Istanbul, Between Two Continents
Three unhurried days through the imperial mosques, the Bosphorus, and the old city — prayer never more than a few minutes away, every meal halal by default.
By The Voyagers Editors
Day 1
The old city, on foot
Begin in Sultanahmet among the great mosques, with a halal lunch near the Grand Bazaar and the afternoon prayers kept in mind.
Check in in Sultanahmet, leave bags, and walk.
- 00:24Fajr · Prayer
- 09:30
Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque
Enter outside prayer times; dress modestly.
- 10:10Dhuhr · Prayer
- 12:30
Halal meal
Halal kebab with a Golden Horn view.
- 14:10Asr · Prayer
- 15:00
Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan's masterpiece; pray Asr here.
- 17:00
Free time
Tea in the bazaar quarter.
- 17:46Maghrib · Prayer
- 19:38Isha · Prayer
Day 2
The strait between continents
A morning on the water and the Asian shore, ending with a halal dinner as the lights come on.
- 00:24Fajr · Prayer
- 09:30
Ortaköy Mosque
Waterfront mosque beneath the bridge.
- 10:11Dhuhr · Prayer
- 11:00
Free time
Bosphorus ferry to the Asian side.
- 13:15
Free time
Dhuhr — musallas are plentiful dockside.
- 14:11Asr · Prayer
- 17:47Maghrib · Prayer
- 19:30
Halal meal
A long, late halal dinner.
- 19:38Isha · Prayer
Day 3
A last morning
One quiet visit before you go.
Late checkout, then onward.
- 00:24Fajr · Prayer
- 09:00
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
The most beloved mosque in the city.
- 10:11Dhuhr · Prayer
- 14:11Asr · Prayer
- 17:47Maghrib · Prayer
- 19:38Isha · Prayer