Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Sultanahmet to the Princes' Islands — History, Bosphorus & Food

Viewed by 141 travelers

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Classic Turkish breakfast and famous meatballs in the heart of Sultanahmet — a good, hearty start close to the sights.
TRY200, 45m

9:00am

Hagia Sophia (ex-museum, active mosque)

See Byzantine mosaics and the vast dome; visit outside prayer times as it functions as a mosque — usually welcoming tourists in the daytime (typical visiting hours 9:00–17:00).
TRY0, 1h15m

10:30am

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)

Admire interior Iznik tiles and the courtyard; open to visitors outside the five daily prayer times — check prayer schedule before visiting.
TRY0, 45m

11:30am

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

Underground Roman cistern with atmospheric lighting and Medusa heads — typically open 9:00–19:00, a cool escape from the heat.
TRY150, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Well-regarded seafood in Sultanahmet — fresh fish and meze in a traditional setting close to the major monuments.
TRY350, 1h

2:30pm

Hippodrome and German Fountain

Short walk around the historic Hippodrome area to see obelisks and the German Fountain — great for photos and orienting yourself.
TRY0, 40m

4:00pm

Gülhane Park stroll

A peaceful park next to Topkapı Palace — ideal for a relaxed afternoon walk and people-watching.
TRY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant (rooftop)

Rooftop dining with panoramic views of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus — book a table at sunset for the best vistas.
TRY600, 1h30m

Day 2: Palaces & Museums

Sultanahmet / Topkapı area, Istanbul, Turkey on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Rumist (Sultanahmet)

A relaxed Turkish-style breakfast with local breads, cheeses and strong Turkish tea — convenient before museum lines grow.
TRY220, 45m

9:00am

Topkapı Palace

Ottoman sultans' palace with treasury, harem (extra-ticket) and superb views over the Bosphorus; typically open 9:00–18:45 but closed on some weekdays (commonly Tuesday) — check ahead.
EUR20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Konyali (Topkapı / palace restaurant)

Historic restaurant serving Ottoman-influenced dishes inside the palace grounds area — handy and atmospheric for a midday break.
TRY300, 1h

2:00pm

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Three linked museums with archaeological finds from across Anatolia and the Near East — excellent if you enjoyed Topkapı's collections.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Süleymaniye Mosque

An elegant Ottoman mosque with a peaceful courtyard and sweeping city views — open to visitors outside prayer times; modest dress required.
TRY0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant (Eminönü)

Famous for kebabs and views over the Golden Horn — arrive early or reserve for a window table at sunset.
TRY500, 1h30m

Day 3: Markets & Asian Side

Eminönü, Grand Bazaar, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafız Mustafa (Eminönü)

Try simit, börek or light pastries with Turkish tea at this long-standing confectioner close to your morning markets.
TRY120, 30m

9:00am

Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

One of the world's largest covered markets — great for carpets, jewellery, ceramics and haggling; typically open around 9:00–19:00 (many shops close at constitutional holidays and some Sundays) — verify hours on the day.
TRY0, 2h

12:00pm

Fish sandwich (Balık Ekmek) on the Galata Bridge

Iconic street-food experience: grilled fish in a bread with salad — quick, cheap and delicious while watching the water activity.
TRY150, 45m

1:30pm

Spice Bazaar & Rüstem Paşa Mosque

Colourful spice stalls and traditional shops; the nearby small Rüstem Paşa Mosque is a hidden gem of Iznik tiles. Spice Bazaar typically open 9:00–19:00.
TRY0, 1h

3:30pm

Ferry to Kadıköy (Eminönü to Kadıköy)

Short scenic ferry across the Bosphorus to experience local commuter life and arrive in lively Kadıköy (ferries run frequently).
TRY30, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Kadıköy & Moda

Wander the food market, antique shops and the Moda seaside promenade — a great contrast to the historic peninsula with a hip, local vibe.
TRY0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Renowned for regional Anatolian dishes and an adventurous menu — a must for food lovers wanting authentic, varied flavours (open evenings).
TRY350, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return ferry to Karaköy / Eminönü

Evening ferry back to the European side — the skyline at night is particularly beautiful.
TRY30, 30m

Day 4: Bosphorus & Waterfront

Eminönü, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, Bebek, Istanbul, Turkey on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast in Karaköy at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Local bakery famous for baklava and pastries; a quick, sweet breakfast before a Bosphorus outing.
TRY150, 45m

10:00am

Short Bosphorus cruise (public ferry or private 1–2 hour tour)

