Discovering Istanbul in 7 Days

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Day 1: Historical Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, a short walk from most hotels in the area.
60 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Matbah Restaurant, known for its historical recipes and elegant ambiance.
Matbah Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Immerse yourself in the opulence of Topkapi Palace, the former royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
100 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a culinary journey at Deraliye Restaurant, offering a blend of Ottoman and Turkish flavors.
Deraliye Restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Morning Walk on Istiklal Avenue

Start your day with a leisurely stroll on Istiklal Avenue, the bustling heart of Beyoglu.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Taksim Square, then walk to Istiklal Avenue.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Lokantasi

Savor authentic Turkish dishes at Karakoy Lokantasi, a popular spot for local cuisine.
Karakoy Lokantasi is a 10-minute walk from Istiklal Avenue.
120 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Galata Tower is a 15-minute walk from Karakoy Lokantasi.
35 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee at Mandabatmaz

Relax with a cup of Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz, a charming cafe near Galata Tower.
Mandabatmaz is a 5-minute walk from Galata Tower.
20 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Asmalimescit

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Asmalimescit street with its array of restaurants and cafes.
Asmalimescit is a short walk from Mandabatmaz.
180 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charming Kadikoy

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry Ride to Kadikoy

Take a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Kadikoy, a vibrant neighborhood on the Asian side.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.
5 TRY, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Taste a variety of Anatolian dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant showcasing regional flavors.
Ciya Sofrasi is a 10-minute walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Moda

Stroll through the charming streets of Moda, known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and seaside promenade.
Walk from Ciya Sofrasi to Moda, taking in the local atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Mambocino

Enjoy a relaxing tea time at Mambocino, a cozy cafe overlooking the sea in Moda.
Mambocino is a short walk from Moda's main promenade.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Delight in traditional Turkish kebabs at Ciya Kebap, a local favorite known for its authentic flavors.
Ciya Kebap is located in Kadikoy, a 10-minute walk from Moda.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Serene Uskudar

Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Begin your day with a visit to Maiden's Tower, an iconic landmark in Uskudar with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar and walk to Maiden's Tower.
25 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Return to Kadikoy for lunch at Ciya Sofrasi and savor more of their delicious Anatolian dishes.
Take a ferry from Uskudar to Kadikoy for a culinary delight at Ciya Sofrasi.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Uskudar's Mosques

Discover the beauty of Uskudar's historic mosques like Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Yeni Valide Mosque.
Walk from Ciya Sofrasi to the nearby mosques for a cultural experience.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Turkish Coffee at Mandabatmaz

End your day with a relaxing cup of Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz in Beyoglu.
Take a ferry from Uskudar to Eminonu, then walk to Mandabatmaz.
20 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy dinner back at Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, indulging in their specialties once more.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy and walk to Ciya Sofrasi.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Picturesque Ortakoy

Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Visit Ortakoy Mosque

Start your day by visiting the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque, set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus.
Take a taxi or public transportation from Kadikoy to Ortakoy.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ortakoy Kahvesi

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Ortakoy Kahvesi, a charming cafe offering views of the waterfront.
Ortakoy Kahvesi is a short walk from Ortakoy Mosque.
90 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shop at Ortakoy Bazaar

Explore the vibrant stalls of Ortakoy Bazaar, where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts.
Stroll through the bazaar's alleys and enjoy the shopping experience.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise from Ortakoy, taking in the beauty of Istanbul's skyline from the water.
Join a scheduled Bosphorus cruise departing from Ortakoy Pier.
50 TRY, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Big Chefs

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Big Chefs, a popular restaurant with a diverse menu overlooking the Bosphorus.
Big Chefs is located near Ortakoy Pier, perfect for a post-cruise meal.
180 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Besiktas

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Begin your day with a tour of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning Ottoman imperial residence on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Take a taxi or public transportation from Ortakoy to Besiktas.
90 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kantin

Enjoy a contemporary Turkish meal at Kantin, a chic restaurant known for its innovative cuisine.
Kantin is within walking distance from Dolmabahce Palace.
120 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Besiktas Market

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Besiktas Market, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and more.
Wander through the market's stalls and sample some Turkish treats.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Petra Roasting Co.

Relax with a specialty coffee at Petra Roasting Co., a trendy cafe in Besiktas.
Petra Roasting Co. is a short walk from Besiktas Market.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Feriye Lokantasi

Savor a delightful dinner at Feriye Lokantasi, offering a blend of Turkish and international dishes in an elegant setting.
Feriye Lokantasi is located near Dolmabahce Palace, perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Last Day in Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Blue Mosque

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its intricate tile work and grand architecture.
Blue Mosque is a short walk from most hotels in Sultanahmet.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Explore the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Walk from the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar for a shopping adventure.
Varies, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic eatery in the Grand Bazaar serving classic Ottoman cuisine.
Pandeli Restaurant is located within the Grand Bazaar, offering a unique dining experience.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Discover the underground marvel of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient reservoir with mysterious Medusa heads.
The Basilica Cistern is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar, providing a cool retreat on a hot day.
30 TRY, 1 hour

5:00PM

Turkish Delight Tasting

Indulge in a tasting of Turkish delight at Hafiz Mustafa, a renowned sweets shop near Sultanahmet.
Hafiz Mustafa is a few minutes' walk from the Basilica Cistern, offering a sweet finale to your trip.
20 TRY, 1 hour
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