Two-Day Istanbul Itinerary Using the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

With two full days in Istanbul, the hop-on hop-off bus becomes a comfort tool rather than a race. You can split the city into clear themes: Old City and Markets on day one, Beyoğlu and Bosphorus on day two.

Day 1: Old City and Markets

Morning – Sultanahmet icons

• Start inside either Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.
• Wander through the Hippodrome and German Fountain.
• Take classic skyline photos from the square.

Midday – Spice Market and waterfront

• Ride the tram downhill or walk to Eminönü.
• Visit the Spice Market for a sensory hit of teas and spices.
• Have lunch overlooking the Galata Bridge.

Afternoon – Grand Bazaar

• Use the hop-on hop-off bus to move from Eminönü toward Beyazıt / Grand Bazaar.
• Dive into the covered streets for textiles, ceramics, and lamps.
• Exit near Beyazıt and rejoin the bus to return toward your hotel.

Day 2: Beyoğlu and Bosphorus

Morning – Hop-on hop-off overview loop

• Board at the stop closest to your hotel.
• Spend 1.5–2 hours staying on board for a full loop.
• Note key places you want to revisit: Galata Tower, Taksim, Ortaköy.

Midday – Galata Tower and Karaköy

• Hop off at Galata / Karaköy.
• Visit Galata Tower if lines are reasonable.
• Walk down to the waterfront for lunch.

Afternoon – Bosphorus cruise

• Move to Eminönü or Kabataş using the bus or tram.
• Take a short Bosphorus cruise (1.5–2 hours).
• Return to the city with a clear mental picture of both shores.

Evening – Istiklal and Taksim

• Ride the nostalgic tram or walk Istiklal.
• Finish with dinner near Taksim or in side streets toward Cihangir.

Where the hop-on hop-off ticket saves you energy

• Long uphill stretches between Galata and Taksim.
• Transfers between the old city and Beyoğlu.
• Getting to Dolmabahçe and Ortaköy without multiple changes.

By letting the bus handle the steep climbs and busier avenues, your two days in Istanbul become less about navigating and more about noticing.