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Discover Istanbul in 7 Days

Viewed by 83 travelers

Day 1: Old City Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the majestic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel blending Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet. You can walk or take a tram from your hotel.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Head to the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its intricate blue tiles and impressive domes.
The Blue Mosque is a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi, known for its delicious meatballs and mezes.
The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Step into the opulent past of the Ottoman Empire at the Topkapi Palace, home to sultans and filled with treasures.
Topkapi Palace is adjacent to the Blue Mosque.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a royal dining experience at Matbah Restaurant, known for serving authentic Ottoman cuisine.
Take a short taxi ride from Topkapi Palace to the restaurant.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Asian Side Adventure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Cross the Bosphorus to Kadikoy

Start your day by taking a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy, known for its vibrant markets and street food.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. The ferry ride takes around 20 minutes.
5 TRY, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Moda neighbourhood

Stroll through the trendy Moda neighbourhood, filled with cafes, boutiques, and beautiful seaside views.
Moda is a short walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in a diverse array of Anatolian dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant in Kadikoy.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy, a 10-minute walk from Moda.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Uskudar and Maiden's Tower

Take the ferry to Uskudar and explore the historic district, then visit the iconic Maiden's Tower for panoramic views.
Ferry from Kadikoy to Uskudar. The Maiden's Tower is a short walk from the Uskudar ferry terminal.
20 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Taste delicious kebabs and grilled meats at Ciya Kebap, a popular eatery in Uskudar.
Ciya Kebap is a short walk from Maiden's Tower.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Princes' Islands Retreat

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Embark on a ferry journey to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its serene atmosphere and charming streets.
Take a ferry from Kabatas to Buyukada. The ferry ride takes around 1.5 hours.
25 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Horse-drawn carriage tour

Explore Buyukada in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, taking in the island's Victorian architecture and lush landscapes.
Carriages are available near the ferry terminal.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ada Cafe, overlooking the sea and serving fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Ada Cafe is located near the carriage tour starting point.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Swim at Nakibey Beach

Relax and swim at Nakibey Beach, one of the popular spots on Buyukada known for its clear waters.
Nakibey Beach is a short walk from the town centre.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asmali Cavit

Savour Mediterranean flavours at Asmali Cavit, a charming restaurant offering a variety of seafood and mezes.
Take a ferry back to Istanbul and head to Asmali Cavit in Beyoglu.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Modern District Vibes

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Start your day at Istanbul Modern Art Museum, showcasing contemporary Turkish art with a beautiful Bosphorus view.
The museum is in Beyoglu, easily accessible by tram or taxi.
40 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shop at Istiklal Avenue

Explore the bustling Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street known for its shops, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere.
Istiklal Avenue is a short walk from the museum.
Variable, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Taste delicious baklava and Turkish sweets at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a famous pastry shop in Beyoglu.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is located near Istiklal Avenue.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Istiklal Avenue.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Experience fine dining at Mikla, a renowned restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering modern Turkish cuisine.
Take a short taxi ride from Galata Tower to Mikla.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Bosphorus Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, passing by iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy Mosque.
Join a Bosphorus cruise tour departing from Eminonu or Ortakoy.
60 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ortakoy

Explore the charming neighbourhood of Ortakoy, known for its waterfront cafes, art stalls, and the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque.
Ortakoy is a short walk from the Bosphorus cruise docking point.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kantin

Enjoy a contemporary Turkish meal at Kantin, a stylish restaurant in Bebek with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Take a taxi or public transport to Kantin in Bebek.
90 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rumeli Fortress Visit

Explore the historic Rumeli Fortress, a strategic fortress on the European side of the Bosphorus offering stunning views.
Take a taxi or public transport to the fortress.
25 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in more Anatolian flavours at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its diverse and delicious dishes.
Return to Kadikoy for dinner at Ciya Sofrasi.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Grand Bazaar Delights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the vibrant alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the heart of Istanbul's Old City, easily accessible by tram or taxi.
Variable, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman design offering panoramic city views.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a short taxi ride or tram journey from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Pandeli Restaurant, located within the Spice Bazaar, known for its history and delectable dishes.
Pandeli Restaurant is adjacent to the Spice Bazaar.
120 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Spice Bazaar

Experience the vibrant colours and aromas of the Spice Bazaar, a paradise for food enthusiasts and souvenir hunters.
The Spice Bazaar is adjacent to Suleymaniye Mosque.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Indulge in a royal Ottoman dining experience at Asitane Restaurant, known for reviving ancient recipes in a historic setting.
Take a taxi from the Spice Bazaar to Asitane Restaurant.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Black Sea Coast Trip

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Drive to Sariyer

Embark on a scenic drive to Sariyer on the Black Sea coast, passing through picturesque villages and lush green landscapes.
Rent a car or hire a private driver for the day trip to Sariyer.
Variable, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kilyos Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Kilyos Beach, a popular spot for locals and visitors looking to unwind by the Black Sea.
Kilyos Beach is a short drive from Sariyer town centre.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mahta Koy Sofrasi

Enjoy fresh seafood and Black Sea specialties at Mahta Koy Sofrasi, a charming restaurant overlooking the sea.
Mahta Koy Sofrasi is located in Kilyos, a short walk from the beach.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Rumeli Feneri Lighthouse

Visit the historic Rumeli Feneri Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus.
The lighthouse is a short drive from Kilyos Beach.
10 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at A'jia Restaurant

End your day with a fine dining experience at A'jia Restaurant, a boutique hotel with a restaurant offering stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Drive back to Istanbul and head to A'jia Restaurant in Kanlica.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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