The Word. spent two days exploring the modern and ancient worlds that make this Turkish city a fascinating place
- Culture & Travel
48 Hours In Istanbul
- ByMeghna Sharma

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Türkiye
If you have a penchant for exploring new places, you’d certainly have Türkiye on your bucket list. The Eurasian country has become a coveted destination in recent years, and, for a good reason. Istanbul, in particular, comes with a unique appeal. Straddling two continents, this city offers a sensory feast with an impressive display of history, culture, and breathtaking beauty.
For this whirlwind romance, our journey begins with Turkish Airlines. If you’re not a fan of lengthy layovers, choose the country’s national carrier as it offers direct flights to Istanbul.
Once you board the aircraft, you’ll notice many thoughtful details that add to a pleasant flying experience. For one, the business class seats are designed in a way that all passengers can access the aisle corridor without disturbing their seatmates. The six-hour flight would feel like a breeze with luxurious seats, which can be turned into a comfortable flatbed to ensure you arrive in Istanbul fresh and rested!
If catching up on reading or meeting deadlines is on your agenda, you’ll notice a rotating table reading lamp that allows one to do so undisturbed.
It’s said that one cannot think or sleep well, if one has not dined well…but you’ll not face any such issues when flying with Turkish Airlines. The multi-course gourmet meals, prepared by the sky chefs, are an example of Turkish hospitality. The menus are changed seasonally, and 82% of ingredients are procured from local growers to ensure you’re served the freshest ingredients.
While you enjoy your meal, check out the in-flight entertainment as it features a curated selection of the latest films, music playlists, and even documentaries about the countries you’re flying to. And, of course, the amenity kit contains a selection of items, such as an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and lip and skincare that are useful during the journey.





Upon landing, a scenic one-hour drive later, we arrive at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski—our home for the next two days. Once an Ottoman palace, this architectural marvel now serves as a luxurious sanctuary on the European bank of the Bosphorus. The grandeur of the marble columns, the opulence of crystal chandeliers, and the unmatched view of the serene waterway set the tone for an unforgettable stay. The recently-renovated hotel wing has retained key details of Ottoman architecture that will make you feel like you’re residing in a palace.
Istanbul offers plentiful sights, but The Word. recommends starting with an intimate tour of the famed Bosphorus Strait in a private yacht. As you glide between Europe and Asia, one can’t help but marvel at the cityscape—featuring old and new structures—on both sides. With 19th-century mansions, minarets piercing the skyline, majestic Ottoman fortresses like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the interplay of light and shadow on the water, and tales of sultans and empires…the city unfolds before us through captivating architecture and anecdotes. Once you have spent a couple of hours exploring the strait, it’s impossible to not fall in love with Bosphorus.
As the sun rises, soak in the views from the private balcony, overlooking the Bosphorus—the perfect spot to indulge in Turkish coffee as you gear up for a long day of exploring the many wonders built by the various empires over the centuries.









A short drive later, we arrive in the heart of old Istanbul. Our first stop is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or The Blue Mosque as it is popularly called. It is advised to get there early as it gets extremely crowded during the day, and given that it is a working mosque, there are certain time restrictions as well. Ayasofya Camii (Hagia Sophia) is a short walk from The Blue Mosque. This architectural wonder, first a church, then a mosque, and now an iconic site, boasts breathtaking mosaics, towering domes, and an aura of spiritual significance.
When in old Istanbul, you can’t not visit the Topkapi Palace, the opulent seat of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Its harem chambers, jewel-filled treasury, and panoramic terraces overlooking the Bosphorus offer a glimpse into a bygone era of regal splendour. Do visit the Chamber of Sacred Relics, where artefacts linked to prophets and caliphs are displayed. The palace grounds feature many Instagram-worthy spots, so factor in extra time to capture memories and moments.
It is now time to discover the underground mysteries of Istanbul. We descend into the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns. Illuminated by a soft orange glow, this atmospheric site is a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. Don’t miss the eerie Medusa head carvings tucked away in a quiet corner—another fabulous photo-worthy spot.
As we emerge back into daylight, we break for lunch at Pandeli, a Mediterranean restaurant featured in the Michelin guide, with the most excellent selection of wines and spirits.
And there is more to explore still… Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest covered markets. A labyrinth of shops teeming with treasures, the Bazaar offers everything from handwoven carpets and glittering jewellery (both fine and costume) to ornate ceramics. The Spice Bazaar, on the other hand, is a visual and sensorial delight. As you walk in, hordes of Turkish spice sellers will call out to you, enticing you to try exotic teas and dry fruits on offer, or get a whiff of the aromatic spices that fill up the entire place. These sellers are friendly, witty, and open to bargain. So if you plan on filling your suitcase with local produce and treasures, you can certainly expect a good deal and bring home a piece of Istanbul’s vibrant heritage.








One of the most beautiful things about old Istanbul is that it offers a beautiful contrast to the very modern, European part of the city, located on the other side of the strait. Most of the historical symbols are situated at walking distance, making it easy to explore the region on foot.
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As the action-packed day of heritage exploration comes to an end, a magnificent meal is just what one needs. We head back to Çırağan Palace, where the chefs have planned an exotic meal at Tuğra—the hotel’s flagship eatery, where Ottoman recipes are reimagined for the modern palate. Signature dishes like hünkar beğendi (braised lamb with smoked eggplant) and baklava, served with pistachio ice cream, provide a decadent introduction to Turkish gastronomy.
Before you retire for the night, take a walk along the waterfront at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski while watching the ceaseless dance of yachts, ferries, and ships.
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The next morning, as our 48 hours in the city draw to a close, we explore the palace wing of the hotel, where the sultans used to reside. Featuring 13 ultra-luxurious suites, the Palace has hosted countless royals and celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Orlando Bloom, and Madonna, among others. In fact, the hotel’s foyer features a ‘Wall of Fame’, with photographs of prominent figures who have visited the property over the years.
Post a leisurely breakfast, we bid adieu to Çırağan Palace, also known as The Grand Dame of Bosphorus.
But our cultural journey continues with Istanbul Modern, the city’s premier contemporary art museum. The museum features a dynamic blend of Turkish and international artists, providing a modern counterpoint to the historical splendour of Istanbul.
As we head to the airport, a seamless check-in later, we stop by Turkish Airlines’ Business Class lounge for a quick refresh. The lounge features private suites, showers, massage therapists, gaming rooms, and Turkish and international cuisine for a relaxing stopover. It is worth noting that the Turkish Airlines boarding pass also comes with a host of privileges—the details of which are accessible on their website. If Istanbul is not your final destination, and you have between six to 24 hours, then we recommend signing up for ‘Touristanbul’. This complimentary service allows you to explore key sights in the city, but it is reserved for Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfers.
Istanbul, a city where East meets West, history meets modernity, and luxury meets tradition, leaves an indelible mark on you. And though you may depart, the city’s magic ensures you will dream of returning soon.
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