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Discovering Istanbul, Turkey in 7 Days

Viewed by 55 travelers

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque with stunning Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Immerse yourself in Ottoman history at Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for centuries and filled with beautiful courtyards and artifacts.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
60 TRY, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Doyuran Lokantasi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Doyuran Lokantasi, known for its delicious mezze and kebabs.
Doyuran Lokantasi is a 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Admire the stunning blue tiles of the Blue Mosque and experience its peaceful atmosphere.
Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Doyuran Lokantasi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Explore the maze of shops at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Beyazit Tram Station, then walk 10 minutes to the Grand Bazaar.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in a royal Ottoman dining experience at Matbah Restaurant, offering a taste of historic Turkish cuisine.
Matbah Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Bosphorus Neighborhoods

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise to see the city's iconic skyline and waterfront palaces.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Eminonu Ferry Terminal for the cruise.
25 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Anatolian dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant showcasing Turkey's diverse culinary heritage.
Ciya Sofrasi is a 10-minute walk from the Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
70 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Wander through the charming streets of Ortakoy, known for its waterside cafes, boutiques, and the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Ortakoy Pier.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Bebek

Relax with a traditional Turkish tea at Bebek, a trendy neighborhood along the Bosphorus.
Take a bus or taxi from Ortakoy to Bebek.
10 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Sunset Grill & Bar is a short walk from Bebek.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Asian Side Adventure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Uskudar

Cross the Bosphorus to explore Uskudar, a historic district on the Asian side known for its mosques and waterfront promenade.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar Ferry Terminal.
5 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Try mouthwatering kebabs and Turkish specialties at Ciya Kebap, a popular restaurant in Uskudar.
Ciya Kebap is a 5-minute walk from Uskudar Ferry Terminal.
60 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kadikoy

Discover the vibrant streets of Kadikoy, filled with hip cafes, street art, and a lively local market.
Take a ferry from Uskudar to Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Turkish Coffee at Fazil Bey

Experience the art of Turkish coffee at Fazil Bey, a historic coffee house in Kadikoy.
Fazil Bey is a 10-minute walk from Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Ciya, known for its innovative take on traditional Turkish flavors.
Ciya is a short walk from Fazil Bey.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Market Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar, a bustling market selling spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Eminonu and walk to the Spice Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Discover the diverse flavors of Istanbul at Kadikoy Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and gourmet products.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Return to Ciya Sofrasi for a delicious lunch, featuring a variety of mezzes and grilled dishes.
Ciya Sofrasi is a short walk from Kadikoy Market.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Arasta Bazaar

Explore the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque, known for its handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Take a tram from Eminonu to Sultanahmet and walk to the Arasta Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Gulhane Park

Unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Gulhane Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city with beautiful gardens and historical monuments.
Gulhane Park is a short walk from the Arasta Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Mikla, a rooftop restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with panoramic views of the city.
Mikla is a short taxi ride from Gulhane Park.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historic Districts

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Chora Church

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Church, a hidden gem showcasing Byzantine art.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Edirnekapi, then walk to the Chora Church.
45 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk through Fener & Balat

Stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their historic houses, street art, and charming cafes.
Take a taxi or bus to Fener, then walk to Balat.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Asitane Restaurant, known for its recreation of Ottoman palace cuisine based on historical recipes.
Asitane Restaurant is a short walk from Balat.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Suleymaniye Mosque

Visit the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in Istanbul.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a 15-minute walk from Asitane Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Coffee at Pierre Loti Cafe

Relax with a coffee at Pierre Loti Cafe, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city below.
Take a taxi or bus to Pierre Loti Hill.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Fuego Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Fuego Restaurant, a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish flavors with a modern twist.
Fuego Restaurant is a short walk from Pierre Loti Cafe.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, a museum showcasing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary works.
Istanbul Modern is located in Karakoy, accessible by tram or taxi.
40 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk on Istiklal Avenue

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, art galleries, and historical buildings.
Take a tram from Karakoy to Taksim Square and walk to Istiklal Avenue.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a taste of traditional Turkish baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a famous pastry shop in the area.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is located on the way to Galata Tower.
30 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb to the top of Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
35 TRY, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shop at Istinye Park

Indulge in some luxury shopping at Istinye Park, a modern mall with a wide range of international and local brands.
Take a taxi or bus to Istinye Park Mall.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Neolokal

Experience a culinary journey at Neolokal, a restaurant offering innovative dishes inspired by Turkish flavors and ingredients.
Neolokal is located in the Beyoglu district.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's grandeur and a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas, then walk to Dolmabahce Palace.
60 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Bosphorus Boat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus, passing by waterfront mansions, fortresses, and the iconic bridges of Istanbul.
Take a taxi or bus to the Bosphorus Boat Tour starting point.
40 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Savor your last meal in Istanbul at Ciya Kebap, known for its flavorful kebabs and Turkish specialties.
Ciya Kebap is a 10-minute walk from the Bosphorus Boat Tour starting point.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Explore the rich history of Istanbul at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from various eras.
Take a tram from Gulhane to Gulhane Park and walk to the museums.
30 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Nisantasi

Shop for designer brands and upscale boutiques at Nisantasi, a fashionable district known for its luxury shopping experience.
Take a taxi or bus to Nisantasi.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Mikla

End your Istanbul journey with a memorable farewell dinner at Mikla, enjoying modern Turkish cuisine and stunning views of the city.
Return to Mikla for a special evening.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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