Walking in Istanbul
 

Can you walk to all of the following: Ayasofya, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace or do you need to use the tram?

Also, how would you get to Dolmabahçe Palace?

Dear Luvtravelin,

Assuming that your hotel is located in the old city (Sultanahmet area)yes, they are all withing walking distance to each other. Some 200-300 metres. You can even include Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar to this list.

As for Dolmabahçe Palace, again it all depends on your notion of "within walking distance". It takes some 45-50 minutes to walk there from Sultanahmet. However, best thing to do is to take the tram or a taxi (again assuming that you are staying in Sultanahmet area.

Happy walking

Yes we are staying in the Sultanahmet area. And considering we don't have a lot of time in Istanbul - can we do the following in 1 day:Ayasofya, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar?

And by walking distance - I mean 15-20 min. Any more than that and I would prefer to take some form of transportation (to save time).

You can do all that without a problem...

The Topkapi Palace is a three-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.

The Blue Mosque is just across a small park from the Hagia Sophia.

The Grand Bazaar is about 15-20 minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.

You have to take a cab to the Dolmahbace Palace. The cab ride should be about 15 minutes if there is no traffic.

You have to be careful about ticket times, however. When I was at the Dolmahbace in July 2005, there was a two-hour wait to get into the palace (you have to be escorted through the palace by a guide) because the tours were timed. The same goes for seeing the Harem at the Topkapi--timed tickets.

If you are going off-season, you may have better luck. Go to Dolmahabce early (before 11) in order to beat the crowds.

It only takes about 1/2 hour to see Hagia Sophia. There is very little inside. The important thing is to see the mosaics on the second floor.

The Topkapi Palace collection is EXTRAORDINARY. DO NOT MISS IT.

Thingorjus