Istanbul Day 2 Itinerary 2026: Galata Tower & Blue Mosque
Dive into the heart of Istanbul on Day 2 of our journey! From the historic Galata Tower to the majestic Blue Mosque, experience the best of this captivating city.
Loading...
Dive into the heart of Istanbul on Day 2 of our journey! From the historic Galata Tower to the majestic Blue Mosque, experience the best of this captivating city.
27 Weeks Pregnant
European Babymoon
Istanbul & Crete, Greece Trip
DAY 2
Hello, Merhaba! :)
Sharing local experiences and handy travel tips wherever my feet wander,
I'm travel influencer, DoItEvery.
Day 2 of our Istanbul trip was the day
I finally got to see the stunning sights of Türkiye
that I had been dreaming of.
From Galata Tower and Galata Bridge to the Blue Mosque.
We managed to explore both the New City and the Old City all in one day.
To sum it up right away: if it's your first time in Istanbul,
you absolutely must add the Galata area and the Blue Mosque
to your itinerary!
Especially by choosing our stay in Karaköy in the New City,
our daily transit route was incredibly convenient.
While looking forward to heading to Crete, Greece in two days,
we decided to fully soak in and enjoy
our second day in Istanbul first.
Written & Photographed by @DoItEvery
Today's Post | |
1. | ▶ Today's Itinerary |
2. | ▶ Starting the Day with Breakfast at Burdock Hotel |
3. | ▶ A Morning Stroll to Galata Tower |
4. | ▶ Galata Bridge & Mackerel Kebab |
5. | ▶ A Quick Rest & Lunch |
6. | ▶ Kamondo Stairs & SALT Galata |
7. | ▶ Riding the T1 Tram to the European Old City |
8. | ▶ Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) |
9. | ▶ The Best Cağ Kebab in Istanbul: Şehzade Cağ Kebap |
10. | ▶ Why Hotel Location is Everything in Istanbul |
11. | ▶ Back to Burdock Hotel & Pool Time |
12. | ▶ FAQ & Wrapping Up |
Today's Itinerary
Istanbul Day 2: Before We Head to Crete, Greece
Today's Itinerary
Burdock Hotel Breakfast → Galata Tower Stroll →
Galata Bridge → Mackerel Kebab → Hotel Rest →
Adana Kebab Lunch → Kamondo Stairs →
Salt Galata → Cafe Break → T1 Tram →
Blue Mosque → Şehzade Cağ Kebap →
Hotel Rest & Pool Time
Starting the Morning with Burdock Hotel's Breakfast
Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection
Maybe because I wasn't fully adjusted to the jet lag yet,
I woke up bright and early at 6 AM.
True to being part of Marriott's Autograph Collection,
our hotel, Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection,
had a beautifully unique and stylish interior design in its breakfast restaurant.
While the spread wasn't overwhelmingly large,
the quality was fantastic and highly satisfying.
Especially the heavenly combo of Kaymak and Simit bread.
One of the hotel staff suggested trying Kaymak
with Simit (which is like a sesame bagel) instead of a standard baguette.
We took their advice, and oh my—
it is an absolute must-try when you're in Türkiye.
Pairing the silky-smooth, clean taste of Kaymak
with the nutty, savory Simit bread
was the ultimate mood booster to start our morning.
💡TIP 1: When having hotel breakfast or morning meals in Istanbul, |
be sure to pair Kaymak with Simit bread. It tastes so much better than pairing it with a regular baguette! |
A Morning Stroll to Galata Tower
Galata Kulesi
After breakfast,
we took a leisurely stroll along the alley behind our hotel.
The streets of Karaköy were so peaceful and quiet in the morning.
Before we knew it, our steps had brought us right to the Galata Tower.
People were already lining up to get a shot
at the famous photo spot.
Honestly, I wasn't wearing any makeup that day,
and thinking "Oh, I'll just come back later,"
I only took a few quick, effortless photos.
But as it turned out,
we never made it back to Galata Tower before our trip ended.
It's something I always realize when traveling:
Beautiful moments might just be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, right then and there.
📍 Galata Tower
Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Galata Bridge & Mackerel Kebab
Galata Köprüsü & Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta
After exploring Galata Tower,
we walked down the sloping streets towards Galata Bridge.
Walking along with the Bosphorus Strait
right beside us was even more beautiful than I had imagined.
Afterward, we headed over to try the famous mackerel kebab.
But noticing my baby bump, the owner kindly advised,
"It might be best for pregnant women to skip this."
(Perhaps due to concerns about heavy metals or freshness?)
In the end, we ordered just one to share, and I took just a small bite.
The tangy pomegranate sauce paired beautifully
with the rich, savory flavor of the mackerel.
It tasted like the ultimate Turkish street wrap.
We ended up eating this at a few more spots later in the trip!
📍 Galata Bridge
Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
📍 Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta
Hacımimi, Necatibey Cd. 71B, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
A Quick Rest, Then Off to Lunch
Hazarfen Kebap
After resting for a bit at the hotel, we headed back out for lunch.
This was a spot I was really looking forward to because of its high Google ratings.
We ordered the Adana kebab and the chicken wing kebab.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of the few places
on this trip that didn't quite suit our palates.
