Istanbul In 2 Days - Best Things To Do In 48 Hours

While in Galata, try traditional Turkish food at Ali Ocakbasi; home to fresh Ali salad, stuffed zucchini blossoms, divine mezzes, kebab with pistachios, succulent lamb chop, and ribs. Finish your meal with an amazing Turkish dessert called Katmir; which resembles hot light baklava with pistachio filling topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and folded in half. Try Turkish coffee too. If you’re wondering what to do in Istanbul at night during your 2 days in Istanbul, trying Turkish cuisine makes the top of the list.

Istanbul is steeped in culture, art and music. There are many galleries and places to enjoy traditional Turkish music. Head for an Istanbul meyhane (tavern) and enjoy a raki-fuelled night of Turkish fasil (song and dance). A great night spent in Istanbul is at Bina Kadıköy, a record event exhibition where you can drink wine, play old records and buy the records you’re listening to. With a laid-back atmosphere, the spot is representative of Istanbul’s great music scene. Bomonti is another great space for live music. Formerly the factory for Bomonti beers, the huge renovated area has become one of the best places to hang out in the Şişli neighborhood at night. Bomontiada has everything in one area; restaurants, bars, and a live concert venue. Have a few drinks at a bar then head to The Populist which often has live a DJ, or hit up the Babylon concert hall for a night of live performance. Check out the Pilevneli Gallery for exhibitions and contemporary art.

Your Istanbul 2 days itinerary would not be complete without a trip to Istanbul’s famous bazaars, emporiums, and markets. Spend the morning zig-zagging your way through the impressive Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarşi) which boasts 5000 shops. Built-in 1461 as a vibrant hub of international and local trade, the Bazaar is a labyrinth of glittering delights and the ultimate Turkish shopping experience. Float your way through one of the largest covered markets and dive into the best places for exquisite textiles, handcrafted ceramics, colorful spices, sparkling jewelry, pretty lanterns, and souvenirs.

Head onto the Spice Bazaar; a short walk from the Grand Bazaar. The 17th-century Eminönü Egyptian Spice Bazaar is a gastronomic paradise and foodie haven; perfect for lunch. Since 1664, the Spice Bazaar has been thought to be the best place to select dried fruits, nuts, spices, olives, Turkish delight, oils, and essences. Soak up the aromas of coffee, oils, and spices, be amazed by the jewels glinting in the sun and enjoy the decadent, sense-uplifting experience. Sample delicious baked bread such as Simit.

Spend your evening at the Hush Gallery, a space hosting exhibitions devoted to young local and international artists. Art is everywhere in the relaxed Kadıkoy neighborhood; most known for its vibrant entertainment scene, galleries, street-art, tree-lined streets, and fish and produce market that’s home to Turkish pizza, olives, and fresh seafood. Art and community flourish most at ArtHere: an artist-run cafe/space with communal work tables, books, and paintings on the walls. Founded by a Syrian photographer, space combines a gallery, studio, community center, and temporary housing for Syrian artists to work with their Turkish and international counterparts. ArtHere hosts frequent movie nights, live music, discussions, and workshops for a polyglot audience. With a labyrinth of art and cultural Istanbul attractions to explore, you won’t tire of walking the Kadıkoy streets; one of the best things to do in Istanbul in 2 days.

Continue your night dancing the night away at a great bistro-come-bar. Lucca is a great, fancy spot, loved by locals, in Bebek. The Bebek neighbourhood is located right by the beautiful Bosphorus and is a well loved area for delicious cocktails, like mojitos and satsuma vodka. Spend your Istanbul night on the shores of the city and enjoy the meeting point of history and urban.