If you have only a day, or part of a day, to see the sights in Istanbul, efficient airport transport inessential, so I recommend you consider the economical private airport transfers, guided tours and similar travel services of my friends at Efendi Travel in Sultanahmet.
Efendi's professional drivers and airport welcome staff know the traffic situations at all times in Istanbul, and their GPS-tracking-equipped Mercedes vans and minivans can whisk you into the city to see the sights and return you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Luckily for those with little time, Istanbul's top sightsare grouped right around the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square, so it can be possible to visit them all on your first (or only) day.
The challenge is crowds: Istanbul is such a popular travel destination these days, especially in April, May,September and October, that lines/queues to enter can be very long.
Here's How to Skip the Ticket Lines
You can skip those l-o-n-g ticket lines at major sights by taking a tour, hiring a private guide, or buying a Museum Pass.
Efendi Travel offers moderately-priced one-day walking tours. For a premium tour, contact Istanbul Tour Studio.
Reserve one of my recommended licensed private guides, well in advance—their agendas fill up quickly.More...
An alternative is the Museum Pass, which allows you to jump the line as well. More...
Morning
Topkapı Palace
Get there at 8:45 am and go straight to the Harem, which gets overcrowded (9-5, closed Tuesday; stay 2-3 hr).
Blue Mosque
Just across the park from Ayasofya, on theHippodrome, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet III(Sultanahmet Camii) is always crowded, and often closed for prayers. Check the prayer times and plan your visit accordingly (stay 1/2 hr), or visit a different imperial mosque to save time and have a better-quality visit.More...
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Right next to Topkapı. Don't miss the best mosaics, on the upper level (9-4, closed Monday; stay 1 hr).
Lunch
Lots of restaurants on Divan Yolu, but better prices in nearby Sirkeci and Hocapaşa.
Afternoon
Byzantine Hippodrome
The park in front of the Blue Mosque is the ancient Hippodrome, with two obelisks, a truncated snake column, and a fountain donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II (stay 1/2 hr).
Basilica Cistern
At the NE end of the Hippodrome, just across the street from Hagia Sophia, beneath the little park (Yerebatan Saray Sarnıçı, 9-5; stay 1/2 hr).
Grand Bazaar
Walk uphill on Divan Yolu from the Hippodrome and see the sights along the way, or take the tram along it toÇarşıkapı (CHAR-shuh-kah-puh) (9-5, closed Sunday & holidays; stay 1-2 hrs, longer if you're really shopping). An alternative, open every day of the week, is theEgyptian (Spice) Bazaar by the Galata Bridge on theGolden Horn. More...
Bosphorus Cruise
If one of the above sights is not of interest, substitute a 75-minute cruise up the Bosphorus. More...
Evening
Turkish Bath (Hamam)
A Turkish bath (1-3 hr) can be amazingly refreshing after a long day! Here are suggested hamams.
Dinner
Istanbul has dozens of excellent restaurants for dinner.
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