Exploring Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historical Marvels

Istanbul, Turkey on January 26, 2024

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Approximate Cost: TRY 100, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
TRY 100, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Stroll through the impressive Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Approximate Cost: TRY 150, Approximate Duration: 3 hours
TRY 150, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Matbah Restaurant, known for its historical recipes and elegant ambiance. Approximate Cost: TRY 120, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 120, 1 hour

3:30PM

Blue Mosque Visit

Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful blue tiles of the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Approximate Cost: Free, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a shopper's paradise offering a wide array of goods. Approximate Cost: Varies, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Varies, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a delectable dinner at Deraliye Restaurant, known for its exquisite Ottoman cuisine and elegant setting. Approximate Cost: TRY 200, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 200, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Istanbul, Turkey on January 27, 2024

9:00AM

Galata Tower Visit

Start your day with panoramic views from Galata Tower, offering breathtaking vistas of the city and the Bosphorus. Approximate Cost: TRY 35, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 35, 1 hour

11:00AM

Istiklal Avenue Stroll

Explore the bustling Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, perfect for a leisurely walk. Approximate Cost: Varies, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Varies, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Savour delicious Turkish pastries and dishes at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned pastry shop with a wide selection of treats. Approximate Cost: TRY 50, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Museum of Innocence

Discover the unique displays at the Museum of Innocence, inspired by the novel of Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk. Approximate Cost: TRY 40, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 40, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at KronotRop

Relax with a cup of Turkish coffee at KronotRop, a trendy café with a cosy atmosphere and a variety of coffee blends. Approximate Cost: TRY 20, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Asmali Cavit

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Asmali Cavit, a popular restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine in a charming setting. Approximate Cost: TRY 150, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 150, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Kadikoy Charm

Istanbul, Turkey on January 28, 2024

9:00AM

Ferry to Kadikoy

Take a scenic ferry ride to Kadikoy, offering stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus. Approximate Cost: TRY 5, Approximate Duration: 30 minutes
TRY 5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Kadikoy Market Visit

Explore the vibrant Kadikoy Market, known for its fresh produce, local delicacies, and a lively atmosphere. Approximate Cost: Varies, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Varies, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering an array of traditional Turkish dishes. Approximate Cost: TRY 100, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Moda Seaside Walk

Stroll along the picturesque Moda seaside, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and the scenic views of the Marmara Sea. Approximate Cost: Free, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Petra Roasting Co.

Relax and unwind with a cup of specialty coffee at Petra Roasting Co., a charming café with a laid-back ambience. Approximate Cost: TRY 25, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kantin

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Kantin, a contemporary restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine in a stylish setting. Approximate Cost: TRY 180, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 180, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey on January 29, 2024

9:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Embark on a scenic ferry ride to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its charming Victorian-era architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Approximate Cost: TRY 10, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Explore Buyukada's scenic beauty with a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour, a delightful way to experience the island. Approximate Cost: TRY 100, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
TRY 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ada Cafe, offering panoramic views of the sea and a delectable selection of seafood and Turkish cuisine. Approximate Cost: TRY 80, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind and soak up the sun on one of Buyukada's serene beaches, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Approximate Cost: Free, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Tea at Splendid Palace Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea at the historic Splendid Palace Hotel, a charming spot with a rich history and stunning sea views. Approximate Cost: TRY 30, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 30, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ada Hotel

Delight in a sumptuous dinner at Ada Hotel, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. Approximate Cost: TRY 200, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 200, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Charming Balat and Fener

Istanbul, Turkey on January 30, 2024

9:00AM

Walk in Balat and Fener

Embark on a walking tour through the colourful streets of Balat and Fener, known for their historic charm and picturesque buildings. Approximate Cost: Free, Approximate Duration: 2 hours
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Forno Balat

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Forno Balat, a charming bakery offering a delectable array of pastries and breakfast delights. Approximate Cost: TRY 50, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Chora Church Visit

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes at the Chora Church, a Byzantine gem known for its remarkable historical art. Approximate Cost: TRY 45, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 45, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Delight in a sumptuous lunch at Asitane Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through the flavours of the Ottoman Empire. Approximate Cost: TRY 150, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 150, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Fenerbahce Park

Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at Fenerbahce Park, overlooking the beautiful Golden Horn and providing a peaceful setting. Approximate Cost: TRY 15, Approximate Duration: 1 hour
TRY 15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Forno Balat

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Forno Balat, where you can savour delicious Mediterranean and Turkish dishes in a charming setting. Approximate Cost: TRY 180, Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
TRY 180, 1.5 hours