7-day itinerary for Istanbul

1. Day 1: Hagia Sophia
   Estimated time: 2 hours
   Distance from the airport: 19km

   Explore the fascinating history of the Hagia Sophia, former church and mosque, and now a stunning museum.

2. Day 2: Topkapi Palace
   Estimated time: 3 hours
   Distance from Hagia Sophia: 1.6km

   Visit the stunning Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years, and see their treasures and displays of Islamic art.

3. Day 3: Grand Bazaar
   Estimated time: 3 hours
   Distance from Topkapi Palace: 1.4km

   Shop for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and ceramics in Istanbul's historic and colorful Grand Bazaar.

4. Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise
   Estimated time: 2 hours
   Distance from Grand Bazaar: 4.5km

   Take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing several significant landmarks including the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace.

5. Day 5: Basilica Cistern
   Estimated time: 1 hour
   Distance from Bosphorus Cruise: 2.6km

   Discover the largest ancient cistern beneath the city of Istanbul; the Basilica Cistern is an architectural wonder.

6. Day 6: The Blue Mosque
   Estimated time: 1 hour
   Distance from Basilica Cistern: 350m

   Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, admire its towering architecture and stunning Islamic artwork.

7. Day 7: Galata Tower
   Estimated time: 1 hour
   Distance from Blue Mosque: 3.8km

   Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul from the top of the historic Galata Tower, a famous landmark since the medieval ages.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hagia Sophia (2 hours, 72 TRY)
• Topkapi Palace (3 hours, 108 TRY)
• Grand Bazaar (3 hours, variable costs)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2 hours, 25 TRY)
• Basilica Cistern (1 hour, 20 TRY)
• The Blue Mosque (1 hour, free admission)
• Galata Tower (1 hour, 25 TRY)


• Total Estimated Costs: 250 TRY

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Spice Bazaar or Dolmabahçe Palace. If you have less time, skip the Galata Tower and spend more time at the Grand Bazaar.