Istanbul 7-Day City Experiences

Day 1: Historical Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

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 a short walk from Sultanahmet tram station.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Continue to Topkapi Palace to delve into the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire and enjoy panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
40 TRY, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sarnic Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Ottoman cuisine at Sarnic Restaurant, located in a historic cistern with a unique ambiance.
Sarnic Restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Stroll over to the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Sarnic Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Conclude your day by shopping for souvenirs and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar is a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Eminonu and Galata

Eminonu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Start your day at the Spice Bazaar, a sensory delight filled with exotic spices, sweets, and teas.
Spice Bazaar is a 10-minute tram ride from Sultanahmet.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Cruise on the Bosphorus

Embark on a Bosphorus cruise from Eminonu to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks.
Walk to Eminonu Ferry Terminal from Spice Bazaar.
25 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Relish in delicious Turkish baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned pastry shop in the Galata district.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is a 10-minute walk from Galata Tower.
30 TRY, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Galata Tower

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

4:00PM

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue

End your day by taking a leisurely walk along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street full of shops, cafes, and street performers.
Istiklal Avenue is a 20-minute tram ride from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 3: Trendy Taksim Square

Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Explore Istiklal Street

Begin your day by exploring Istiklal Street, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Istiklal Street leads to Taksim Square.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Midpoint

Enjoy a modern Turkish meal at Midpoint, a popular restaurant overlooking Taksim Square.
Midpoint is located on Istiklal Street.
40 TRY, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ataturk Cultural Center

Explore the Ataturk Cultural Center and learn about Turkey's cultural heritage through exhibitions and performances.
Ataturk Cultural Center is adjacent to Taksim Square.
20 TRY, 1-2 hours

3:30PM

Take the Taksim Tunel

Experience the historic Taksim Tunel, the second-oldest underground metro in the world, for a unique transportation experience.
Taksim Tunel station is near Taksim Square.
5 TRY, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Relax at Gezi Park

Unwind at Gezi Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or people-watching.
Gezi Park is a short walk from Taksim Square.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Bosphorus Beauty

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Begin your day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning waterfront palace showcasing Ottoman architecture and grandeur.
Dolmabahce Palace is a 10-minute drive from Taksim Square.
60 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bebek Balikci

Indulge in fresh seafood at Bebek Balikci, a renowned fish restaurant with picturesque views of the Bosphorus.
Bebek Balikci is a 15-minute drive from Dolmabahce Palace.
70 TRY, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cruise to Ortakoy

Take a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to Ortakoy, a charming neighbourhood known for its historic mosque and lively waterfront.
Ferries to Ortakoy depart from Besiktas port.
20 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Discover the bustling markets, street food vendors, and intricate architecture in Ortakoy, offering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Ortakoy is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Balkon Cafe

Unwind with a Turkish coffee at Balkon Cafe, a cosy spot with panoramic views over the Bosphorus.
Balkon Cafe is located in Ortakoy.
15 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 5: Asian Side Adventure

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Kadikoy Market

Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kadikoy Market, filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and eclectic shops.
Take a ferry from Besiktas to Kadikoy, offering scenic views of the Bosphorus.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Moda

Stroll through the charming neighbourhood of Moda, known for its picturesque streets, trendy cafes, and stunning views of Istanbul.
Moda is a short walk from Kadikoy Market.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Uskudar

Take a ferry to Uskudar and explore the historic district, home to mosques, markets, and the iconic Maiden's Tower.
Ferries from Kadikoy to Uskudar operate regularly.
5 TRY, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Mihrabat Korusu

Unwind at Mihrabat Korusu, a serene park overlooking the Bosphorus, offering a peaceful escape from the city hustle.
Mihrabat Korusu is a short walk from Uskudar ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Asian Side, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Visit Sakirin Mosque

Start your day with a visit to Sakirin Mosque, a modern architectural masterpiece known for its stunning design and tranquil ambiance.
Sakirin Mosque is a short walk from Uskudar ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Bagdat Avenue

Discover Bagdat Avenue, a prestigious shopping street lined with luxury brands, elegant cafes, and lush greenery.
Bagdat Avenue is accessible by public transport from Uskudar.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a delicious kebab lunch at Ciya Kebap, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of grilled meat dishes.
Ciya Kebap is located on Bagdat Avenue.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Istanbul Toy Museum

Explore the whimsical world of toys at the Istanbul Toy Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of toys from different eras.
Istanbul Toy Museum is a short drive from Bagdat Avenue.
25 TRY, 1-2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Caddebostan Coast

Unwind at Caddebostan Coast, a popular seaside promenade perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or enjoying the sunset.
Caddebostan Coast is a short drive from the Istanbul Toy Museum.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Historical Closure

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Begin your day by exploring the mystical Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir with ancient columns and intriguing history.
Basilica Cistern is a short walk from Sultanahmet tram station.
20 TRY, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Archaeology Museums

Delve into the rich archaeological heritage of Turkey at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, housing a diverse collection of artefacts.
Archaeology Museums are adjacent to Topkapi Palace.
30 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Savour Ottoman-inspired cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through traditional recipes and flavours.
Matbah Restaurant is located near the Archaeology Museums.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Chora Church

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes of Chora Church, a hidden gem showcasing Byzantine art and architecture.
Chora Church is a short drive from Sultanahmet.
45 TRY, 1-2 hours

4:30PM

Final Grand Bazaar Visit

Conclude your Istanbul journey with a final visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for last-minute souvenirs and immerse in the bustling atmosphere.
Grand Bazaar is a short tram ride from Chora Church.
Varies, 2 hours
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