Discovering Istanbul in 6 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
Entrance fee: 100 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Continue to the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles adorning the interior.
The Blue Mosque is right across from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Matbah Restaurant, offering a unique dining experience.
Matbah Restaurant is a short walk from the Blue Mosque.
Average cost of a meal: 120 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Head to Topkapi Palace to delve into the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
Entrance fee: 150 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Deraliye Restaurant, known for its delicious Ottoman cuisine.
Deraliye Restaurant is close to Topkapi Palace.
Average cost of a meal: 140 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Sultanahmet Continued

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Start your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Grand Bazaar is a short tram ride from Sultanahmet.
Free entry, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, offering a mix of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.
Pandeli Restaurant is located inside the Grand Bazaar.
Average cost of a meal: 100 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Relax at Gulhane Park

Take a leisurely stroll or relax at Gulhane Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
Gulhane Park is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Explore the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel with ancient columns and medusa heads.
Basilica Cistern is a 10-minute walk from Gulhane Park.
Entrance fee: 30 TRY, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the city and delicious Turkish dishes.
Hamdi Restaurant is a short walk from the Basilica Cistern.
Average cost of a meal: 150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Galata Tower

Begin your day with a visit to Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Taksim Square.
Entrance fee: 35 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Istiklal Street

Stroll down Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Istiklal Street is accessible from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and stunning views.
Mikla Restaurant is located near Galata Tower.
Average cost of a meal: 200 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Pera Museum

Explore the art and culture at Pera Museum, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions.
Pera Museum is a short walk from Istiklal Street.
Entrance fee: 40 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Asmalimescit Mahzeme

Enjoy dinner at Asmalimescit Mahzeme, a trendy restaurant offering a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes.
Asmalimescit Mahzeme is close to Pera Museum.
Average cost of a meal: 180 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Beyoglu Delights

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Start your day with a visit to Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art.
Istanbul Modern is a short walk from Tophane Tram Station.
Entrance fee: 40 TRY, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Karakoy District

Explore the hip Karakoy District, known for its street art, trendy cafes, and boutique shops.
Karakoy District is a short walk from Istanbul Modern.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its baklava and Turkish sweets.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is situated in Karakoy District.
Average cost of a meal: 80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy stunning views of Istanbul's skyline from the water.
Bosphorus Cruise departures are available from Karakoy District.
Tour cost: 50 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

End your day with dinner at 360 Istanbul, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city and delicious international cuisine.
360 Istanbul is close to Karakoy District.
Average cost of a meal: 250 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Charming Uskudar

Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Begin your day with a visit to Maiden's Tower, an iconic landmark in the Bosphorus with panoramic views.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to reach Maiden's Tower.
Entrance fee: 25 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Uskudar Market

Stroll through Uskudar Market, a vibrant bazaar selling fresh produce, spices, and local goods.
Uskudar Market is a short walk from Maiden's Tower.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a traditional Anatolian lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant in Uskudar.
Ciya Sofrasi is located near Uskudar Market.
Average cost of a meal: 90 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Sakirin Mosque

Explore the elegant Sakirin Mosque, known for its contemporary architecture and serene atmosphere.
Sakirin Mosque is a short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Coffee at Mado

Relax with a Turkish coffee or tea at Mado, a popular cafe chain known for its desserts.
Mado is located in Uskudar.
Average cost: 15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Indulge in dinner at Ciya Kebap, offering a variety of delicious kebabs and Anatolian dishes.
Ciya Kebap is close to Sakirin Mosque.
Average cost of a meal: 100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Kadikoy Experience

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Moda

Start your day by exploring Moda, a trendy neighbourhood in Kadikoy known for its cafes, boutiques, and seaside promenade.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, then explore Moda on foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Shop at Kadikoy Market

Browse through Kadikoy Market, a bustling market selling fresh produce, seafood, spices, and more.
Kadikoy Market is a short walk from Moda.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy another delicious meal at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its wide selection of Anatolian dishes.
Ciya Sofrasi is located near Kadikoy Market.
Average cost of a meal: 90 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at Caddebostan Sahil

Relax by the sea at Caddebostan Sahil, a popular waterfront destination for locals and visitors alike.
Caddebostan Sahil is a short taxi ride from Kadikoy.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Coffee at Coffee Sapiens

Enjoy a coffee break at Coffee Sapiens, a specialty coffee shop known for its artisanal brews.
Coffee Sapiens is located near Caddebostan Sahil.
Average cost: 20 TRY, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Meyhane

End your Istanbul journey with a delightful dinner at Ciya Meyhane, a traditional Turkish meyhane offering a variety of mezes and raki.
Ciya Meyhane is close to Coffee Sapiens.
Average cost of a meal: 130 TRY, 2 hours
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