Travel Guide: 4 Days in Istanbul (Hidden Gems)

Day 1

This is the perfect day to get to Istanbul Modern Museum and get your dose of art in a very modern building.

Istanbul Modern Museum on vacation? Yes, this one was that awesome. We spent 3 hours wandering about and taking in the art that moved us beyond words.  

I’m pretty sure I stood in a dark room for 30 minutes watching a haunting animated video about the cultural norms for women. The Museum is divided into 2 floors, with the top floor hosting the permanent collections, while the lower floor showcasing two or three exhibitions, which are held simultaneously in the Temporary Exhibition Hall, Photography Gallery, and Pop-up Exhibition Areas.  You’ll find everything ranging from sculpture to new media, along with everything in between. Not only is this the perfect way to spend a morning, but you will leave inspired.

Grab a late lunch at leisure, and catch sunset on the Galata Bridge, which spans old and new Istanbul. There’s a walkway either side of the bridge backed by lively cafes, bars and restaurants. This is the perfect way to spend a day getting to know the city inside and out.