7-day Istanbul City Experience Itinerary

1. Day 1: Sultanahmet Square
   30 minutes (20 min walk) from Istanbul Airport

   Explore the historic square with prominent landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

2. Day 2: Grand Bazaar
   20 minutes (1.8 miles) from Sultanahmet Square

   Discover over 4000 shops selling Turkish lamps, carpets, pottery, and spices in the world's oldest covered market.

3. Day 3: Istiklal Avenue
   30 minutes (2.5 miles) from Grand Bazaar

   Walk along the bustling avenue featuring vintage trams, art galleries, street musicians, and souvenir shops.

4. Day 4: Galata Tower
   20 minutes (1.2 miles) from Istiklal Avenue

   Climb the iconic tower for panoramic views of the city, then visit the surrounding cafes, bars, and boutiques in the trendy Galata district.

5. Day 5: Dolmabahce Palace
   20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Galata Tower

   Tour the ornate palace, once the seat of Ottoman and Turkish Republic leadership, and stroll through the scenic gardens on the Bosphorus Shore.

6. Day 6: Taksim Square
   10 minutes (0.8 miles) from Dolmabahce Palace

   Join the bustling crowds in the central square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and historic landmarks.

7. Day 7: Princes' Islands
   1 hour 45 minutes (17 miles + ferry ride) from Taksim Square

   Escape the city to the charming car-free islands, where you can rent a bike, swim in turquoise waters, and savor seafood specialties.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sultanahmet Square (2 hours, free)
• Grand Bazaar (3 hours, varies)
• Istiklal Avenue (4 hours, free)
• Galata Tower (2 hours, 6 USD)
• Dolmabahce Palace (2 hours, 8 USD)
• Taksim Square (3 hours, free)
• Princes' Islands (8 hours, 25 USD for the ferry ride)
Total Estimated Costs: 39 USD

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a Bosphorus boat tour, visiting the Spice Market, or exploring the Asian side of Istanbul. If you have less time, skip the Princes' Islands and spend more time in the Grand Bazaar, or schedule a Turkish bath experience in a hammam.