Overall, it was on the saltier side.
It was a good reminder that a high Google rating
doesn't always guarantee it'll fit your personal taste.
📍 Hazarfen Kebap
Hacımimi, Lüleci Hendek Cd. No:13, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
The Kamondo Stairs & Salt Galata Art Space
Kamondo Stairs & Salt Galata
After finishing our meal, we took a leisurely stroll.
We had heard that Salt Galata boasts incredible interior architecture and views,
so we decided to head there on foot.
Along the way, we stumbled upon...
The Kamondo Stairs
Built in the 19th century by the Camondo family—
a prominent Jewish financial dynasty in Istanbul—
these Art Nouveau-style stairs are one of the city's most iconic photo spots.
Though relatively small in scale, the unique, sweeping curves
attracted plenty of visitors looking to capture the perfect shot.
Salt Galata Modern Art Space
An old, historic Ottoman bank building
reborn as a vibrant cultural hub.
With modern art exhibitions, historical archives,
a cozy bookstore, and a cafe all in one place,
it’s one of Istanbul’s top cultural hotspots.
The interior architecture is absolutely stunning,
and the views looking out the window are just as gorgeous.
There were so many people snapping photos here!
Admission is completely free, so if you have the time,
I highly recommend giving it a visit.
Personally, the alleyways around here
reminded me a lot of the back alleys
behind the Bund in Shanghai, haha. 😆
📍 Kamondo Stairs
Bereketzade, Bankalar Cd. NO:10, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
📍 Salt Galata
Arap Cami, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Taking the T1 Tram to the European Old City
Pro-tip for topping up your Istanbulkart
After exploring Salt Galata, I took a quick break at a cafe.
The atmosphere was wonderful, and
midway through my trip,
I checked my Usimsa eSIM speed again, and
the connection was still incredibly stable.
👉 Get 20% off your Usimsa eSIM here!
In the afternoon, I caught the T1 tram from Galata Bridge
and headed towards the European Old City, home of the Blue Mosque.
I bought an Istanbulkart (transit card),
but noticed they charge a fee every single time you top it up!
It really felt like Turkey treats international tourists
like walking wallets sometimes. 💸
💡TIP 2 ㅣIstanbulkart Top-Up Hack |
Instead of the yellow ticket machines, you can top up your Istanbulkart at local street kiosks to avoid paying transaction fees! The difference in fees can really add up, especially if you’re loading larger amounts, so keep this in mind. 👉 I’ll share a detailed guide on how to top up fee-free in my next post! 😊 |
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (The Blue Mosque)
Sultanahmet Camii
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Also known as the Blue Mosque.
I visited in the afternoon, and surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded.
Thanks to that, I was able to take my time and look around at a relaxed pace.
The intricate blue tiles and massive domes
definitely live up to its reputation as Istanbul's iconic landmark.
Once I head back to Istanbul after my trip to Crete,
I plan to book a half-day or full-day guided tour
to fully dive into the Old City.
👉 See the popular Istanbul full-day tour
guided by an amazing, fluent local expert
👉 Explore the popular Istanbul Half-Day Tour
💡TIP 3 ㅣ Best Time to Visit the Blue Mosque |
They say if you visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in the late afternoon rather than the morning, you can enjoy a much more relaxed experience. Especially after 4:00 PM, when most of the tour groups leave, the wait time to go inside gets significantly shorter! |
📍 Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Cankurtaran, At Meydanı Cd No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
The Insanely Delicious Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Şehzade Cağ Kebap (European Side, Old City)
After finishing up my tour of the Blue Mosque
(Sultan Ahmed Mosque), I made my way over to...
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
This was hands down the most satisfying kebab I had during this entire trip.
The meat was incredibly tender and packed with rich flavor.
My husband really wanted to pair his kebab with a cold beer,
but he was a bit bummed to find that not many places around here serve alcohol.
Still, the food itself was absolutely spot on!
📍 Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Hoca Paşa, Hocapaşa Camii Sok. No:6 D:4, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Location is everything when choosing where to stay in Istanbul.
Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection
Right after our meal, we hopped on the T1 tram and headed straight back to the hotel.
In that exact moment, it hit me once again.
The location of the Burdock Hotel is absolutely brilliant.
Galata Tower, Galata Bridge, and the Blue Mosque
were all super easy to reach on foot.
Plus, commuting between the New City and the Old City
by public transit was incredibly convenient.
💡TIP 4 ㅣ Burdock Hotel Istanbul Pros & Cons |
✔ Located on a flat area in the European side's New City, making getting around a breeze. (Being on flat ground is a massive plus in hilly Istanbul, especially when rolling suitcases!) ✔ Only a 2-minute walk (160m) to the T1 tram station and bus stop. ✔ Easy walking distance to Karaköy Street, Galata Tower, and Galata Bridge. ✔ You can easily walk down to the Bosphorus strait for a scenic stroll. ✔ Fantastic public transit connections to the European Old City and the Asian side ferry terminals. ✔ The perfect base camp for planning your independent Istanbul itinerary. |
Any cons? ✖ The room condition is a bit more average than expected. ✖ While it has the unique character of the Autograph Collection, the rooms lack a bit of luxury. |
📌✨️ Be sure to compare hotel prices before booking your stay in Istanbul!
