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Discovering Istanbul in 7 Days

Viewed by 146 travelers

Day 1: Historical Marvels

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day by exploring the stunning Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel blending Christian and Islamic influences.
Take a short walk from your accommodation or hop on Tram T1 towards Sultanahmet. It takes approximately 10 minutes.
₺100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch of köfte (meatballs) at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favourite.
Walk to Sultanahmet Köftecisi, around a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
₺50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Head to the magnificent Topkapi Palace to delve into the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
₺150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in a royal Ottoman dining experience at Matbah Restaurant, offering authentic dishes in a historical setting.
Take a taxi or tram from Topkapi Palace to Matbah Restaurant in Sultanahmet, approximately 10 minutes.
₺200, 2 hours
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Day 2: Bosphorus Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to witness the beauty of Istanbul from the water, passing iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace and Maiden's Tower.
Take a taxi or tram to Eminönü to join the Bosphorus Cruise tour. The duration of the cruise is approximately 2 hours.
₺80, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savour authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its diverse and delicious dishes.
After the cruise, take a taxi to Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, across the Bosphorus. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
₺70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, a symbol of the late Ottoman Empire's power and extravagance.
Travel back to the European side via ferry or taxi to reach Dolmabahçe Palace. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
₺120, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Enjoy a luxurious dinner with panoramic views of the Bosphorus at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering a fine dining experience.
Take a taxi from Dolmabahçe Palace to Sunset Grill & Bar in Beşiktaş, around a 15-minute ride.
₺250, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, filled with a myriad of shops and treasures.
Take a tram or walk from your accommodation to Grand Bazaar in Beyazıt, approximately a 15-minute journey.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at Pandeli Restaurant located within the Grand Bazaar, serving up delicious Ottoman cuisine in a historical setting.
Enjoy a leisurely walk within the Grand Bazaar to reach Pandeli Restaurant for lunch.
₺100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque, an iconic Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul.
Süleymaniye Mosque is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Turkish Coffee at Mandabatmaz

Experience the rich tradition of Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz, a renowned coffee shop near Süleymaniye Mosque.
Take a short walk from the mosque to Mandabatmaz for a delightful coffee break.
₺20, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a royal Ottoman dining experience at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic recipes dating back to the Ottoman era.
Take a taxi or tram to Asitane Restaurant in Edirnekapı, approximately a 20-minute journey.
₺180, 2 hours
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Day 4: Asian Side Adventure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Cross to Kadikoy

Take a ferry ride to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its bustling markets, vibrant cafes, and local charm.
Walk or take a taxi to the nearest ferry terminal and board a ferry to Kadikoy. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
₺5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Moda

Stroll through the trendy neighbourhood of Moda, lined with hip cafes, boutiques, and stunning views of the Marmara Sea.
From Kadikoy ferry terminal, walk or take a short taxi ride to Moda for a relaxed morning exploration.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Treat yourself to delicious kebabs and Anatolian dishes at Ciya Kebap, a renowned restaurant in Kadikoy.
Walk or take a taxi from Moda to Ciya Kebap for a satisfying lunch.
₺80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace

Explore the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning 19th-century Ottoman summer residence on the Bosphorus shore.
Take a taxi or public transport from Kadikoy to Beylerbeyi Palace, approximately a 30-minute journey.
₺40, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Caddebostan Sahili

Unwind at Caddebostan Sahili, a popular seaside promenade perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll or enjoying tea by the sea.
Take a taxi or public transport from Beylerbeyi Palace to Caddebostan Sahili, around a 15-minute ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Head back to Kadikoy and savour another delightful meal at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its exceptional Anatolian flavours.
From Caddebostan Sahili, take a taxi or public transport back to Kadikoy for dinner.
₺70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Art and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, a museum showcasing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
Take a taxi or public transport to Karaköy to visit Istanbul Modern. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
₺40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Karaköy Lokantası, offering a modern twist on traditional Turkish cuisine with stunning views of the Golden Horn.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Karaköy Lokantası from Istanbul Modern.
₺90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Pera Museum

Discover a fascinating collection of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles at the Pera Museum.
Pera Museum is a 10-minute walk from Karaköy Lokantası.
₺30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Pierre Loti Cafe

Relax with a cup of Turkish coffee at Pierre Loti Cafe, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city.
Take a taxi or public transport to Pierre Loti Cafe in Eyüp, enjoying a scenic ride of around 30 minutes.
₺20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a fusion of Turkish and Scandinavian flavours at Mikla, a renowned rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city.
Take a taxi from Pierre Loti Cafe to Mikla in Beyoğlu, approximately a 20-minute ride.
₺300, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Emirgan Park

Escape the bustling city and unwind at Emirgan Park, a serene oasis with lush greenery, colourful flowers, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Take a taxi or public transport to Emirgan Park in Sarıyer, approximately a 30-minute journey.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mangerie

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mangerie, a chic restaurant in Bebek offering Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the Bosphorus.
Take a taxi or public transport from Emirgan Park to Mangerie in Bebek, around a 15-minute ride.
₺120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Bosphorus Walk

Take a scenic stroll along the Bosphorus promenade in Bebek, soaking in the picturesque views of the waterway and historical mansions.
Walk along the Bosphorus promenade in Bebek, starting from Mangerie.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Bebek Park

Relax at Bebek Park, a charming waterfront park perfect for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature and stunning views.
Take a short walk from the promenade to Bebek Park.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Bebek Balıkçısı

Indulge in fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours at Bebek Balıkçısı, a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.
Walk from Bebek Park to Bebek Balıkçısı for a delightful dinner experience.
₺200, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Chora Church

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Church, a Byzantine gem showcasing religious art and history.
Take a taxi or public transport to Chora Church in Edirnekapı, approximately a 20-minute journey.
₺45, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk through Balat

Discover the colourful streets and historic architecture of Balat, a charming neighbourhood filled with character and photogenic spots.
Take a leisurely walk from Chora Church to Balat for a cultural exploration.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Forno Balat

Enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Forno Balat, a cosy restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas and pasta in a quaint setting.
Walk to Forno Balat for a tasty lunch in the heart of Balat.
₺60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pierre Loti Hill

Take a cable car up Pierre Loti Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Horn and relax at the charming hilltop café.
From Balat, take a taxi or public transport to Eyüp for the cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
₺30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Istiklal Avenue

Conclude your Istanbul adventure with a shopping spree at Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Take a taxi or public transport from Pierre Loti Hill to Istiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu, approximately a 20-minute journey.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Mikla

End your trip on a high note with a farewell dinner at Mikla, savouring the fusion of flavours and breathtaking views of Istanbul at night.
From Istiklal Avenue, take a taxi to Mikla in Beyoğlu for a memorable dining experience.
₺300, 2 hours
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