10-Day Istanbul Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hagia Sophia
   30 minutes (15 km) from Istanbul Airport

   Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine-era church turned Ottoman-era mosque and now museum.

2. Day 2: Topkapi Palace
   11 minutes (3 km) from Hagia Sophia

   Explore the former residence of Ottoman sultans, including the Harem, Treasury, and Imperial Council Chamber.

3. Day 3: Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar
   9 minutes (2.4 km) from Topkapi Palace

   Admire the stunning Blue Mosque before diving into the bustling Grand Bazaar for some shopping and bargaining.

4. Day 4: Spice Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise
   5 minutes (1.1 km) from Blue Mosque

   Check out the Spice Bazaar and then sail down the Bosphorus Strait for breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

5. Day 5: Dolmabahce Palace
   15 minutes (5 km) from Bosphorus Cruise

   Visit the ornate Dolmabahce Palace, which served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire.

6. Day 6: Maiden's Tower & Camlica Hill
   30 minutes (11 km) from Dolmabahce Palace

   Take a boat out to the historic Maiden's Tower and then hike up Camlica Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city.

7. Day 7: Chora Museum & Fener-Balat District
   30 minutes (8 km) from Camlica Hill

   Marvel at the well-preserved mosaics and frescoes of the medieval Chora Museum and then stroll through the colourful streets of the historic Fener-Balat district.

8. Day 8: Istanbul Modern & Taksim Square
   20 minutes (6 km) from Chora Museum

   Explore Istanbul's contemporary art scene at Istanbul Modern and then check out the shops, restaurants, and bars around lively Taksim Square.

9. Day 9: Princes' Islands
   1 hour 20 minutes ferry ride from Eminonu Pier

   Escape the city to the car-free Princes' Islands and enjoy a day of swimming, cycling, and seafood feasting.

10. Day 10: Ortakoy & Istiklal Avenue
    35 minutes (9 km) from Princes' Islands

    Stroll through the charming neighbourhood of Ortakoy and then take a tram down the bustling Istiklal Avenue for last-minute shopping and people-watching.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hagia Sophia (1-2 hours, 110 TL)
• Topkapi Palace (2-3 hours, 200 TL)
• Blue Mosque (1-2 hours, free)
• Grand Bazaar (1-3 hours, free)
• Spice Bazaar (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2 hours, 60 TL)
• Dolmabahce Palace (1-2 hours, 160 TL)
• Maiden's Tower (1-2 hours, 25 TL)
• Chora Museum (1-2 hours, 45 TL)
• Istanbul Modern (1-2 hours, 60 TL)
• Princes' Islands ferry (1 hour 20 minutes, 40 TL)
• Ortakoy (1-2 hours, free)
• Istiklal Avenue (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 660 TL

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby historical sites like Gallipoli or Troy. If you have less time, cutting out the Princes' Islands or Istanbul Modern Museum can help shorten the itinerary. Remember to dress modestly and bring cash for entering certain sites and buying from markets.