Exploring Istanbul in 10 Days - Days 1 to 7

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is within walking distance from most hotels in the area.
100 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Next, explore the stunning Blue Mosque with its intricate tile work and impressive domes.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Matbah Restaurant near Topkapi Palace.
A 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Delve into the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace and its beautiful gardens.
Located next to Matbah Restaurant.
150 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant

End your day with a delicious Turkish dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.
A short taxi ride from Topkapi Palace.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Galata Tower

Start your day with a panoramic view of Istanbul from the top of Galata Tower.
Take a taxi or tram from Sultanahmet to Beyoglu, then walk to Galata Tower.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Istiklal Street

Stroll down Istiklal Street, a bustling avenue with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Istiklal Street is a short walk from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Indulge in baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned dessert shop in Beyoglu.
Located on the way back from Istiklal Street.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Pera Museum

Explore the art and cultural exhibitions at Pera Museum for a glimpse into Turkey's history.
A short walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine.
A short taxi ride from Pera Museum.
250 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charming Kadikoy

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Take a Ferry to Kadikoy

Start your day with a scenic ferry ride from Eminonu to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Ferries depart regularly from Eminonu, near the Galata Bridge.
5 TRY, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Wander through the bustling Kadikoy Market, known for its fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.
A short walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Turkish dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a popular restaurant showcasing regional cuisine.
Located in the heart of Kadikoy Market.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Moda Park

Relax in Moda Park and enjoy panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and Istanbul's skyline.
A short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Bull Statue

Discover the famous Bull Statue in Kadikoy, a symbol of the neighborhood's spirit.
Close to Moda Park.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a delectable dinner at Ciya Kebap, known for its grilled meat dishes and mezes.
A short walk from the Bull Statue.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Besiktas

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Begin your day with a tour of the grand Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman opulence.
Take a taxi or tram from Kadikoy to Besiktas.
90 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Besiktas Fish Market

Stroll through the vibrant Besiktas Fish Market and sample fresh seafood delicacies.
A short walk from Dolmabahce Palace.
Cost based on consumption, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Feriye Lokantasi

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Feriye Lokantasi, a charming restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.
Located near the Fish Market.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Yildiz Park

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Yildiz Park, a green oasis in the bustling city.
A short taxi ride from Feriye Lokantasi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore Barbaros Boulevard

Take a leisurely walk along Barbaros Boulevard and enjoy the views of the Bosphorus.
Accessible from Yildiz Park.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Rumeli Iskele

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Rumeli Iskele, a seaside restaurant known for its seafood dishes.
Located on Barbaros Boulevard.
180 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Serene Uskudar

Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Start your day with a boat trip to Maiden's Tower, an iconic symbol of Istanbul's skyline.
Take a ferry from Besiktas to Uskudar.
25 TRY, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore Uskudar Square

Stroll through Uskudar Square and soak in the local atmosphere of this charming neighborhood.
A short walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Sakirin Mosque

Explore the modern architecture of Sakirin Mosque, the first mosque in Turkey designed by a woman.
Located near Uskudar Square.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its diverse selection of Turkish dishes.
A short walk from Sakirin Mosque.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Camlica Hill

Take in panoramic views of Istanbul from Camlica Hill, one of the highest points in the city.
A short taxi ride from Ciya Sofrasi.
10 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

End your day with a delightful dinner at Ciya Kebap, famous for its grilled meat specialties.
Located near Uskudar Square.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Eyup

Eyup, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque

Start your day with a visit to Eyup Sultan Mosque, a significant religious site in Istanbul.
Take a taxi or bus from Uskudar to Eyup.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Pierre Loti Hill

Take a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of the Golden Horn and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea.
Accessible from Eyup Sultan Mosque.
15 TRY, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Indulge in a historical Ottoman meal at Asitane Restaurant, featuring recipes from the palace kitchens.
Located near Pierre Loti Hill.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Miniaturk

