Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Istanbul, Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its variety of cheeses, olives, and pastries.
£10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the stunning Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of Ottoman Sultans, and marvel at its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens.
£15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at Hamdi Restaurant with panoramic views of the Golden Horn and delicious kebabs.
£20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its impressive dome and stunning mosaics that blend Christian and Islamic art.
£12, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Deraliye Restaurant, offering a blend of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine in a historic setting.
£25, 2 hours
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Day 2: Continuing Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:30AM

Breakfast at Sutis Emirgan

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Sutis Emirgan, known for its pastries and Turkish tea overlooking the Bosphorus.
£8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Explore the magnificent Blue Mosque with its intricate blue tiles and impressive architecture, a symbol of Istanbul.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar, offering a variety of Turkish dishes.
£18, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering everything from spices to jewellery.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and stunning views of the city skyline.
£30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, passing by historic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
£25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sunset Grill & Bar

Have a delicious lunch at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
£22, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Visit the charming neighbourhood of Ortakoy, known for its waterfront cafes, art galleries, and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Enjoy dinner at 360 Istanbul, a trendy rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city and delicious fusion cuisine.
£35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Princes' Islands Day Trip

Princes' Islands, Istanbul

9:00AM

Breakfast at Koska

Start your day with a sweet treat at Koska, known for its delicious Turkish sweets and pastries.
£5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ferry to Princes' Islands

Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands offering a peaceful escape from the city with no cars and charming horse-drawn carriages.
£10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ada Cafe on Buyukada Island, known for its fresh seafood and stunning sea views.
£20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Buyukada Island

Rent a bike or take a phaeton ride to explore Buyukada Island, visit historic mansions, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
£15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kalpazankaya Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Kalpazankaya Restaurant, a seaside spot offering delicious Turkish mezes and grilled seafood.
£25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Miniaturk Park

Miniaturk Park, Istanbul

10:00AM

Explore Miniaturk Park

Spend the day at Miniaturk Park, where you can see miniature models of famous Turkish landmarks and historical sites, offering a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
£10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Park Fora

Have lunch at Park Fora restaurant within Miniaturk Park, offering a variety of Turkish and international dishes.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Enjoy Rides at Vialand Theme Park

Head to Vialand Theme Park for some exciting rides and entertainment suitable for all ages, ensuring a fun-filled afternoon for the family.
£30, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kucukoglu Restaurant

End the day with dinner at Kucukoglu Restaurant, offering traditional Turkish cuisine in a cosy setting.
£20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Grand Bazaar Exploration

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

10:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Spend the day exploring the maze-like streets of the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, spices, carpets, and jewellery.
Depends on purchases, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Have lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant, a popular spot among locals for its delicious kebabs and mezes.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Explore the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and an important Ottoman landmark, offering panoramic views of the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a historical Ottoman dining experience at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic recipes dating back to the Ottoman era.
£25, 2 hours
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Day 7: Historical Wonders

Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque, Istanbul

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history.
£12, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Visit the majestic Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at Matbah Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through Ottoman palace cuisine in a historic setting.
£20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Explore the underground wonder of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir with impressive Medusa-headed columns.
£6, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Istiklal Street

Spend the evening shopping and strolling along the vibrant Istiklal Street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and street performers.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its Turkish cuisine and stunning views of the city at night.
£25, 2 hours
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