Discovering Istanbul in 7 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

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

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Continue to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and wander through its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
60 TRY, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at Sultanahmet Koftecisi, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
Sultanahmet Koftecisi is a 5-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Blue Mosque

Visit the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles adorning the interior walls, creating a serene atmosphere.
The Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Sultanahmet Koftecisi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering a wide range of souvenirs, textiles, and spices.
Take a taxi or tram from the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes and elegant ambiance.
Matbah Restaurant is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Bosphorus and Galata

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Boat Tour

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus boat tour to admire the city's skyline, historic landmarks, and the beauty of the strait separating Europe and Asia.
Take a tram or taxi from Sultanahmet to Eminonu Pier for the boat tour. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
50 TRY, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, famous for its diverse and delicious dishes.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. Ciya Sofrasi is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
60 TRY, 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Galata Tower

Head to the historic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Take a ferry from Kadikoy to Karakoy and walk to Galata Tower.
25 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee at Karabatak

Relax with a cup of coffee at Karabatak, a cozy cafe near Galata Tower, known for its excellent brews and atmosphere.
Karabatak is a short walk from Galata Tower.
15 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Meze By Lemon Tree

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Meze By Lemon Tree, a charming restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Turkish meze dishes.
Meze By Lemon Tree is located in Karakoy, a short walk from Karabatak.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Asian Side and Kadikoy

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayi

Start your day with a Turkish breakfast at Simit Sarayi in Kadikoy, known for its delicious simit (sesame bread rings) and pastries.
Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. Simit Sarayi is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
30 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Moda Neighborhood

Stroll through the charming Moda neighborhood, lined with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and beautiful views of the Marmara Sea.
Walk from Simit Sarayi to Moda neighborhood.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a traditional Turkish kebab lunch at Ciya Kebap, a renowned restaurant in Kadikoy known for its flavorful grilled meats.
Ciya Kebap is a short walk from Moda neighborhood.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Uskudar

Cross the Bosphorus to Uskudar on the Asian side and explore its historic mosques, bazaars, and waterfront promenades.
Take a ferry from Kadikoy to Uskudar. Uskudar is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Mado

Relax with a traditional Turkish tea at Mado, a popular cafe chain known for its delicious desserts and warm ambiance.
Mado is located near the waterfront in Uskudar.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Return to Kadikoy for dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, where you can indulge in more Anatolian specialties and flavors.
Ciya Sofrasi is a short walk from the Uskudar ferry terminal.
60 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Istanbul Modern and Taksim Square

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, a museum showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Take a taxi or tram from Sultanahmet to Istanbul Modern in Karakoy.
40 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Coffee at Karabatak

Head to Karabatak for a coffee break and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this popular cafe near Galata Tower.
Karabatak is a short walk from Istanbul Modern.
15 TRY, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Try traditional Turkish baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a famous pastry shop known for its sweet and flaky desserts.
Karabatak is a short walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
30 TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue

Head to Taksim Square and explore the bustling Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, street performers, and historic buildings.
Take a taxi or tram from Karakoy to Taksim Square.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Galata Bridge Walk

Walk across the iconic Galata Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city skyline, while watching local fishermen at work.
Walk from Taksim Square to Galata Bridge.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Mikla, a renowned restaurant on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera Hotel, offering stunning views of Istanbul.
Mikla is a short walk from Galata Bridge.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Princes' Islands

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its serene atmosphere, charming wooden houses, and horse-drawn carriages.
Take a ferry from Kabatas or Bostanci to Buyukada. The ferry ride takes approximately 1-2 hours.
25 TRY, Full day

12:00PM

Explore Buyukada

Rent a bicycle or take a phaeton (horse-drawn carriage) to explore Buyukada's picturesque streets, Victorian-era mansions, and scenic viewpoints.
Explore the island on foot, by bicycle, or by phaeton.
50 TRY, 4-5 hours

5:00PM

Seafood Dinner at Ada Cafe

Savor fresh seafood dishes at Ada Cafe, a waterfront restaurant on Buyukada offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea.
Ada Cafe is located near the ferry terminal on Buyukada.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Chora Church and Balat

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Chora Church

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes of Chora Church, a Byzantine gem known for its intricate artwork and historical significance.
Take a taxi or tram from Sultanahmet to Chora Church in Edirnekapi.
45 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Coffee at Fazil Bey's Turkish Coffee House

Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee at Fazil Bey's Turkish Coffee House, a historic cafe in Balat known for its authentic brews and cozy ambiance.
Fazil Bey's Turkish Coffee House is a short walk from Chora Church.
10 TRY, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Forno Balat

Try delicious Turkish pide (flatbread) and meze dishes at Forno Balat, a charming restaurant in the colorful neighborhood of Balat.
Forno Balat is a short walk from Fazil Bey's Turkish Coffee House.
50 TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Balat Neighborhood

Wander through the colorful streets of Balat, known for its historic houses, street art, and vibrant atmosphere, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
Explore Balat on foot.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pierre Loti Hill

Head to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of the Golden Horn and relax at the famous cafe named after the French novelist Pierre Loti.
Take a taxi or bus from Balat to Pierre Loti Hill.
20 TRY, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Forno Balat

Return to Forno Balat for dinner and savor more of their delicious Turkish dishes in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Forno Balat is a short walk from Pierre Loti Hill.
60 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Cappadocia Day Trip

Istanbul, Turkey

7:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Catch an early morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia to explore its unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities.
Take a taxi or airport shuttle to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
300 TRY (flight), Full day

10:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, offering breathtaking views of rock formations and valleys.
Join a hot air balloon tour from the designated take-off point in Cappadocia.
700 TRY, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Turkish Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant in Cappadocia, savoring regional specialties and flavors.
The restaurant will be arranged by your tour guide.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Goreme Open-Air Museum

Visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum to see ancient cave churches with well-preserved frescoes, showcasing Cappadocia's rich history.
Take a guided tour of the museum with entrance fees included.
40 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return Flight to Istanbul

Catch your evening flight back to Istanbul, where you can relax and reminisce about the magical day you had in Cappadocia.
Take a taxi or airport shuttle from Cappadocia to Kayseri Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
300 TRY (flight), Full day
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