Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus, and its historic peninsula holds the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar within easy walking distance of each other.
Planning a Istanbul trip
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Day-by-day itineraries
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in one day?
Yes — they sit directly across a square from each other on the historic peninsula, making them easy to combine, though checking mosque prayer times in advance avoids a closed door.
Is haggling expected at the Grand Bazaar?
Yes — it is a normal, expected part of shopping there, and a first asking price is rarely the final one.
What should I wear to visit the mosques?
Modest dress with shoulders and knees covered is required, and women need a headscarf, though most major mosques provide loaner scarves and cover-ups at the entrance.
Is Istanbul in Europe or Asia?
Both — the city spans the Bosphorus strait, with the historic peninsula and most major sights on the European side and a growing, more local scene across the water in Asia.