Things To Do In Istanbul, Greece, 5 day travel itinerary, brief history, weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites

June 6, 2024

It’s a beautiful and historic city that sits on the Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Here’s a brief history, weather information, itinerary for a 5-day trip, and some information about biking and camping around Istanbul.

Brief History

Istanbul has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Some of the city’s most famous landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, a former church that is now a museum; Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries; and the Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles.

Weather in Istanbul

Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Summer (June-August): Average highs of 82°F (28°C), lows of 64°F (18°C). It can be quite hot and humid during this time.
Fall (September-November): Average highs of 72°F (22°C), lows of 50°F (10°C). The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Winter (December-February): Average highs of 48°F (9°C), lows of 36°F (2°C). It can be cold and rainy, but there is also occasional snow.
Spring (March-May): Average highs of 64°F (18°C), lows of 45°F (7°C). The weather is mild and there are many flowers in bloom.

5-Day Itinerary in Istanbul

Here’s a possible itinerary for a 5-day trip to Istanbul:

Day 1: Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries.
Day 2:Explore the Sultanahmet neighborhood, home to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar.
Day 3:Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which will give you views of some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, such as Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy Mosque.
Day 4:Visit Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. In the afternoon, take a walk along Istiklal Street, a lively pedestrian-only street.
Day 5: Spend the day exploring some of Istanbul’s many museums, such as the Istanbul Archaeological Museums or the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.

Biking in Istanbul

Istanbul is a hilly city, but there are a few bike paths that offer stunning views of the city. The most famous bike path is the one that goes along the Bosphorus Strait. There are also bike paths in some of Istanbul’s parks, such as Emirgan Park and Yıldız Park.

Camping Around Istanbul

There aren’t many campsites within the city limits of Istanbul, but there are a few options in the surrounding area. Here are a couple of options:

Kemer Country Camping:Located about 60 kilometers from Istanbul, this campsite offers stunning views of the Black Sea.
Sile Camping:This campsite is located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, about 70 kilometers from Istanbul.

These are just a few ideas for things to do in Istanbul. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, Istanbul is a city that has something to offer everyone.