15 Flawless Ways To Enjoy A 24-Hour Layover In Istanbul

Galata is the lovely neighborhood that's home to the iconic Galata Tower. (Tip: the tower is tall and distinctive enough to act as your compass if you ever get lost around Istanbul.) The area's narrow and charming streets are lined with shops and cafés, and many expats call the neighborhood home. Perfect place for a morning stroll!

Continue your morning stroll in Çukurcuma, the nearby antiques district. Tons of whimsical antique shops and vintage boutiques line the winding streets in this area. If old-timey things are your thing, you could spend hours here. Either way, you're bound to find one-of-a-kind items to take home.

Make your way to the historic Sultan Ahmet Mosque — known more popularly as the Blue Mosque due to its unique blue-tiled interior — located in Old Istanbul. The mosque is free to enter, and head coverings are available at the entrance for female visitors.

The ancient Basilica Cistern, which once provided water for the Great Palace of Constantinople, is located right across the street from the Ayasofya. Visitors can descend into the 6th century and walk along a path in the cistern, ending at a pair of carved Medusa heads.

Stop for a lunch of mantı, a traditional Turkish dish of little steamed meat dumplings (often lamb) that are served with a spice-infused tomato sauce and a garlicky yogurt sauce. The dish is offered at various eateries around the city, and it's so, so delicious.

A short walk south of the area is the Little Hagia Sophia, one of the finest mosques in Istanbul. Like the Ayasofya, the Little Hagia Sophia also served as a Greek Orthodox church before being converted to a mosque. Nearby, check out Hüseyin Ağa Medresesi — former classrooms that are now filled with craftworks for sale, from ceramics and glass art to traditional Turkish paintings.

Just when you're starting to worry about buying souvenirs, it's time to hit up the Grand Bazaar, where you can find basically every Turkish token your heart desires, from jewelry, to textiles, to soap, and spices. The bazaar dates back to the 15th century, so needless to say, it's an unparalleled shopping experience.

There are a number of historic Turkish baths (aka hamams) in the Old Istanbul area to choose from, and some hotels offer interpretations of the experience as well. Relax and steam away all your travel stress before the next leg of your journey!

After dinner is the perfect time to head to İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district. The Ottoman architecture–lined pedestrian street is one of the most famous in Istanbul and the heart of the city's nightlife. (If you're still hungry after all that kebab, you can also find amazing desserts here.)