Exploring Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Christian and Islamic architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Head to the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles, and experience its peaceful courtyard and impressive domes.
Blue Mosque is adjacent to Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman cuisine lunch at Matbah Restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.
Matbah Restaurant is a short walk from the Blue Mosque.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the lavish Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, and admire its stunning courtyards and treasures.
Topkapi Palace is a 10-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Doyuran Lokantasi

Indulge in authentic Turkish dishes for dinner at Doyuran Lokantasi in Sultanahmet.
Doyuran Lokantasi is near Topkapi Palace.
75 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu District, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Start your day by strolling down Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Take a tram or metro from Sultanahmet to Taksim Square, the beginning of Istiklal Avenue.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its baklava and Turkish desserts.
Take a short walk from Istiklal Avenue to Karakoy Gulluoglu.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb up the iconic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Taksim Square

Discover Taksim Square, a popular meeting point in Istanbul with cultural significance.
Taksim Square is close to Galata Tower.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, offering modern Turkish cuisine and stunning city views.
Mikla Restaurant is located near Taksim Square.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Princes' Islands

Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Take a Ferry to Buyukada

Board a ferry from Istanbul to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its charming atmosphere and horse-drawn carriages.
Ferries depart from Eminonu or Kabatas. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Explore Buyukada

Discover the island by renting a bicycle or taking a phaeton ride, and enjoy the serene beaches and picturesque scenery.
Explore the island on foot, by bike, or by phaeton.
50 TRY, 3 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Savor a seafood lunch at Ada Cafe while enjoying stunning views of the sea on Buyukada.
Ada Cafe is located near the waterfront.
75 TRY, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on the beach, swim in the clear waters, and soak up the sun on Buyukada.
Choose a beach along the coast for relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ada Lokanta

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Ada Lokanta, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of Mediterranean dishes.
Ada Lokanta is situated near the main square.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Vibrant Bazaars

Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00 AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Embark on a shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of goods.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Beyazit. Grand Bazaar is a short walk from the tram station.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Pandeli Restaurant inside the Grand Bazaar, known for its historical ambiance.
Pandeli Restaurant is located within the Grand Bazaar.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Discover Spice Bazaar

Explore the Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, creating a sensory experience.
Walk from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Bazaar in Eminonu.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Tea at Mado

Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at Mado, a famous cafe near the Spice Bazaar.
Mado is a short walk from the Spice Bazaar.
10 TRY, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi

Indulge in a dinner feast at Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi, offering authentic Turkish cuisine and a cozy ambiance.
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi is located near the Spice Bazaar.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Bosphorus Beauty

Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to admire Istanbul's iconic skyline, bridges, and waterfront palaces.
Join a cruise tour from Eminonu or Ortakoy for a 2-hour journey.
50 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning waterfront palace that served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
Dolmabahce Palace is a short walk from the Bosphorus Cruise disembarkation point.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Bebek Balikci

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Bebek Balikci with views of the Bosphorus and a relaxing ambiance.
Bebek Balikci is a short walk from Dolmabahce Palace.
70 TRY, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Ortakoy

Stroll around Ortakoy, a vibrant neighborhood famous for its seaside charm, Ottoman architecture, and delicious street food.
Ortakoy is a short walk from Bebek Balikci.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kanaat Lokantasi

Relish traditional Turkish dishes for dinner at Kanaat Lokantasi, known for its authentic flavors and cozy setting.
Kanaat Lokantasi is located in Ortakoy.
90 TRY, 1.5 hours
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