When I booked the Burdock Hotel,
Marriott Bonvoy offered the lowest rate,
but hotel prices can fluctuate depending on
your travel dates and current promotions.
By comparing the Burdock Hotel
with other nearby properties in Istanbul,
you might snag an even better deal!
With ongoing promotions on Trip.com and Yeogi Eottae,
I highly recommend checking out the latest prices below
to book the absolute cheapest option.
Explore Istanbul Hotels **Get a special discount when booking through the links below. | |
Trip.com | |
Yeogi Eottae |
👉 Prices fluctuate heavily during peak season in Istanbul
(including at the Burdock Hotel),
so I highly recommend
booking well in advance.
Back at the Burdock Hotel, and Time for a Swim
Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection
After returning to the hotel, we unwound with a quick dip in the pool
and a refreshing shower before finally calling it a night.
We promised ourselves we wouldn't overdo it,
but we ended up walking so much...
From Galata Tower to the Blue Mosque.
A day spent walking through both the New and Old Cities.
We still have one more full day left in Istanbul.
Tomorrow, we plan to wander the alleys at a more leisurely pace
and discover the beautiful sights we missed today.
And the day after that,
we'll head to our main destination for this trip:
Crete, Greece.
Before greeting the deep blue Aegean Sea,
we're going to squeeze every bit of joy out of our final day in Istanbul.
📍 Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection
Hacımimi, Kemeraltı Cd. No.33, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Q1. Is the Burdock Hotel's location convenient?
Yes! Being close to Galataport, Karaköy, and the T1 tram made getting around incredibly easy.
Q2. Which is better for accommodation: the New City or the Old City?
If you're planning an independent trip, I highly recommend the Karaköy or Taksim areas in the New City.
Q3. When is the best time to visit Galata Tower Street?
Heading there early in the morning lets you enjoy a relatively quiet and peaceful vibe.
Q4. Is the Istanbulkart a must-buy?
Absolutely, if you plan on using the tram, metro, or ferry more than 8 times, it's definitely worth it (even factoring in the card purchase fee).
Q5. Any tips on avoiding extra top-up fees for the Istanbulkart?
To get the best value, topping up at street-side ticket kiosks is generally your best bet.
Q6. Is it better to visit the Blue Mosque in the morning or afternoon?
Based on my experience, the afternoon crowd was much lighter and more relaxed.
Q7. Any recommended kebab spots in Istanbul?
Şehzade Cağ Kebap was hands down one of the most satisfying kebab spots of this entire trip.
Q8. How many nights should I spend in Istanbul before heading to Crete?
3 to 4 nights is the perfect amount of time to fully explore the main attractions and dive into the incredible local food scene.
I hope this post was super helpful for your planning!😉
So, Teşekkürler (thank you) as always!🤗
Your likes🩷 and comments📝 mean the world to me!
If you want to keep up with my upcoming adventures and travels,
following, subscribing, or connecting is always welcome! 😊
▼ Click below to follow and get more handy travel tips! ▼
💛Related Posts You'll Love💛
How to Get to Crete, Greece | 27 Weeks Pregnant Babymoon, Istanbul Layover Review
Europe eSIM Review: Turkey & Greece Travel with USIMSA eSIM + How to Get 20% Off
We recommend the combination of kaymak and simit bread. Pairing the soft kaymak with the nutty and mild simit bread, rather than a baguette, makes it much more delicious.
They contain pomegranate sauce, offering a tangy taste along with the unique savory flavor of the mackerel. It feels like a local Turkish sandwich and is great for a light bite.
You can top it up without a fee by using street kiosk top-up stations instead of the regular machines. Since the fee difference grows with larger top-up amounts, we highly recommend using the kiosks.
We recommend visiting late in the afternoon, after 4:00 PM, when the large tour groups have left. The waiting time to enter is much shorter during this time, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
It has excellent accessibility, with a T1 tram station and a bus stop just a 2-minute walk away, making it very convenient to reach the Old City or the ferry piers. Furthermore, it is situated on flat terrain, making it easy to roll luggage, and is within walking distance of the Galata Tower.
Heading to Crete for a dream babymoon? Here is why adding an Istanbul layover was the best decision for a relaxed, stress-free 27-week pregnancy trip.
Planning a trip to Europe? Here is my honest review of using Usimsa eSIM across Turkey and Greece, including a 20% discount link to save on your data.
Planning a domestic flight in Turkey? Discover our detailed review of Turkish Airlines TK2159 from Ankara to Istanbul, covering baggage, seating, and snacks.
Planning a trip to Türkiye? Get an honest review of my Asiana Airlines economy flight experience to Istanbul, covering seats, meals, and baggage.
Discover the perfect 6-day Turkey itinerary blending the historic streets of Istanbul, cave hotels of Cappadocia, and sunny beaches of Antalya.
Heading to Istanbul Airport (IST) from Taksim? Compare the Havaist bus, M11 metro, and private transfers to find the fastest, cheapest, and easiest route.
