Start the day at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. Afterward, visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, a former church turned mosque, with its striking Byzantine architecture. Then walk to the Topkapi Palace Museum, which served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. End the day with dinner at Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine to try traditional cuisine with a royal vibe.
Start the day with a Bosphorus Strait Cruise to enjoy the scenic views of Istanbul's skyline and impressive waterfront mansions. After disembarking at the Asian side, head to the Yildiz Park and Palace to take a stroll and have a picnic. In the evening, hit the bustling Taksim Square, known for its vibrant nightlife and variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Start the day at the New Mosque and then head to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market, to experience the rich smells and flavors of Turkish spices, dried fruits, and nuts. Visit the Basilica Cistern to step back in time and admire the impressive structures of ancient Istanbul underground water storage. End the day with dinner at Canim Ciğerim to try the local specialty of grilled liver.
Start the day with a traditional Turkish Bath experience at the Cagaloglu Hamami, one of the oldest hamams in Istanbul. Afterward, grab a quick bite at Kizilkayalar Hamburger, a legendary fast-food joint famous for its affordable yet tasty burgers. In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, featuring contemporary Turkish art, photography, and installation pieces.
Take a day trip to the Prince Islands, a small archipelago in the Sea of Marmara to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the beautiful greenery. Visit the Aya Yorgi Monastery and rent bikes to explore the car-free island. On the way back to Istanbul, stop at the Dolmabahçe Palace, the final residence of the Ottomans, which features majestic rooms and intricate ornaments. End the trip with a seafood dinner at Cibalikapı Balıkçısı to delight in freshly caught daily fish.
Getting around in Istanbul is relatively convenient with a well-developed public transportation system that includes metro, tram, bus, and ferry. The Istanbulkart, a rechargeable smart card, is the most convenient option for public transport, as it can be used on all modes of transportation. Taxis are also available but can be quite expensive during rush hours. The estimated total cost of public transportation for five days is ₺100-150 per person.
If you have more time, you may want to consider a day trip to the nearby town of Bursa or a visit to the Chora Museum. But if you have less time, it's best to focus on the Old City and Bosphorus areas. Turkish food is diverse and delicious, but keep in mind that halal options are limited. Bargaining is common in Istanbul markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices if you're buying souvenirs or local products.
Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located 35 km northwest of the city center and offers more flights and international connections. Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 45 km southeast of the city center and mainly serves low-cost airlines. Both airports offer several transportation options, such as bus, metro, shuttle, and taxi. The estimated taxi cost from Istanbul Airport to the city center is ₺100-150, while from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, it ranges from ₺120-200.