before entering the taxi and make sure the driver has the taximeter on. Another suggestion is atthe time you make your hostel reservation, write them an email asking abouthostel/airport transfers (some hostels provide this service for their guests). BE AWARE OF SCAMS do your homework and be familiar with the most common tricks.Links: airport shuttle (pay attention at the schedule times and have in mind theytake about 1 hour, 1 hour 30 minutes for the airport/Taksim trip do not forget traffic isCHAOTIC so allow plenty of time for the ride, especially when you have a plane to catch. Better safe than sorry; thats my motto.http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/havatas_bus.htmlDay 02: Sultanahmet - Let the magic begin 1 Sultanahmet Square: Obelisk ofTheosodius, Walled Obelisk, German Fountainhttp://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/07/sultanahmet.html.2- Visit of the Blue Mosque (entrance is free). Do not go in short skirts, dresses or shorts. Women should cover their head with a scarf (if you don't have your own, you can borrow one for free at its entrance).http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/a-mesquita-azul-em-istambul-por-dentro.html3- Visit Hagia Sofia(open from 9:00 17:00) Price: 30 TL4- Visit of the Basilic Cistern (open from 9:00- 16:00). Price: 20 TL Dont miss the Medusa column.http://www.istanbultrails.com/2008/06/the-basilica-cistern-the-coolest-spot-in-town/4- Walk around Sogukcesme Street behind Hagia Sofia.You will find typical Ottoman construction; made of wood (before concret cameover).http://www.artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/09/casas-de-madeira-em-sogukcesme-sokag-in.html5-On theway to the Grand Bazaar you will pass in front of Sultan Mahmut Tomb GO INSIDE (itis for free) so you can see the tombs. There is a cemetery besides themausoleums that is totally worthy the visit.http://www.artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/cemiterios-otomanos-em-istambul.html6- Keepwalking up the street and you will reach the Constantin Column (or Burned Column). Look for the Turkish Bath (hamam) calledCemberlitas. This place is from 1584. Take a pamphlet so you can know the services/prices theyoffer. Pamper yourself in a Turkish Bath get the Turkish massage made by aprofessional; they say they basically skin you off your bones, and you feeltotally renewed. http://www.cemberlitashamami.com/index.php?dil=en7- Finally make it to the Grand Bazaar, where you will spend a good part of your afternoon. Pay attention at the ENTRANCE gate you take, so you will know where you should leave when it is time to go back home (I am serious : You WILL get lost, because this market is huge and we get distracted with the shops from the moment we step in). Dont worry, you will make your way out either way so enjoy the ride!! Be ready to be attacked by the salespeople that will try to guess your nationality and will try to take every cent from your pockets. Get ready to negotiate, bargain. Have fun but don't go bankrupt. Buy me a pair of earrings,bracelet or necklace, as a thank you for putting all this time into preparing this wonderful and practical itinerary for you. Get yourself anythingwith the Turkish eye on it - the blue and white Turkish eye charm, tradicionally used everywhere for protection against the bad eye.http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/nazar-boncugu-ou-olho-turco-em-istambul.htmlDay 03: Sultan for a Day1- Topkap Palace +Harem (open from 9:00-16:45) Price: 45 TL including the Harem (youhave to check the Harems visit hours, as it is always made in a group, with aguide you cant go in the