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Istanbul 7-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Hagia Sophia
    30 minutes (12.7 km) from Istanbul Airport

    In the morning, visit the Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox cathedral and Ottoman mosque and now a museum. In the afternoon, explore the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans. In the evening, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

  2. Day 2: Blue Mosque
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    9 minutes (2.5 km) from Hagia Sophia

    Start your day by visiting the Blue Mosque, an iconic landmark of Istanbul with its stunning blue tiles. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Hippodrome, an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium. In the evening, enjoy the sunset from one of the many rooftop restaurants and bars in the area.

  3. Day 3: Bosphorus Strait
    22 minutes (6.7 km) from Blue Mosque

    Take a Bosphorus cruise in the morning to enjoy the breathtaking views of the strait and the city. In the afternoon, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey. In the evening, explore the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

  4. Day 4: Chora Church
    20 minutes (5.7 km) from Bosphorus Strait

    In the morning, visit the Chora Church, a beautiful Byzantine church with impressive mosaics and frescoes. In the afternoon, wander around the colorful and vibrant neighborhood of Balat, famous for its historic wooden houses and street art. In the evening, take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food.

  5. Day 5: Princes' Islands
    30 minutes (25.7 km) from Chora Church

    Spend the day exploring the Princes' Islands, a group of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara. Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest island, and rent a bike or a horse carriage to explore the island's charming streets and beaches. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner with a view of the sea.

  6. Day 6: Istanbul Modern
    25 minutes (6.7 km) from Princes' Islands

    In the morning, visit the Istanbul Modern, a museum of contemporary art located on the Bosphorus. In the afternoon, take a walk on Istiklal Avenue, the most famous and busiest street in Istanbul. In the evening, head to the Nisantasi neighborhood, known for its high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

  7. Day 7: Suleymaniye Mosque
    18 minutes (5.3 km) from Istanbul Modern

    Start your day by visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most impressive and largest mosque complexes in Istanbul. In the afternoon, explore the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Turkey and the surrounding regions. In the evening, head to the Galata neighborhood, known for its historic tower and scenic views of the city.

Recommendations

Don't miss the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant and colorful market filled with spices, sweets, and souvenirs. You can also take a day trip to the nearby cities of Bursa or Edirne to experience the Ottoman heritage and architecture. To maximize your fun, consider taking a Turkish cooking class, a traditional hammam experience, or a belly dancing show. We also recommend trying the local street food, such as simit, kokorec, and doner kebab.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hagia Sophia (2 hours, 100 TL)
  • Topkapi Palace (3 hours, 150 TL)
  • Grand Bazaar (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Blue Mosque (1 hour, 0 TL)
  • Hippodrome (1 hour, 0 TL)
  • Dolmabahce Palace (3 hours, 100 TL)
  • Karakoy (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Chora Church (1 hour, 50 TL)
  • Balat (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Kadikoy (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Princes' Islands (6 hours, 50 TL ferry ticket)
  • Istanbul Modern (2 hours, 60 TL)
  • Istiklal Avenue (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Nisantasi (2 hours, 0 TL)
  • Suleymaniye Mosque (1 hour, 0 TL)
  • Istanbul Archaeological Museums (2 hours, 50 TL)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 715 TL

Check hotel and flight prices at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo

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