Istanbul in 4 days from London

Flight, 15:40–22:35

Fly London Stansted to Istanbul SAW

AJet VF1990, STN 15:40 → SAW 22:35, direct, 3 h 55 min

Direct AJet flight from London Stansted to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen.

Price found by us; may differ slightly on the booking site.

Stay, 22:35–23:35

Sultan Hamit Hotel

Warm rooms with Wi-Fi & floor-to-ceiling windows in a straightforward hotel offering breakfast.

Well-rated 3-star base with breakfast included, ideal for exploring the historic peninsula.

• Free breakfast
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Air conditioning

Price found by us; may differ slightly on the booking site.

Book opens Booking.com with your dates, rooms and group already filled in.

Café, 08:30–09:15

NO:12 Coffee Sultanahmet

Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Cosy Sultanahmet coffee spot for a Turkish coffee and light bite before the palaces.

Sight, 09:30–12:30

Topkapi Palace Museum

Cankurtaran, Babı Hümayun Cad No: 1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Historic Ottoman-era palace complex. Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.

The opulent 15th-century palace of the sultans, housing Ottoman treasures across its courtyards.

The usual entry ticket. Ticket sites may show tours, guides or skip-the-line passes, which cost more.

Restaurant, 12:45–13:45

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant

Alemdar, Cağaloğlu Hamam Sk No:17/J, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Relaxed spot for classic Turkish and Ottoman-style dishes right by the sights.

Sight, 14:00–15:30

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Famed Byzantine mosque with a dome. Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.

The iconic former Byzantine church under its vast dome, now a grand mosque.

Sight, 15:45–16:30

Gülhane Park

Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cad., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Serene city park with gardens & a museum. Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.

Tranquil historic park with gardens and paths below the palace walls.

Restaurant, 19:00–20:30

Matbah Restaurant

Cankurtaran, Caferiye Sk. No:6 D:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Posh quarters in a 19th-century building. Polished hotel in a 19th-century former hospital, offering refined rooms & suites, plus dining.

Refined dining in a 19th-century building, a fitting end to a day of Ottoman history.

Café, 08:30–09:15

Poiká Breakfast & Cafe

Alemdar, Hacı Tahsin Bey Sk. No:9/A, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Popular breakfast cafe for a generous Turkish breakfast spread.

Sight, 10:00–12:30

Dolmabahçe Palace

Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Museum in ornate Ottoman sultan's palace. Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.

Grand domed sultan's palace on the Bosphorus with art, calligraphy and carpet collections.

The usual entry ticket. Ticket sites may show tours, guides or skip-the-line passes, which cost more.

Restaurant, 13:15–14:15

Old Galata Cafe Restaurant

Prof. Dr, Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:7, 34000 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Turkish cooking in the Galata area, handy before exploring Beyoğlu.

Sight, 14:45–15:30

Çiçek Pasajı

Hüseyinağa Mah. İstiklal Cad. Saitpaşa Geçidi No:176, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Landmark passage with shops & eateries. Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.

Landmark passage with ornate architecture, shops and cafes off İstiklal.

Restaurant, 19:00–20:30

Food Palace 1981 Anatolian Restaurant

Binbirdirek, Peykhane Sok. No: 14B, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Highly rated Anatolian kitchen for regional Turkish dishes, a must for foodies.

Bar, 21:00–22:30

Jack Bar Beyoğlu

Şehit Muhtar, Kurabiye Sk. No:19 kat:2, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Small, well-loved Beyoğlu bar for a relaxed nightcap.

Flight, 10:20–11:30

Fly Istanbul SAW to London Stansted

AJet VF1987, SAW 10:20 → STN 11:30, direct, 4 h 10 min

Return flight, included in the outbound fare. Direct AJet return flight to London Stansted.

Price found by us; may differ slightly on the booking site.