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Istanbul Day Tours

Explore the rich history, beauty, and culture of Istanbul with Thrillophilia’s Istanbul tour packages. Our packages are inclusive of comfortable accommodations, guided tours, meals and transfers. Additionally, we provide 24/7 customer support to ensure a hassle-free trip. 

Istanbul serves as the historical, cultural, and economic hub of Turkey. Our perfectly curated packages include experiences such as hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkish bath spa treatments, and Turkish folk shows. You can explore famous places like the Hagia Sophia, Topaki Palace, Blue Mosque, and Galata Tower on an Istanbul one-day tour. Additionally, savour delicious Turkish delicacies such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delights. 

Take a cruise through the Bosphorus strait to admire the beautiful view and iconic landmarks such as the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahce Palace. You can choose Istanbul day trips and wander historic streets and take in the lively city atmosphere. Our guides also reveal hidden gems, making your visit more enhanced. Visit the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world's largest covered markets. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, carpets, spices, Ceramics and Ottoman jewelry. 

Choose Thrillophilia’s Turkey tour packages for an amazing journey where you can experience Turkish hospitality, savour local cuisine, and marvel at natural beauty.

Best Time To Visit Istanbul: 

You can visit Istanbul all year round, as each season has its unique charm. Additionally, the best time to visit depends on personal preferences and choices. 

1. Peak season: The high season in Istanbul spans from June to August as these are the vacation months. Despite the crowds, summer can be an excellent time to explore this beautiful destination. This period is ideal for beach vacations and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Additionally, offering milder temperatures and limited rainfall, these months can be vibrant with large crowds making the place lively.

2. Shoulder season: The spring (April and May) or fall (September and October) are Istanbul’s shoulder seasons. These months are ideal for exploring Turkey's historical sites like Blue Mosque and Galata Tower as the temperatures are mild. With fewer crowds than peak season, fall is suitable for a relaxing beach getaway.

3. Waning season: Istanbul's low season is in the winter months, which is from November to February. During this time, there are fewer people around so you can explore the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia with less crowds. Also, December is the best time to experience Turkey's winter charm during Christmas.

Places To Visit In Istanbul:

Here is the list of best places to visit in Istanbul:

1. Hagia Sophia: As you step into Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, admire its impressive architecture. Once a church and later a mosque, it now stands as a museum. Inside, you can marvel at the frescoes, its domed ceiling, and exquisite marble designs. A visit to this famous landmark promises an amazing experience of history and art, making it a must-visit attraction during your Istanbul one day tour.

2. The Blue Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque is located just opposite the Hagia Sophia. Once you reach inside, admire its blue interiors which earned it the nickname "Blue Mosque." Its magnificent architecture attracts many visitors, making it a must-see place in the city. You can book an Istanbul full-day tour with us and visit this amazing architectural wonder. 

3. Galata Tower: Galata Tower, or Galata Kulesi in Turkish, is a top attraction in Istanbul. It's one of the oldest and tallest towers in the city that offers 360-degree views of the city. Inside the tower, you can explore a museum, stairs and an elevator. Our Istanbul’s 1 day itinerary includes a visit to this place, ensuring a fulfilling trip. 

4. Topkapi Palace: For around 400 years, the Topkapi Palace served as the main residence of the Ottoman emperors and now, it is a famous museum in Istanbul. Though the palace has hundreds of rooms, only the most important ones are open to the public. Divided into different sections, the palace also houses sacred relics like the Robe of Prophet Hussein and the Footprint of Prophet Muhammad.

5. Dolmabahce Palace: Situated by the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahce Palace was the primary home for Ottoman rulers after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its unique architecture, which is a combination of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Rococo styles. You can also admire the vast collection of oil paintings by European and Turkish artists here. Moreover, this palace has lavish decor, including 14 tonnes of gold in its ceilings. 

6. Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. It has 64 streets and over 4000 shops, along with several restaurants and banks. You can explore this place and shop for a wide range of items. These include Ottoman jewellery, ceramics, carpets, spices, antiques, evil eye beads and Turkish metalware. 

7. Suleymaniye Mosque: The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest one in Istanbul which took 7 years to build till 1557. As you reach closer, you can see a spacious courtyard, decorated with four minarets. Observe its colonnade style, featuring marble, graphite, and porphyry columns gracing its exterior. Explore the mosque complex, which houses hospitals, primary schools, and public baths.

