Planning a Couples Trip to Istanbul? Here Are My Favorite Things to Do
Discover the best things to do, eat and experience in Istanbul, a vibrant city that spans both Europe and Asia. In this episode, I share my favorite historic sites, food experiences, spa rituals and can’t miss activities, along with tips for navigating the city with ease. Whether you're planning a trip or dreaming of one, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Istanbul!
Visiting Istanbul completely exceeded my expectations. I knew the city would be interesting, but I was not prepared for just how beautiful, historic and vibrant it would be. One of the most fascinating things is that Istanbul sits on two continents. You can literally explore both Europe and Asia in the same day. The Bosphorus Strait slices right through the city, creating a stunning waterfront landscape and an atmosphere that feels both ancient and alive.
If you are planning a trip, here is everything I loved most about visiting Istanbul and what I think you should not miss.
Arrival Tips: Airport + Getting Into the City
Our trip included a VIP airport experience that whisked us from the jetway through customs on a golf cart. It was a total treat and one of the smoothest arrivals I’ve ever had.
VIP Arrival Experience
Met at the jetway with a sign
Golf cart ride through the airport
Fast-tracked through customs
Cost if booked independently is around 208 euros per person
A great option if you want a seamless, stress-free arrival
Private Driver Into the City
About 55 dollars for a private van for up to four people
The drive takes an hour to an hour and a half
So much easier than navigating taxis or public transit
Prebook online and walk straight to your driver holding your name
Explore the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most iconic spots in Istanbul and it completely blew me away. It is huge. Thousands of stalls cover everything from bags and scarves to teas, spices and souvenirs.
What You’ll Find
Knockoff designer bags and accessories
Rows of colorful spices
Endless varieties of loose tea
Trinkets, souvenirs and handmade goods
Tips for Visiting
Bring cash for easier negotiating
Plan at least one to two hours
Don’t rush (I only had 45 minutes and wished for more)
Get Out on the Water: Bosphorus Cruise or Ferry
Seeing Istanbul from the water is magical. We did a sunset Bosphorus cruise and it was one of my favorite experiences. The weather was perfect, the city lights were stunning and it was such a relaxing way to take it all in.
Options
Sunset Bosphorus Tour: Scenic and unforgettable
Local Ferry Ride: A more budget-friendly option that lets you visit both continents
However you do it, get on a boat at least once.
Visit Istanbul’s Most Iconic Historic Sites
These landmarks are close together and easy to visit in one half-day with a guide. A guide is totally worth it for the history, navigation help and prebooked tickets.
Must See
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Sophia (women: bring a headscarf)
Blue Mosque
You’ll get stunning architecture, layers of history and a true feel for Istanbul’s cultural significance.
The Basilica Cistern
This was one of the most unique places we visited. The underground cistern is lit with colorful lights and supported by mismatched pillars that were collected over centuries. It’s beautiful, atmospheric and worth at least an hour to explore.
Don’t Miss
The walkways over the water
Incredible photo opportunities
A tea stop at a nearby tea shop afterwards. I tried a fresh apple tea in a French press that was amazing.
Get a Traditional Turkish Hamam
If you love spa experiences, a Turkish bath is a must. We went to the historic Cagaloglu Hamam, which has been in operation for around 300 years. It was one of my highlights of the entire trip.
What a Hamam Includes
Changing into disposable underwear
Sauna warm-up
Full body scrub and bubble wash
Hair wash and scalp massage
Relaxation room with tea, nuts and dried fruit
You can add a massage afterward, which I totally recommend. Plan for one to two hours.
Take a Food Tour With Yummy Istanbul
This was another absolute highlight. A six and a half hour cultural and culinary experience that took us through markets, across the Bosphorus and into local restaurants on both continents. Every dish was memorable.
What We Tasted
Turkish tea and coffee
Pickle juice
Dried stuffed eggplant
Turkish pizza
Lamb intestine on baguette
Lamb soup
Stuffed mussels
Kebab with butter, tomato sauce and yogurt
Baklava
Turkish ice cream
It’s the perfect way to explore neighborhoods, learn history and enjoy a full day of delicious food.
The Best Baklava in Istanbul
Our food tour guide recommended a spot right by our hotel and it did not disappoint.
Koskeroglu Baklava (our guide’s recommendation) had dozens of varieties including chocolate and different nut blends. Our favorite looked like a little seashell.
Go with a partner so you can sample several.
Where We Stayed: The Peninsula Istanbul
If you love luxury hotels, The Peninsula Istanbul is perfection. Our room overlooked the Bosphorus and everything about the stay felt elevated.
Hotel Highlights
Waterfront location
Beautiful rooms with views
Huge breakfast buffet plus an à la carte hot menu
Fantastic gym
Chocolates waiting in the room
I highly recommend staying here if your budget allows.
Final Tips for Your Istanbul Trip
Plan at least 3 to 4 days in the city.
Pair Istanbul with Cappadocia for the perfect Turkey trip.
Enjoy kebab and baklava at minimum.
Try to eat outside the most touristy areas.
Add Ephesus or Bodrum only if you have extra time.
istanbul
Istanbul is a city that blends old and new, land and sea, quiet tradition and modern energy. If it’s on your list, I hope this inspires you to go. And if it isn’t on your list yet, it should be.
If you have questions, you can always DM me over on Instagram at @thistraveltribe.