Istanbul: how much can I realistically see in a few hours on a Sunday?!
Aug 21st, 2016, 07:35 AM
#1
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Istanbul: how much can I realistically see in a few hours on a Sunday?!
Hi Everyone,
We have a very brief visit to Istanbul in early October. We'll be staying in Sultanahmet on a Sunday and after an early breakfast, we'll have to leave at the latest by 11:30am (for a 2pm International Flight).
I was wondering how much we could/should realistically see on this schedule.
There are people saying we could squeeze in Blue Mosque (opens at 8:30am), Hagy Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
Is this really doable or will we be running the whole time? (I'd like to avoid having to run.)
Also ideally I'd like to leave some time for browsing for gifts. Many areas are closed on Sunday, but I know Arasta Bazaar is open. I'm also open to other areas to browse interesting stores.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
We have a very brief visit to Istanbul in early October. We'll be staying in Sultanahmet on a Sunday and after an early breakfast, we'll have to leave at the latest by 11:30am (for a 2pm International Flight).
I was wondering how much we could/should realistically see on this schedule.
There are people saying we could squeeze in Blue Mosque (opens at 8:30am), Hagy Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
Is this really doable or will we be running the whole time? (I'd like to avoid having to run.)
Also ideally I'd like to leave some time for browsing for gifts. Many areas are closed on Sunday, but I know Arasta Bazaar is open. I'm also open to other areas to browse interesting stores.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Aug 21st, 2016, 08:23 AM
#3
"...will we be running the whole time?"
You'll only be running if you try to do too much so I suggest you prioritize your list, enjoy those that seem most important to you and don't rush. While the time you have is short, the enjoyment of those you do visit need not be. And, as mentioned, Sultanahmet is not a huge area.
You'll only be running if you try to do too much so I suggest you prioritize your list, enjoy those that seem most important to you and don't rush. While the time you have is short, the enjoyment of those you do visit need not be. And, as mentioned, Sultanahmet is not a huge area.
Aug 21st, 2016, 08:33 AM
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I think you could do it, but likely won't be very relaxing. Blue Mosque, Basilica cistern and maybe browsing at the Arasta Bazaar would be best....maybe save Hagia Sophia if you happen to have extra time. When we were there in September, the lines for the Blue Mosque were quite long - I would plan to get there early so you can get in and back out without wasting too much line time. Have fun!
Aug 21st, 2016, 09:20 AM
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I'm actually surprised some people recommended on tripadvisor to do those 3 in your time frame. I have juste posted there the following.
"Some say above you can do all three, blue, aya sophia and cistern. Personally i think it will be too rushed, very short time to visit each and running from one site to another. Is that what you like doing things? I would do only 2 or even just one, taking time and enjoy also a slow paced morning walk in the area, the park between blue mosque and aya sophia. Also shopping could take time especially in istanbul, negotiating prices. Fyi, Arasta bazaar is a very short street, nothing to compare with grand or spice bazaars. Much less choice there, which may actually be a good thing for you. Less choice, less things to see so it takes less time as well but unless you really need to buy some thing, it will not be a pity if you miss this bazaar."
"Some say above you can do all three, blue, aya sophia and cistern. Personally i think it will be too rushed, very short time to visit each and running from one site to another. Is that what you like doing things? I would do only 2 or even just one, taking time and enjoy also a slow paced morning walk in the area, the park between blue mosque and aya sophia. Also shopping could take time especially in istanbul, negotiating prices. Fyi, Arasta bazaar is a very short street, nothing to compare with grand or spice bazaars. Much less choice there, which may actually be a good thing for you. Less choice, less things to see so it takes less time as well but unless you really need to buy some thing, it will not be a pity if you miss this bazaar."
Aug 21st, 2016, 12:47 PM
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The Blue Mosque opens very early (7am?) to visitors. Go there first.
Hagia Sophia opens at 9am. Allow for 30 minutes to 1 hour there.
The basilica cistern is just a few steps away from Bahia Sophia and can be done in 15 minutes.
I think you can even squeeze in an hour at the Topkapi if you don't linger there. Think of it as an overview of the city.
I have just returned from Istanbul. The queues to the museums and most tourist attractions were really short.
Hagia Sophia opens at 9am. Allow for 30 minutes to 1 hour there.
The basilica cistern is just a few steps away from Bahia Sophia and can be done in 15 minutes.
I think you can even squeeze in an hour at the Topkapi if you don't linger there. Think of it as an overview of the city.
I have just returned from Istanbul. The queues to the museums and most tourist attractions were really short.
Aug 21st, 2016, 04:20 PM
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thursdaysd: We arrive at Midnight. It's a 14-hour layover before heading home.
Loacker: I think the Blue Mosque opens at 8am on Sunday.
MmePerdu: The Cistern does look beautiful in photos.
