Discovering Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as a church and a mosque.
Hagia Sophia is within walking distance from Sultanahmet tram station.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman cuisine lunch at Matbah Restaurant, savoring traditional flavors.
Matbah Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, and admire its exquisite architecture and artifacts.
A short walk from Matbah Restaurant.
40 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Deraliye Restaurant, known for its historic ambiance and delicious Turkish dishes.
Deraliye Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Galata Tower

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
Galata Tower is a short taxi ride or tram journey from Sultanahmet.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Stroll down Istiklal Street

Explore the bustling Istiklal Street, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
A short walk from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a savory lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its delicious baklava and Turkish pastries.
A 10-minute walk from Istiklal Street.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern, showcasing Turkish and international artists.
Istanbul Modern is a short tram ride or taxi journey from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
20 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Experience a fusion of Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine at Mikla Restaurant, enjoying stunning views of the city.
Mikla Restaurant is a short walk from Istanbul Modern.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charming Kadikoy

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Start your day by exploring the vibrant Kadikoy Market, filled with fresh produce, spices, and local delights.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, around a 25-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Moda Park

Relax at Moda Park, offering beautiful views of the Marmara Sea and a peaceful atmosphere.
Moda Park is a short walk from Kadikoy Market.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a diverse and delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic Turkish cuisine.
Ciya Sofrasi is a 10-minute walk from Moda Park.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Sureyya Opera House

Explore the historic Sureyya Opera House, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.
Sureyya Opera House is a short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
30 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kantin Restaurant

Indulge in a contemporary Turkish dinner at Kantin Restaurant, known for its innovative dishes and cozy ambiance.
Kantin Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Sureyya Opera House.
90 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Ortakoy

Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:30 AM

Visit Ortakoy Mosque

Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque, located by the Bosphorus and showcasing stunning architecture.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Ortakoy, around a 20-minute ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Ortakoy Square

Stroll through Ortakoy Square, filled with charming cafes, souvenir shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Ortakoy Square is a short walk from Ortakoy Mosque.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ortakoy Kahvesi

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Ortakoy Kahvesi, overlooking the Bosphorus and enjoying Turkish mezes and seafood.
Ortakoy Kahvesi is located in Ortakoy Square.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Mecidiye Mosque

Explore the elegant Mecidiye Mosque, located uphill from Ortakoy Square and offering panoramic views of the area.
Mecidiye Mosque is a short uphill walk from Ortakoy Square.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Big Chefs Ortakoy

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Big Chefs Ortakoy, known for its international cuisine and scenic views.
Big Chefs Ortakoy is a short walk from Mecidiye Mosque.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Colorful Balat

Balat, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00 AM

Explore Balat's Colorful Streets

Start your day by wandering through the colorful streets of Balat, filled with historic houses, street art, and a unique atmosphere.
Take a taxi or public transportation from Ortakoy to Balat, approximately a 30-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Forno Balat

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Forno Balat, a cozy bakery offering freshly baked goods and Turkish specialties.
Forno Balat is located in the heart of Balat.
40 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Church of St. George

Explore the historic Church of St. George, the principal Greek Orthodox cathedral still in use in Istanbul.
The Church of St. George is a short walk from Forno Balat.
20 TRY, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Pierre Loti Hill

Head to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of the Golden Horn, relaxing atmosphere, and a chance to enjoy Turkish tea.
Take a taxi or public transportation from Balat to Pierre Loti Hill, around a 20-minute ride.
10 TRY, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Agora Meyhanesi

End your day with a traditional Turkish dinner at Agora Meyhanesi, known for its mezes, seafood, and live music.
Agora Meyhanesi is a short walk from Pierre Loti Hill.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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