A one- to two-hour cruise along the Bosphorus shows Ottoman waterfront mansions (yalı), Rumeli Fortress and spectacular skyline — municipal and private options run throughout the day.
TRY150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch in Ortaköy (kumpir or waterfront café)

Try a kumpir (loaded baked potato) or seafood at the cafes by Ortaköy Mosque with Bosphorus views.
TRY200, 1h

2:00pm

Dolmabahçe Palace

Lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus; typical visiting hours 9:00–16:00 and often closed on Mondays and Thursdays — book tickets in advance and check the closure days.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk Bebek seaside & coffee

Upmarket Bosphorus neighbourhood with cafés and a pleasant waterfront promenade — a relaxed spot for sunset.
TRY120, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul (Beyoğlu rooftop) or similar

Contemporary rooftop dining with panoramic views of the city at night — reserve for a late dinner and skyline views.
TRY800, 1h30m

Day 5: Galata & Taksim

Beyoğlu / Galata, Istanbul, Turkey on August 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Galata House or nearby café

Cosy café in the Galata/Cihangir area offering good Turkish breakfasts and coffee — great base for a day of walking.
TRY220, 45m

10:00am

Galata Tower

Historic tower with a viewpoint over Istanbul and the Golden Horn; typically open 9:00–19:00 — expect queues at peak times.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Walk Istiklal Avenue to Taksim (with tram)

Vibrant pedestrian avenue full of shops, historic arcades, cinemas and street performers — take the nostalgic tram and stop for photos and shopping.
TRY0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Asmalı Cavit (meze & kebab)

Traditional meyhane-style restaurant in Asmalımescit famed for meze and friendly atmosphere — book ahead for a table at lunch or dinner.
TRY400, 1h

3:00pm

Pera Museum

Compact museum with changing exhibitions and an excellent Orientalist painting collection — typically open 10:00–19:00.
EUR8, 1h

5:30pm

Explore Cihangir & rooftop cafés

Trendy neighbourhood with bohemian cafés and boutiques — a pleasant area for late-afternoon coffee and atmosphere.
TRY0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Karaköy Lokantası

Well-known for refined Turkish dishes and meze in a stylish setting near the waterfront — great for a final Beyoğlu meal.
TRY500, 1h30m

Day 6: Princes' Islands

Büyükada (Princes' Islands), Istanbul, Turkey on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Büyükada (from Kabataş or Eminönü)

Regular ferries run in the morning to the largest Princes' Island — a pleasant one-hour sea trip with great city views.
TRY120, 1h

9:30am

Rent a bicycle or electric cart tour

No cars on the islands; cycling or hiring an electric carriage/taxi is the best way to see Aya Yorgi Hill, wooden mansions and quiet lanes.
TRY300, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Milto (seafood)

Popular island seafood restaurant close to the ferry pier — excellent meze and fish with sea views.
TRY450, 1h30m

3:30pm

Swim or relax at a beach/sea club

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the island beaches or a sunbed by the water; bring swimwear and sun protection.
TRY150, 2h

6:30pm

Return ferry to Istanbul

Evening ferry back to the mainland — relax on deck and watch the sunset over the Marmara.
TRY120, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel or Sultanahmet Köftecisi

A gentle final evening meal after a full island day — choose a local favourite close to where you are staying for convenience.
TRY300, 1h30m

Day 7: Chora & Colourful Neighbourhoods

Chora / Fener & Balat, Istanbul, Turkey on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a café in Balat

Light Turkish breakfast in one of Balat's quaint cafés before exploring the colourful streets and churches.
TRY150, 45m

9:30am

Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Famous for exceptional Byzantine mosaics and frescoes; typical opening hours around 9:00–17:00 — verify hours and any temporary closures before you go.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

Walk Fener & Balat (colourful streets & churches)

Photogenic neighbourhoods with painted houses, Orthodox churches and atmospheric lanes — great for a slow wander and local cafés.
TRY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Forno Balat or a local meyhane

Casual local spot offering light lunch options or classic meze; Balat has some excellent small bakeries and cafés.
TRY250, 1h

3:00pm

Istanbul Modern (Karaköy) or last-minute shopping

Contemporary Turkish art and design (check current location/hours), or return to the Grand Bazaar for any last-minute souvenirs.
EUR8, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell dinner — Bosphorus dinner cruise or Sunset Grill & Bar

Choose either a classic Bosphorus dinner cruise for a relaxing final night or a refined rooftop restaurant such as Sunset Grill & Bar for views, meze and cocktails.
TRY1200, 2h

9:30pm

Return to hotel, pack and depart

Finish packing, collect belongings and prepare for departure — allow extra time for Istanbul traffic if you have an evening flight.
TRY0, 30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version