The city of Istanbul in Turkey truly has the best of both worlds, in the most literal of senses. Istanbul is the only city in the world that bridges two continents ? Europe and Asia ? so tourist can see on a visit to Istanbul the progressive influences of Europe on the city blending with the mysterious and tantalizing touch of Asia. We can say that this is the city where the East meets the West.



If you have only two days to tour Istanbul, how should you spend it so you could make the most out of your Turkish holiday in the city? These are our suggestions on how to spend a two-day tour of Istanbul.

Morning, Day One

On the morning of your first day, you must go see the usual sights that tourists go to in Istanbul. You can join a group guided tour, hire a guide for a private tour, or wander off on your own.

However you do it, you must see these places:

?The Sultan Ahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque of Turkey. The most important tourist attraction in Istanbul is Blue Mosque; you cannot leave the city without seeing it. This historic mosque was named for the blue tiles adorning its interiors, and Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles which are beautifully blend in the mosque is very famous.

?The Suleymaniye Mosque. One of the important and historical mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman I in 1550. It is bigger than Hagia Sophia and it was meant to match the beauty. Many royal Ottomans are interred in the Suleymaniye Mosque, including Suleiman himself and his wife Roxelana.

?The Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in all of Christendom for a thousand years. It was the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture, the most beautiful example of it, with its massive dome and its intricate mosaics. But then, after the Muslim Ottomans invaded Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. For 500 years, it was the principal mosque of the Ottoman Empire.

?The Palaces of Topkapi and Dolmabahce. These most famous two palaces of Istanbul were once residences of the Ottoman Sultans. The Topkapi Palace is an example of Islamic-Ottoman architecture while the Domabahce's architectrure is European in style.

?Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Turkey has prided itself over its archaeological treasures ? Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim, among others. In this museum you can find fine specimens and relics of these treasures.

Evening, Day One

If you are person who likes to go clubs at night, Istanbul will satisfy you. The first night of your two-day tour of the city should have you sampling the night life in bars and clubs along the Bosphorus and the Ortakoy District, among other spots in Istanbul.

Morning and Afternoon, Day Two

Your last morning in Istanbul should be spent shopping. Istanbul is known for its exquisite handicrafts such as rugs and jewelry. There are many places for shopping but the best of them are the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and the Ortakoy Market. However, if your taste runs along modern conveniences and luxury goods, you will never find a lack of shopping malls in Istanbul. Istanbul has many expansive shopping malls, we can easily say that Istanbul is one of the shopping capitals of Europe.

You can spend your final afternoon of two-day tour of Istanbul by trying to look at the city the way its residents do. You can do this by spending your afternoon at a caf? by the Bosphorus, watching people. If you do not feel like people-watching, riding a ferry from the Bosphorus to the Princes? Islands might be a good choice for you.

You can make the most of a two-day tour of Istanbul with a little planning. Go on and enjoy your trip.