7-Day Istanbul Shoestring Budget Itinerary

1. Day 1: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
   Walking distance from each other

   Visit the iconic landmarks of Istanbul in this must-visit combo, rich in history and culture.

2. Day 2: Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar
   10 minutes (1 km) from Blue Mosque

   Experience the opulence of the Ottoman Empire at the magnificent Topkapi Palace and the buzz of shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

3. Day 3: Galata Tower and Istiklal Street
   20 minutes (2.5 km) from Grand Bazaar

   Get panoramic views of Istanbul from Galata Tower and stroll along Istiklal Street to soak in the local vibe.

4. Day 4: Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar
   15 minutes (1 km) from Galata Tower

   Explore the mysterious underground of the Basilica Cistern and indulge in the aromatic spices of the Spice Bazaar.

5. Day 5: Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim Square
   30 minutes (4.2 km) from Spice Bazaar

   Marvel at the European opulence of Dolmabahce Palace before experiencing the vibrant nightlife at Taksim Square.

6. Day 6: Ortakoy and Bosphorus Cruise
   30 minutes (5 km) from Taksim Square

   Enjoy the charming neighborhood of Ortakoy and take in the picturesque view of the Bosphorus with a boat tour.

7. Day 7: Princes' Islands
   Ferry from Eminonu port or Kabatas port

   Escape the city and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the Princes' Islands for a day of relaxation, beaches, and exploration.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Blue Mosque (1 hour, free)
• Hagia Sophia (1 hour, 120 TL)
• Topkapi Palace (2-3 hours, 160 TL)
• Grand Bazaar (2 hours, free)
• Galata Tower (1 hour, 35 TL)
• Istiklal Street (2 hours, free)
• Basilica Cistern (45 minutes, 40 TL)
• Spice Bazaar (1 hour, free)
• Dolmabahce Palace (2-3 hours, 160 TL)
• Taksim Square (4 hours, free)
• Ortakoy (2 hours, free)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2 hours, 25 TL)
• Princes' Islands (6 hours, 30 TL for roundtrip ferry)
Total Estimated Costs: 530 TL

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Bursa or experiencing Turkish Hammam. If you have less time, you can skip Princes' Islands or shorten your visit to Dolmabahce Palace. Remember to check the opening and closing times of the places you plan to visit to avoid any disappointments.