Istanbul Family Friendly Nature Relaxation Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Sultanahmet Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque with stunning architecture.
Walk from Sultanahmet Square to Hagia Sophia, it takes around 5 minutes.
100 TRY, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnic Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Sarnic Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Walk from Hagia Sophia to Sarnic Restaurant, it takes around 10 minutes.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Blue Mosque

Head to the Blue Mosque and marvel at its beautiful blue tiles and impressive domes.
Walk from Sarnic Restaurant to Blue Mosque, it takes around 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Gulhane Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Gulhane Park, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Walk from Blue Mosque to Gulhane Park, it takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hanzade Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Hanzade Restaurant, offering delicious Turkish cuisine at affordable prices.
Walk from Gulhane Park to Hanzade Restaurant, it takes around 10 minutes.
70 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to admire the beauty of Istanbul from the water.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Eminonu Ferry Port, then board the Bosphorus Cruise. The whole journey takes around 1 hour.
25 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in a diverse array of Turkish dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a popular local restaurant.
Walk from Eminonu Ferry Port to Ciya Sofrasi, it takes around 15 minutes.
60 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning Ottoman imperial palace along the Bosphorus.
Take a bus from Ciya Sofrasi to Dolmabahce Palace, it takes around 30 minutes.
60 TRY, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along Ortakoy

Walk along the charming Ortakoy waterfront, lined with cafes and boutiques, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Take a short walk from Dolmabahce Palace to Ortakoy, it takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mado

End your day with a delightful dinner at Mado, famous for its Turkish desserts and ice cream.
Walk from Ortakoy to Mado, it takes around 10 minutes.
50 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 3: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its serene atmosphere and charming Victorian architecture.
Take a ferry from Kabatas Ferry Port to Buyukada, the ferry ride takes around 1.5 hours.
10 TRY, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Ada Cafe, offering stunning views of the sea and delicious seafood options.
Walk from Buyukada Ferry Port to Ada Cafe, it takes around 10 minutes.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bike Rental and Explore

Rent a bike and explore the car-free streets of Buyukada, visiting historic sites and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Rent a bike near Ada Cafe, prices vary, and explore the island at your own pace.
20 TRY, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Heybeli Restaurant

Savor a delightful dinner at Heybeli Restaurant, serving fresh Mediterranean dishes with a cozy ambiance.
Walk from Buyukada center to Heybeli Restaurant, it takes around 15 minutes.
70 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 4: Asian Side Discovery

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Camlica Hill

Start your day with a visit to Camlica Hill, offering panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Take a ferry from Kabatas to Uskudar, then a bus or taxi to Camlica Hill, the journey takes around 1.5 hours.
15 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Uskudar Fish Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Uskudar Fish Market and indulge in fresh seafood dishes for lunch.
Take a bus or taxi from Camlica Hill to Uskudar Fish Market, it takes around 30 minutes.
40 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kuzguncuk Neighborhood

Discover the charming Kuzguncuk neighborhood, known for its colorful houses, quaint cafes, and artistic vibe.
Walk or take a short bus ride from Uskudar Fish Market to Kuzguncuk, it takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Fethi Pasha Grove

Unwind in the peaceful Fethi Pasha Grove, a hidden gem with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere.
Walk from Kuzguncuk to Fethi Pasha Grove, it takes around 10 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ciya Kebap, a renowned restaurant offering authentic Turkish kebabs and mezes.
Take a short bus ride or walk from Fethi Pasha Grove to Ciya Kebap, it takes around 15 minutes.
60 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 5: Belgrade Forest Retreat

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Hike in Belgrade Forest

Embark on a peaceful hike in Belgrade Forest, a tranquil oasis away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Take a bus or taxi to Belgrade Forest, the journey takes around 1-2 hours depending on your location in Istanbul.
10 TRY, 3-4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Sariyer Park

Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Sariyer Park, surrounded by lush greenery and with picturesque views of the forest.
Walk from the forest trails to Sariyer Park, it takes around 20 minutes.
30 TRY, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Nature Walk

Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Belgrade Forest with a leisurely nature walk along the designated trails.
Follow the walking trails within Belgrade Forest, there are various routes to choose from.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Agac Ev Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Agac Ev Restaurant, offering delicious Turkish dishes in a cozy forest setting.
Walk from the forest trails to Agac Ev Restaurant, it takes around 15 minutes.
70 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 6: Local Experiences

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, for unique souvenirs and local goods.
Take a tram or bus to Grand Bazaar, it takes around 30 minutes.
Free, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Savor authentic Ottoman cuisine at Pandeli Restaurant, located within the Grand Bazaar for a truly immersive experience.
Walk from Grand Bazaar to Pandeli Restaurant, it takes around 5 minutes.
80 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Turkish Coffee at Mandabatmaz

Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz, a famous coffee shop known for its rich and flavorful brews.
Walk from Pandeli Restaurant to Mandabatmaz, it takes around 10 minutes.
10 TRY, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Visit Chora Church

Discover the stunning mosaics and frescoes of Chora Church, a hidden gem showcasing Byzantine art and history.
Take a bus or taxi from Mandabatmaz to Chora Church, it takes around 30 minutes.
30 TRY, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

End your day with a dinner at Asitane Restaurant, offering authentic Ottoman dishes in a historical setting.
Take a bus or taxi from Chora Church to Asitane Restaurant, it takes around 20 minutes.
90 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 7: Historical & Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Begin your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, showcasing exquisite architecture and artifacts.
Take a tram or bus to Topkapi Palace, it takes around 30 minutes.
150 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic Ottoman cuisine and historical ambiance.
Walk from Topkapi Palace to Asitane Restaurant, it takes around 10 minutes.
80 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Explore the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in Istanbul.
Take a bus or taxi from Asitane Restaurant to Suleymaniye Mosque, it takes around 20 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Spice Bazaar

Indulge in a shopping spree at the Spice Bazaar, a bustling market offering a wide array of spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
Take a short bus ride or walk from Suleymaniye Mosque to Spice Bazaar, it takes around 15 minutes.
50 TRY, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sunset Grill

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Sunset Grill, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus.
Walk from Spice Bazaar to Sunset Grill, it takes around 10 minutes.
100 TRY, 1 hour
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