Stay central
A slightly smaller room in a walkable neighborhood beats a big one far from everything. You will save time and transit costs, and you can drop back to the hotel in the afternoon.
One big thing a day
Pick one major museum or landmark per day and book timed tickets ahead. Fill the rest of the day with walking, markets and neighborhoods.
Eat like a local
Food halls and markets let you try a lot of local dishes at once. Ask your hotel staff where they eat, not where they send tourists.