7-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Istanbul, Turkey

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast including cheeses, olives, and simit at Namlı Gurme. This spot opens at 8:00am and provides a great introduction to local flavors.
TRY150, 1h

10:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Discover its rich history evolving from a cathedral to a mosque and now a museum.
TRY200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy classic Turkish meatballs at this historic eatery, open 11:00am to 10:00pm, offering authentic local cuisine in the heart of Sultanahmet.
TRY120, 1h

2:30pm

Blue Mosque Visit

Visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and Ottoman architecture, open to visitors from 9:00am to 7:00pm; note prayer times.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and atmospheric lighting. Open from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
TRY100, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood specialties in a historic wooden house, open from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, located near Sultanahmet for convenient access.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 2: Bosphorus & Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mangerie in Bebek

Start with breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus. Mangerie offers hearty options and opens at 8:00am, perfect for a morning by the water.
TRY180, 1h

10:00am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 2-hour Bosphorus boat tour departing from Eminönü to admire Istanbul’s skyline and palaces along both European and Asian sides.
TRY150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy

Enjoy traditional Anatolian dishes at this famous restaurant on the Asian side, open until 10:00pm, offering unique regional specialties.
TRY160, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kadıköy Market

Wander through the lively market streets, sampling local street food and shopping for souvenirs; shops remain open until evening.
Free to explore, 2h

5:00pm

Return to European Side

Ferry back from Kadıköy to Eminönü, enjoy beautiful sunset views of the city skyline.
TRY30, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Savor contemporary Turkish cuisine at this rooftop restaurant with stunning views, reservations recommended; open from 6:30pm to 11:00pm.
TRY400, 2h
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Day 3: Taksim & Beyoğlu

Istanbul, Turkey on July 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Experience a traditional eastern Turkish breakfast with diverse cheeses and honey, open from 8:00am to 11:30am near Taksim Square.
TRY140, 1h

10:30am

Istiklal Street Walk

Stroll down this vibrant pedestrian street filled with boutiques, cafes, and historic sites, perfect for people-watching and shopping.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Çiçek Pasajı

Dine in this lively historic arcade featuring meze and seafood, open daily from noon, an iconic dining spot in Beyoğlu.
TRY180, 1h

2:30pm

Galata Tower Visit

Climb Galata Tower for panoramic city views, open from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Enjoy photo opportunities of Istanbul’s skyline.
TRY120, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art and international exhibitions, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
TRY100, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Enjoy innovative dishes rooted in local Anatolian ingredients, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm, located in Karaköy.
TRY350, 2h
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Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading out early for the ferry to the islands; ensure departure by 8:30am.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Ferry to Büyükada

Enjoy a 1.5-hour ferry ride to Istanbul’s largest Princes’ Island, famous for its car-free streets and beautiful nature.
TRY70, 1.5h

10:30am

Bike Rental and Island Tour

Rent bikes to explore the island’s pine forests, historic mansions, and seaside trails; rental shops open from morning until sunset.
TRY50, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood right by the water; this restaurant opens by 11:00am and offers local specialties in Büyükada.
TRY180, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Aya Yorgi Church

Hike up to the historic Aya Yorgi Church for panoramic views, open to visitors all day with a short walk from the village.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return Ferry to Istanbul

Catch the ferry back, enjoying sunset views over the Marmara Sea.
TRY70, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Enjoy rooftop dining with views of the city and Bosphorus, open 7:00pm to midnight with a lively atmosphere perfect after your island day.
TRY300, 2h
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Day 5: Markets & Mosques

Istanbul, Turkey on July 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Another chance to enjoy a comprehensive Turkish breakfast with traditional ingredients to fuel your day.
TRY140, 1h

10:00am

Grand Bazaar Exploration

Explore one of the world’s largest covered markets with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, and spices. Open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy classic Ottoman dishes in this historic market restaurant open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques, an outstanding example of Ottoman architecture, open for visitors from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Spice Bazaar Visit

Discover the vibrant Spice Bazaar with its exotic aromas and bright colors; ideal for sampling Turkish delights and teas. Open until 7:00pm.
Free entry, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Taste traditional kebabs and stunning views of the Golden Horn; open from 11:00am to midnight.
TRY200, 1.5h
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Day 6: Art & Culture

Istanbul, Turkey on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Enjoy great coffee and fresh baked goods in a cozy setting near Galata Tower; open from 8:00am.
TRY100, 1h

10:00am

Pera Museum

Visit this museum for Ottoman-era paintings and rotating international exhibitions, open 10:00am to 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
TRY90, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savor authentic meze dishes in a modern setting, open daily from noon to 10:00pm.
TRY150, 1h

2:00pm

Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Admire breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this serene church museum, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
TRY120, 1.5h

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

Relax with some of Istanbul’s best Turkish coffee at this well-known café on Istiklal Street.
TRY50, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Experience Ottoman palace recipes in a beautifully restored historical venue, open 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
TRY300, 2h
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Day 7: Relax & Departure Prep

Istanbul, Turkey on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a relaxing final day in Istanbul.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Explore vast collections of artifacts from ancient civilizations, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
TRY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Try the best baklava and other Turkish desserts in Istanbul, situated in Karaköy, open until 7:00pm.
TRY100, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Gülhane Park

Enjoy the green landscape and fountains in this historic park near the Topkapi Palace, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping and Packing

Pick up last-minute souvenirs and prepare for departure the next day.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Neolokal

Celebrate your last evening in Istanbul with innovative Anatolian dishes and wonderful ambiance, open until 11:00pm.
TRY350, 2h
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