New technologies are making travel planning easier. Here’s an example. You’re planning a visit to Istanbul. You need to decide in advance: which places to visit, how to plan your route, and how to manage your time. In the past, you’d have to create a good tourist website about Istanbul. Even earlier, you’d pick up a paper guidebook and map from a tourist information point. These days, you can enlist the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Here’s a sample assignment: Recommend which sights and beautiful places in Istanbul can be visited in one day, approximately 7-8 hours, on a leisurely walking tour. (This is an abbreviated version.)
Here’s what he answered (created using AI).
A one-day exploration of Istanbul is best started in the Sultanahmet district, home to the city’s main historical landmarks, and then gradually move across the Golden Horn to the more modern European quarter. The proposed itinerary will allow you to leisurely soak up the city’s spirit in 7-8 hours, capturing its Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur.
Itinerary: From Antiquity to Modernity.
Total walking distance: approximately 7-8 km.
A leisurely stroll, with time for sightseeing and rest.
Part 1: The Heart of the Old City (Sultanahmet)
Sultanahmet Square (Former Hippodrome).
Start your walk from this square. Here you’ll see the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. These are all that remain of the ancient hippodrome.
We suggest making this the starting point of your route.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque).
Information: A majestic mosque with six minarets, its interior is adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. This is a functioning mosque, admission is free (please observe the dress code).
How to get there: Located right in Sultanahmet Square, opposite Hagia Sophia.
🚶♂️ Transfer: Blue Mosque → Hagia Sophia Museum.
Distance and time: Approximately 150 meters, 2-3 minutes’ walk, across the square.
Hagia Sophia.
Description: A unique monument, formerly a patriarchal Orthodox cathedral, later a mosque, and now one of the world’s most important landmarks. The structure is impressive in its size. Note the dome and ancient mosaics. It currently functions as a mosque; admission is free.
Location: Opposite the Blue Mosque.
🚶♂️ Transfer: Hagia Sophia → Topkapi Palace.
Distance and time: Approximately 300 meters, 4-5 minutes. Walk around Hagia Sophia on the right side (as you look from the entrance) and head towards the palace gates.
Topkapi Palace.
Description: The main Ottoman palace, the residence of the sultans for almost 400 years. A vast complex with a treasury, pavilions, and stunning views of the Bosphorus. A visit to the Harem (separate entrance) is recommended.
Directions: The entrance is located just behind Hagia Sophia, on the way to Gülhane Park.
Transition: Topkapi Palace → Grand Bazaar.
Distance and time required: Approximately 1.2 kilometers, 15-20 minutes on foot. Exit the palace towards Gülhane Park and continue along the tram tracks towards the Beyazit district. Look for the Nuruosmaniye Mosque. The Grand Bazaar is located directly behind it.
Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı).
Information: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. A maze of streets lined with thousands of shops selling everything from carpets and jewelry to spices and souvenirs. You can simply stroll here and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient market.
Directions: Follow the signs to Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar) from the Nuruosmaniye Mosque.
Part 2: From the Oriental Bazaar to the European Tower.
🚶♂️ Transition: Grand Bazaar → Galata Bridge.
Travel length and travel time: Approximately 1.5 km, 20-25 minutes. Exit the Grand Bazaar through Beyazıt Gate and descend toward the Golden Horn, toward the Eminonu district, using the Galata Bridge as a guide.
Galata Bridge.
Information: The famous two-tiered bridge spans the Golden Horn. The lower tier is home to many fish restaurants, while the upper tier is filled with fishermen with fishing rods. It offers a classic view of the Old City.
Transition: Galata Bridge → Galata Tower.
Length and Time: Approximately 1.2 km (including ascent), 20-25 minutes. Cross the bridge into the Karaköy district. Next, you’ll climb up the narrow streets of the Galata district. Alternatively, you can take Galip Dede Caddesi, which will take you directly to the tower.
Galata Tower.
Information: End your route at this Genoese tower. Climb to the observation deck (admission required, but well worth it) for a panoramic view of all of Istanbul—both the European and Asian sides, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.
Directions: The tower is located on a hilltop in the Galata district. It can be seen from many points.
Final itinerary:
- Sultanahmet Square (Start).
Walk 2-3 minutes →
- Blue Mosque.
Walk 2-3 minutes →
- Hagia Sophia.
Walk 4-5 minutes →
- Topkapi Palace.
Walk 15-20 minutes →
- Grand Bazaar.
Walk 20-25 minutes →
- Galata Bridge.
Walk 20-25 minutes (uphill!) →
- Galata Tower (end of the walk).
The total walking distance is approximately 5.5-6 km, not including walking time within the sights themselves. This includes sightseeing and rest.