Explore the miniature models of famous Turkish landmarks at Miniaturk, a fascinating attraction for all ages.
A short taxi ride from Asitane Restaurant.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Tarihi Karadeniz Iskembecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Tarihi Karadeniz Iskembecisi, known for its hearty dishes.
A short walk from Miniaturk.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant stalls and shops of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Take a taxi or tram from Eyup to Sultanahmet.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Discover Basilica Cistern

Descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built in the 6th century.
Located near the Grand Bazaar.
30 TRY, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Pandeli Restaurant, known for its historic setting and traditional Ottoman cuisine.
Located near the Basilica Cistern.
130 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar, a paradise for food lovers and spice enthusiasts.
A short walk from Pandeli Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax at Gulhane Park

Stroll through Gulhane Park, Istanbul's oldest public park, and unwind amidst lush greenery.
Located near the Spice Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Mikla

End your day with a memorable farewell dinner at Mikla, offering modern Turkish cuisine with stunning views.
A short taxi ride from Gulhane Park.
250 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 8: Marvelous Maslak

Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Visit Sadberk Hanim Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Sadberk Hanim Museum, home to an impressive collection of Ottoman art and artifacts.
Take a taxi from Sultanahmet to Maslak.
50 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Istinye Park

Shop and dine at Istinye Park, a luxurious shopping center offering a mix of international and local brands.
A short walk from the museum.
Cost based on consumption, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mangerie

Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Bosphorus at Mangerie, known for its scenic views and delicious food.
Located within Istinye Park.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Emirgan Park

Relax in the lush gardens of Emirgan Park, famous for its blooming tulips and serene atmosphere.
A short taxi ride from Istinye Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Experience Turkish Coffee at Mandabatmaz

Savor the traditional taste of Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz, a popular coffee shop in Maslak.
Located near Emirgan Park.
15 TRY, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Beyti Restaurant

Enjoy a classic dinner experience at Beyti Restaurant, serving authentic Turkish cuisine for decades.
A short walk from Mandabatmaz.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 9: Magical Princess Islands

Princess Islands, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Take a Ferry to Buyukada

Embark on a ferry journey to Buyukada, the largest of the Princess Islands, known for its charming Victorian houses and peaceful atmosphere.
Take a ferry from Eminonu or Kabatas to Buyukada.
25 TRY, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Rent a Bicycle

Explore the island by renting a bicycle and cycling through picturesque streets and along the coastline.
Bike rental shops available near the ferry terminal.
30 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch with Sea View

Enjoy a seafood lunch with a view of the sea at one of the seaside restaurants on Buyukada.
Various dining options along the coastline.
150 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend some time relaxing on the beach or swimming in the clear waters of Buyukada.
Access to beaches from the main promenade.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Aya Yorgi Church

Visit the historic Aya Yorgi Church perched atop Buyukada's highest hill for panoramic views of the island.
Take a horse carriage or hike up to the church.
10 TRY, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Ferry Ride Back to Istanbul

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to Istanbul while watching the sunset over the Marmara Sea.
Ferries depart regularly from Buyukada to Eminonu or Kabatas.
25 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 10: Culinary Delights

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Cooking Class at Istanbul Culinary Institute

Join a hands-on cooking class at the Istanbul Culinary Institute to learn how to prepare traditional Turkish dishes.
Located in Sultanahmet, a short walk from most hotels.
200 TRY, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch with Your Creations

Enjoy the dishes you've prepared during the cooking class for a true taste of Turkish culinary art.
Lunch will be provided at the culinary institute.
Included in cooking class cost, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Culinary Backstreets

Embark on a guided food tour with Culinary Backstreets to explore hidden culinary gems and local eateries.
Meeting point for the tour is at the culinary institute.
80 TRY, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Traditional Turkish Tea Experience

Relax and savor a traditional Turkish tea experience at a local tea house, a staple of Turkish culture.
Recommended tea houses in the Sultanahmet area.
10 TRY, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

Explore the Grand Bazaar one last time for souvenir shopping and unique finds before leaving Istanbul.
You can walk to the Grand Bazaar from the tea house.
Cost based on souvenirs, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner Cruise

Indulge in a memorable farewell dinner cruise along the Bosphorus, admiring the city's illuminated landmarks.
Cruise departure near Eminonu or Kabatas.
300 TRY, 2 hours
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