Welcome to Istanbul! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the historic district of Sultanahmet. In the morning, visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel. Afterward, explore the Blue Mosque with its iconic blue tiles. In the afternoon, wander through the Topkapi Palace and its beautiful gardens. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the Hippodrome, a square with ancient monuments.
For breakfast, start your day at Ara Cafe, located near Sultanahmet. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast spread including fresh bread, olives, cheeses, and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 30 TRY per person.
For lunch, head to Khorasani Restaurant. This cozy eatery offers a variety of kebabs, grilled meats, and mezze dishes. Don't miss their flavorful lamb kebab. The average cost for a meal is about 60 TRY per person.
In the evening, dine at the famous Balikçı Sabahattin restaurant. Known for its delicious seafood, try their grilled sea bass or octopus. The average cost for a meal is about 120 TRY per person.
Friday, September 8: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
Begin your day by exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Get lost amidst its labyrinthine streets, filled with vibrant shops selling carpets, jewelry, and more. In the afternoon, head to the Spice Bazaar, a fragrant market selling various spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and pick up some souvenirs. In the evening, savor a traditional Turkish dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Grand Bazaar: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Spice Bazaar: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Dinner: Estimated cost - 150 TRY per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Privato, known for its diverse menu and cozy atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty meal for around 50 Turkish lira per person.
For lunch, head to Lokanta Maya, a popular restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Indulge in their flavorful dishes at an average cost of 70 Turkish lira per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Mikla, located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera hotel. This upscale restaurant offers stunning views of the city skyline and serves a fusion of traditional Anatolian and Scandinavian cuisine. Expect to spend around 200 Turkish lira per person for a exquisite dinner.
Saturday, September 9: Sougut and Bursa
Embark on a day trip to Sougut and Bursa, two charming towns near Istanbul. In the morning, visit Sougut Castle situated on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Explore the castle's ruins and learn about its history. Afterward, continue to Bursa, known for its grand mosques and Ottoman architecture. Visit the Grand Mosque and experience a traditional Turkish hammam for a relaxing afternoon. Return to Istanbul in the evening.
For breakfast, head to Café Privato in Bursa, known for its delicious Turkish breakfast spread. Average cost for a meal is about 20 TRY per person.
For lunch, try Ottoman Kebab House in Sougut, offering a variety of traditional kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 30 TRY per person.
For dinner, dine at Hünkar Restaurant in Bursa, serving authentic Ottoman cuisine in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about 50 TRY per person.
Sunday, September 10: Topkapi District and Taksim Square
Explore the vibrant Topkapi district, starting with a visit to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Discover ancient artifacts and stunning exhibits. In the afternoon, take a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus to the European side and head to Taksim Square. Stroll along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling shopping street, and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a traditional café. Experience the lively atmosphere as locals gather in this vibrant area.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums: Entrance fee - 50 TRY, Time spent - 2 hours
Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Van Kahvaltı Evi, a charming café known for its traditional Turkish breakfast spread. Enjoy fresh ingredients like cheeses, olives, honey, and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 30-40 TL per person.
For lunch, visit Karaköy Lokantası, a popular restaurant serving classic Turkish dishes with a modern twist. Try their delicious mezes and main courses inspired by Ottoman cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 50-70 TL per person.
For dinner, dine at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Beyoglu, where you can enjoy top-quality steaks and other meat dishes. This upscale restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its lively atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 200-300 TL per person.
Monday, September 11: Dolmabahce Palace and Bosphorus Cruise
Start your day at Dolmabahce Palace, a lavish residence showcasing the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Explore its impressive halls and gardens. Afterward, take a Bosphorus cruise and admire the stunning views of Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the Maiden's Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with a panoramic view of the city.
Dinner: Estimated cost - 200 TRY per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Privato, a charming café known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 25 TL per person.
For lunch, try Karaköy Lokantası, a popular eatery serving traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs and mezes. Average cost for a meal is about 40 TL per person.
For dinner, Kizkulesi Restaurant is a great option, offering a romantic atmosphere and a menu featuring seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 75 TL per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Princes' Islands
Escape the city's hustle and bustle and take a ferry to the Princes' Islands. Explore Büyükada, the largest of the islands, by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle as motorized vehicles are not allowed. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and admire the island's charming wooden mansions. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or take a leisurely stroll before heading back to Istanbul.
Ferry to Princes' Islands: Estimated cost - 20 TRY, Time spent - 1 hour
Horse-drawn carriage or bicycle rental: Estimated cost - 50 TRY, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Seafood lunch: Estimated cost - 150 TRY per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Privato where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 25 TRY per person.
For lunch, La Petite Maison is a popular choice with its waterfront location and Mediterranean cuisine. Try their seafood platter for a taste of the local flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 60 TRY per person.
For dinner, dine at Nusr-Et Steakhouse and savor their famous Turkish-style steak. The restaurant offers a trendy ambiance and a wide selection of high-quality meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 TRY per person.
Wednesday, September 13: Beyoglu and Galata Tower
Explore the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu, known for its vibrant arts scene and trendy shops. Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Turkish art. Walk along Istiklal Avenue, lined with boutiques and cafes. Don't miss the iconic Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of Istanbul. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring delicious Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum: Entrance fee - 40 TRY, Time spent - 2 hours
Dinner: Estimated cost - 200 TRY per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Van Kahvaltı Evi for a traditional Turkish breakfast experience. Indulge in an assortment of cheeses, jams, olives, and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 30 TL per person.
For lunch, try Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy for a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. Choose from a variety of daily changing dishes, including tasty kebabs and mezes. The average cost for a meal is about 40 TL per person.
For dinner, dine at Mikla, located on the rooftop of The Marmara Pera Hotel. Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul while savoring creative fusion dishes combining Turkish and Scandinavian flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 250 TL per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Chora Church, a hidden gem located outside the main tourist areas. Marvel at its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Take a stroll through Balat and Fener neighborhoods, known for their colorful houses and charming streets. Explore the Asian side of Istanbul, particularly Kadikoy, a vibrant district with excellent street food and a lively market. Don't miss trying traditional Turkish street food like simit and köfte!