I was thinking more about picking up spices for my friends (they all cook). People I know aren't so into sweets. Some of the slippers I've seen look cute too.
Cheers!
Loacker: I think the Blue Mosque opens at 8am on Sunday.
MmePerdu: The Cistern does look beautiful in photos.
I was thinking more about picking up spices for my friends (they all cook). People I know aren't so into sweets. Some of the slippers I've seen look cute too.
Cheers!
Aug 21st, 2016, 10:58 PM
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Don't forget to enjoy the atmosphere and have a coffee while watching the people go by. On Divan Yolu Caddesi (the road the tram travels on), across from the Aya Sophia, is a great little place called the Sultan pub. And along the Divan Yolu to the West are restaurants which serve fantastic Turkish food, the Lale Restaurant being the best in my opinion. Take some time to just sit in Istanbul and take it in... you might enjoy and remember those moments more than you do the sightseeing.
Aug 22nd, 2016, 12:26 AM
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> Don't forget to enjoy the atmosphere ..
That's what I agree and meant in my post.
> I think you can even squeeze in an hour at the Topkapi if you don't linger there. Think of it as an overview of the city.
Squeeze in, not a good idea, especially when you need to "run" to Airport after that. Of course that's a personal choice. Some people might like running around...
> Leave your shopping for the airport. You can buy some Turkish delight at the duty free.
I could agree. Shops at airport, however, are more expensive, compared to the prices in the city, not surprisingly, as I noticed. Either you have more time in the city for visits without stress of shopping and pay more at the airport or, for example, 1 good visit and 1 shopping in the city. Again a personal preference.
That's what I agree and meant in my post.
> I think you can even squeeze in an hour at the Topkapi if you don't linger there. Think of it as an overview of the city.
Squeeze in, not a good idea, especially when you need to "run" to Airport after that. Of course that's a personal choice. Some people might like running around...
> Leave your shopping for the airport. You can buy some Turkish delight at the duty free.
I could agree. Shops at airport, however, are more expensive, compared to the prices in the city, not surprisingly, as I noticed. Either you have more time in the city for visits without stress of shopping and pay more at the airport or, for example, 1 good visit and 1 shopping in the city. Again a personal preference.
Aug 22nd, 2016, 02:51 AM
#18
I think your original plan is doable, provided you get lucky with queues at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia - but it would be very rushed visits.
Personally, I found the blue Mosque rather disappointing (in that I thought there were more beautiful, and far less crowded Mosques), but that Hagia Sofia was one of the most magnificent buildings I've ever seen.
Based on my single 10 day trip to Istanbul, my favourite thing was taking a ferry across to the Asian side. It only took 20 minutes each way, but the views are stunning.
Personally, I found the blue Mosque rather disappointing (in that I thought there were more beautiful, and far less crowded Mosques), but that Hagia Sofia was one of the most magnificent buildings I've ever seen.
Based on my single 10 day trip to Istanbul, my favourite thing was taking a ferry across to the Asian side. It only took 20 minutes each way, but the views are stunning.
Aug 22nd, 2016, 02:54 AM
#19
We did quite a bit of souvenier and gift shopping at Arasta Bazaar - I found it far less crowded than the Grand Bizarre
and in terms of "Turkish delight", significantly better and cheaper than the airport.
and in terms of "Turkish delight", significantly better and cheaper than the airport.
Aug 22nd, 2016, 06:27 AM
#20
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IvanTeklu, kappa1 and willit: You know... I had an intuition last night to completely change my original plan. Instead of running around crazy, getting on endless lines... I decided I would much rather take a walk somewhere along the water and enjoy the views that way.
willit: Will ferries to the Asian side run on Sunday mornings? How do I find a schedule? This sounds great.
I found out that our plane does not depart until 2:25pm on Sunday. So if we're at Ataturk by 12 or 12:15pm, it's fine by me since it will be in early October.
Thinking about this new plan gave me much reflief.
Our contact at our Istanbul hotel said there is also a nice beach within 10 minutes of walking from our hotel. That could be a Plan B if no ferry is available.
Whew! I like this idea so much better. (I had flashbacks of me jogging through the Vatican in Rome, and I did not ever want to repeat that type of experience!
Thanks, Everyone, for weighing in.
willit: Will ferries to the Asian side run on Sunday mornings? How do I find a schedule? This sounds great.
I found out that our plane does not depart until 2:25pm on Sunday. So if we're at Ataturk by 12 or 12:15pm, it's fine by me since it will be in early October.
Thinking about this new plan gave me much reflief.
Our contact at our Istanbul hotel said there is also a nice beach within 10 minutes of walking from our hotel. That could be a Plan B if no ferry is available.
Whew! I like this idea so much better. (I had flashbacks of me jogging through the Vatican in Rome, and I did not ever want to repeat that type of experience!
Thanks, Everyone, for weighing in.
