5-Day Travel Itinerary for Istanbul

  1. Day 1: Hagia Sophia
    Opens at 9 AM, Closes at 7 PM
    Estimated time and distance from the last location: 45 minutes (4.5 km) from Istanbul Airport

    Hagia Sophia is a historical religious building that has served as a Cathedral and a Mosque, and it has now turned into a museum. It is visited by millions of people every year, and its architecture and design attract tourists worldwide.

  2. Day 2: Blue Mosque
    Opens at 9 AM, Closes at 6 PM
    Estimated time and distance from the last location: 12 minutes (3.3 km) from Hagia Sophia

    The Blue Mosque is a famous historical monument built in the 16th century. It is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and the interior is decorated with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles.

  3. Day 3: Topkapi Palace
    Opens at 9 AM, Closes at 6 PM
    Estimated time and distance from the last location: 8 minutes (1.1 km) from the Blue Mosque

    Topkapi Palace is a magnificent Ottoman palace that served as the residence of the Sultans for over 400 years. The palace has many pavilions, courtyards, and gardens, and it offers a great insight into the history of the Ottoman Empire.

  4. Day 4: Grand Bazaar
    Opens at 9 AM, Closes at 8 PM
    Estimated time and distance from the last location: 10 minutes (3.0 km) from Topkapi Palace

    The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops and stalls. It offers a vibrant atmosphere full of colors, scents, and sounds, and you can find everything from jewelry and textiles to spices and souvenirs.

  5. Day 5: Bosphorus Cruise
    Opens at 9 AM, Closes at 6 PM
    Estimated time and distance from the last location: 20 minutes (2.9 km) from Grand Bazaar

    A Bosphorus Cruise is a great way to see Istanbul from a different perspective. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, and you can admire the city's stunning skyline and landmarks such as the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and Rumeli Fortress.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hagia Sophia (1-2 hours, 100 TL)
  • Blue Mosque (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Topkapi Palace (2-3 hours, 150 TL)
  • Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Bosphorus Cruise (2-3 hours, 30 TL)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 380 TL

Useful Tips

If travelers have more time, they can visit other popular landmarks such as the Basilica Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Spice Bazaar.

If travelers have less time, they can skip some places or combine them into one day. For example, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque can be visited together as they are located close to each other.

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