Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi. Then, head to the Spice Bazaar to sample some traditional Turkish delights. For lunch, head to Çiya Sofrası, where you can try a range of authentic Turkish dishes. Finish off the day at Kanaat Lokantası, serving traditional dishes from Southeastern Turkey.
Start off your day with a Turkish-style breakfast at Giritli. Afterwards, visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which houses some of the most remarkable Islamic artwork from around the globe. Refuel with lunch at Kybele Cafe & Restaurant, serving fusion of Ottoman, Greek and Jewish cuisine. In the evening, try Meze by Lemon Tree, specialising in contemporary cuisine made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Begin your day with a Turkish breakfast at Sutis. Afterward, head to Istanbul Modern, the city's contemporary art space, showcasing a variety of Turkish modern art and temporary exhibitions. For lunch, enjoy some of the best Turkish meatballs around at Köfteci Ali, followed by dinner at Fuego, a lively and stylish restaurant in the historical Galata neighbourhood, specialising in Turkish fusion cuisine.
For those with extra time, it is suggested to explore the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or Basilica Cisterns. For those with less time, they can skip Istanbul Modern and visit the Turkish and Islamic art exhibition in the Blue Mosque. Istanbul has a great public transportation system so it is recommended to use a private tour guide or well-detailed map. Crime rates may be higher in crowded tourist areas, so to avoid pickpocketing or theft, it is good to keep valuable items in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or a small bag near your body.