Exploring Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the stunning Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture blending Christian and Islamic elements.
Walk from your hotel to Hagia Sophia, which is only a few minutes away. It takes about 2 hours to fully appreciate this historic site.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Next, head to the Blue Mosque, known for its intricate blue tiles and impressive domes. Take in the peaceful atmosphere of this iconic mosque.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk away. Plan to spend about 1 hour here.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman cuisine lunch at Matbah Restaurant, offering a taste of traditional Turkish flavors in a historic setting.
Walk to Matbah Restaurant, which is located nearby. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours for lunch.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

After lunch, explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Admire the beautiful architecture and impressive collections.
A short walk from the restaurant, Topkapi Palace is approximately 10 minutes away. Plan for about 2 hours to see the palace.
60 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Grand Bazaar

End your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Take a taxi or public transport to Grand Bazaar, which is a 15-minute ride away. Spend a couple of hours exploring the maze of shops and stalls.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Taksim Square

Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its delicious spread of cheeses, olives, and pastries.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Van Kahvalti Evi. Plan to spend about 1 hour enjoying your breakfast.
40 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Take a leisurely stroll down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from the breakfast place to Istiklal Avenue, which is a short distance away. You can spend a few hours exploring the street.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi

Indulge in a savory lunch of Turkish pide at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi, a popular spot known for its delicious traditional flavors.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant. Enjoy your meal, which may take about 1.5 hours.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Head to Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul. Climb to the top for breathtaking sights of the city and the Bosphorus.
Walk or take a taxi to Galata Tower, which is a short distance away. Allocate about 1-2 hours for your visit.
25 TRY, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Gezi Park

Unwind at Gezi Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy a peaceful break surrounded by nature before dinner.
Walk from Galata Tower to Gezi Park, which is nearby. Spend about an hour relaxing in the park.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Charming Besiktas

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bebek Kahve

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bebek Kahve, a popular cafe overlooking the Bosphorus. Enjoy the stunning views.
Take a taxi or public transport to Bebek Kahve in Bebek neighborhood. Plan to spend about 1 hour for breakfast.
45 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the luxurious Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles. Marvel at the opulent interiors and gardens.
Take a short taxi ride or public transport to Dolmabahce Palace. Allocate around 2 hours for your visit.
60 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor a diverse lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a variety of Anatolian dishes and flavors. Experience the rich culinary heritage of Turkey.
Take a taxi or public transport to Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy. Enjoy your meal, which may take about 1.5 hours.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Head to Ortakoy, a picturesque neighborhood known for its waterfront charm and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque. Stroll along the Bosphorus and browse local shops.
Take a taxi or public transport to Ortakoy. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area and enjoying the views.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kumpiristan

Indulge in a unique Turkish street food experience at Kumpiristan, where you can customize your loaded baked potato with various toppings.
Walk to Kumpiristan in Ortakoy and enjoy a casual dinner. Plan to spend about 1 hour trying different combinations.
25 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 4: Lively Kadikoy

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayi

Start your day with a classic Turkish breakfast at Simit Sarayi, known for its freshly baked simit (sesame bread rings) and pastries.
Take a ferry from Besiktas to Kadikoy, enjoying a scenic ride across the Bosphorus. Breakfast at Simit Sarayi will take about 1 hour.
30 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Moda Neighborhood

Discover the trendy Moda neighborhood in Kadikoy, filled with charming cafes, boutique stores, and a relaxed seaside vibe.
Walk from Simit Sarayi to Moda, which is a short distance away. Spend a few hours exploring the area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a flavorful lunch at Ciya Kebap, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Turkish kebabs and mezes. Taste the local specialties.
Walk to Ciya Kebap in Kadikoy. Allow about 1.5 hours for a leisurely lunch experience.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Baris Manco House

Explore the Baris Manco House, a museum dedicated to the famous Turkish rock musician. Learn about his life and legacy in this unique cultural space.
Walk from the restaurant to Baris Manco House, which is a short walk away. Plan for about 1-2 hours for your visit.
15 TRY, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Moda Park

Unwind at Moda Park, a peaceful green space overlooking the sea. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views before dinner.
Walk from Baris Manco House to Moda Park, which is nearby. Spend about an hour relaxing in the park.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Scenic Ortakoy

Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Breakfast Club

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Van Breakfast Club, offering a variety of traditional Turkish dishes with a modern twist.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Van Breakfast Club in Ortakoy. Enjoy your breakfast, which may take about 1 hour.
50 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ortakoy Mosque

Explore the iconic Ortakoy Mosque, located by the Bosphorus Bridge. Admire the unique architecture and picturesque setting of this historic mosque.
Take a short walk from the breakfast place to Ortakoy Mosque. Plan to spend about 1 hour here.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop at Ortakoy Market

Browse the charming stalls at Ortakoy Market, where you can find handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local artworks. Shop for unique gifts.
Spend some time exploring the market after visiting the mosque. Allocate about 1-2 hours for shopping and browsing.
Depends on purchases, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ortakoy Koftecisi

Enjoy a delicious lunch of Turkish meatballs at Ortakoy Koftecisi, a popular spot known for its flavorful kofte. Taste a local favorite.
Walk to Ortakoy Koftecisi for lunch. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours enjoying your meal.
40 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the majestic Bosphorus strait. Relax and soak in the beauty.
Join a Bosphorus cruise from Ortakoy Pier. The cruise typically lasts 2 hours, offering scenic sights along the way.
70 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ortakoy Meyhanesi

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ortakoy Meyhanesi, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Turkish mezes and seafood dishes. Enjoy a taste of local cuisine.
Walk to Ortakoy Meyhanesi for dinner. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours savoring the flavors of Turkish cuisine.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours
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