seen). You need two hours, at least, to see the Topkapi.

I LOVE Istanbul.