What to do in Istanbul in a few hours?

Flights with transfers mean additional complications for many, but don’t forget that this is also a great opportunity to visit a new place. One of the most common transfer points is Istanbul. If you have a few free hours, spend them usefully exploring a city that has existed for more than two and a half thousand years. We have prepared a list of must-dos in Istanbul - you will definitely have time!

Walk through Topkapi Gardens

Construction of Topkapi Palace began shortly after the capture of Constantinople as the official residence of the Sultan. A harem was also located here, so a beautiful garden was laid out around the fortress. It is especially pleasant to stroll along on hot days, and everyone will enjoy the variety of plants, fountains and winding paths. Inside the palace is one of the richest museums in the world; here you can even see the sword and cloak of the Prophet Muhammad.

Istanbul ice cream tasting

Strictly speaking, dondurma is not ice cream, but a special Turkish dessert. This amazing dish was created by a simple shopkeeper using salep (flour from the root of wild orchids) and goat's milk. However, this recipe was known only to noble people for 300 years. Now anyone can try this unusual sweetness.

Sailing on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a sacred strait not only for Turkey, but for the entire European civilization. Every day dozens of huge tankers and hundreds of tourist boats sail here. Be sure to board one of them to see the city from the water and admire the coastal attractions: Dolmabahce Palace, the legendary Golden Horn Bay and the Galata Tower. The original option is an evening excursion, illuminated by the lights of the metropolis.

Buy some sweets

Turkish sweets are practically a national brand. Look for the most delicious options not in flashy pastry shops, but in inconspicuous shops aimed at local residents. Be sure to try kunefe - a hot pie made of thread-like dough filled with unleavened cheese, generously sprinkled with sugar syrup, and buy assorted baklava, lokum, kadaif and shekerpare for your family.

Go shopping

Do not forget that Türkiye is the sewing workshop of Europe. There are several huge malls in Istanbul, uniting hundreds of brands under their roof. In local stores you can find all brands at the best prices. Choose Forum Istanbul - Europe's largest shopping center and go shopping.