Istanbul Foodie Itinerary

1. Day 1: Spice Bazaar and Bosphorus Cruise
   Start the day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, located in the Eminönü district. Marvel at the colorful array of spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights. Next, take a scenic Bosphorus Cruise and soak up breathtaking views of the city's skyline. End day one with dinner at Karaköy Lokantası, a traditional Turkish restaurant that serves delicious mezzes and grilled dishes.

   A perfect first day getting a taste of Istanbul's culture and cuisine. Estimated time and distance: 6 hours, 5.5km.

2. Day 2: Street Food Tour and Hagia Sophia
   Embark on a Street Food Tour, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul's vibrant street markets. Sample mouth-watering kebabs, Turkish pizza (pide), stuffed mussels (midye dolma), and don't forget to try the traditional sweet baklava. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral and Ottoman imperial mosque that is now a museum. For dinner, enjoy Turkish seafood at Neolokal, located in a historic building on the third floor of the SALT Galata.

   A delicious day of street food and history. Estimated time and distance: 8 hours, 6.5km.

3. Day 3: Breakfast at Pando Kaymak and Grand Bazaar
   Start your day with a classic Turkish breakfast at Pando Kaymak in the Karaköy district. Sample the creamy kaymak, a traditional clotted cream, and sweet honeycomb. Afterwards, head to the iconic Grand Bazaar, where you can find everything from textiles to ceramics, to spices, and more. For lunch, check out Çiya Sofrası, an award-winning restaurant that specializes in traditional Anatolian cuisine. End the day with a visit to the Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and explore the palace's stunning architecture and relics.

   A day of delicious breakfast, shopping, and history. Estimated time and distance: 8 hours, 5.7km.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Spice Bazaar (1 hour, free entrance)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2 hours, 30 TRY)
• Karaköy Lokantası (2 hours, 120 TRY)
• Street Food Tour (4 hours, 200 TRY)
• Hagia Sophia (2 hours, 100 TRY)
• Neolokal (2 hours, 200 TRY)
• Pando Kaymak (1 hour, 50 TRY)
• Grand Bazaar (2 hours, free entrance)
• Çiya Sofrası (2 hours, 150 TRY)
• Topkapı Palace (2 hours, 100 TRY)
Total Estimated Costs: 950 TRY

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Blue Mosque or take a day trip to the Princes' Islands. If you have less time, skip the street food tour and opt for a lunchtime Bosphorus Cruise. In addition, be mindful of the Ramadan holiday, which can affect restaurant schedules and availability.