8. Basilica Cistern: The Basilica Cistern, situated beneath the Stoa Basilica, is Istanbul's largest cistern. Marvel at the impressive architecture which features 336 marble columns arranged in symmetry. Another unique feature to note is that two columns feature the head of Medusa. Although it now holds only a small amount of water, you can explore it using platforms built above the water level.

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Istanbul Day Tours FAQs

How much does it cost for a day tour in Istanbul?

A day tour in Istanbul costs around INR 10,000 to 20,000. A day trip in Istanbul covers main attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Additionally, you can enjoy Turkish Tea and do some shopping at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Then you can enjoy a cruise along the famous Bosphorus Strait. It's a packed itinerary, but it offers an overview of Istanbul's highlights.

Is one day enough to visit Istanbul?

Yes, one day is enough to see the highlights of Istanbul but it isn't enough to explore every place. So, it is advised to plan for at least 3 to 4 days to experience the city's beauty and charm. You can start your Istanbul one day tour with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, followed by the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace. Then, walk through the Grand Bazaar to shop for Turkish spices, Antiques and Jewelry and wrap your day with a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. 

Is Istanbul expensive to visit?

No, Istanbul may not be very expensive if the trip is planned well and in advance. While some aspects, like accommodation and dining in upscale restaurants, can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options available too. You can save some money by using public transportation and visiting local markets as well. The cost of touring this destination can vary in cost depending on your activities undertaken, places visited, and the duration of stay.

Why is Istanbul so famous?

Istanbul is famous for its history, impressive architecture, and vibrant culture. It features serval popular attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace. These landmarks draw millions of visitors annually and make Istanbul one of the best places to tour in the world. Additionally, the historic markets such as the Spice and Grand Bazaar, and gorgeous views of the Bosphorus, make this place more special. 

What are some of the must things to do in Istanbul?

1. Visit the famous attractions in Istanbul: Explore the most popular attractions of Hagia Sophia which has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Another famous place to explore is the Blue Mosque, known for its blue tiles on the interior walls. You can also visit the Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern and Dolmabahce Palace. 

2. Try the Turkish food and coffee: Experience Istanbul's delights with popular Turkish cuisine and aromatic coffee. For an authentic taste of local food, you can visit cafes like Dukkan Galata and Ehli Keyf Cafe. Additionally, try popular street foods like simit, doner kebab, and gözleme, with traditional desserts like baklava in the Grand Bazaar. 

3. Shop for different species at the Spice Bazaar: Built in the 16th century, the Spice Bazaar is a lively marketplace known for offering a variety of things Here, you can shop for spices, nuts, honey, sweets, teas, and dried fruits. Explore this famous bazaar included in your Istanbul 1 day itinerary. 

4. Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait: Bosphorus Strait is the waterway that divides Europe and Asia. Cruising here gives you lovely views of most of Istanbul's famous spots, including the Dolmabahce Palace and Galata Tower. If you book an Istanbul one day tour, you can get an opportunity to enjoy this unique experience. 

5. Enjoy the nightlife: Istanbul has a lively nightlife with bars, jazz clubs, and nightclubs that stay open late, these include Reina, Ulus 29 and Suada Club. Moreover, you can also relish some tasty Turkish food like Lahmacun, Kumpir and Inegol kofte, while enjoying the lively atmosphere and Turkish-style rock bands here. 

Why is the Blue Mosque so famous?

The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist destination today because of its history and significance to the Ottoman Empire and the city of Istanbul. Many people continue to visit the mosque not only to admire its architectural beauty but also to participate in the daily prayer services that are still held in the mosque.

On which day is the Grand Bazaar closed?

The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, as well as on state and religious holidays. The Bazaar is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. At the Grand Bazaar, you can purchase handcrafted Turkish rugs, ancient Iznik tiles, gold and jewelry, conventional attire, and Turkish tea glasses in the shape of tulips.

How do I get to Hagia Sophia?

1. By Air: The Istanbul International Airport is connected to all the major international airports of the world from where you can easily reach Hagia Sophia.

2. By Bus: If you prefer to travel by bus, the 66, 92B, BN1, and TB2 can take you to Hagia Sophia.

3. By Train: Tram travel can be inexpensive, but it may take more than 50 minutes to get to Hagia Sophia. The historical cistern is accessible through the T1 tram line.

4. By Car: A cab is the most convenient transportation option from Istanbul Airport to Hagia Sophia. If you want to take a cab, it will take you 45 to 50 minutes to get to the Hagia Sophia covering a distance of 48 kilometers.

5. By Sea: Istanbul has well-developed waterways since it borders the Black Sea, making it accessible by sea from everywhere in the world.

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