Discovering Istanbul in 4 Days

Day 1: Historical Wonders

Sultanahmet District, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Immerse yourself in the opulence of Topkapi Palace, the former royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and marvel at its stunning architecture and historical artifacts.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
60 TRY, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman-inspired lunch at Matbah Restaurant, known for its authentic cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Matbah Restaurant is located within Topkapi Palace.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque and experience its serene atmosphere as you explore its intricate tile work and grand domes.
Blue Mosque is a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional Turkish dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant, known for its flavorful kebabs and mezes, while enjoying views of the city.
Doy Doy Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Continuing Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet District, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Basilica Cistern

Start your day by visiting the ancient Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel with mystical Medusa heads and impressive columns.
Basilica Cistern is a short walk from most Sultanahmet attractions.
20 TRY, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the vibrant alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of goods from spices to jewelry.
Grand Bazaar is a 15-minute walk from Basilica Cistern.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Savor a Turkish feast at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic spot in the Grand Bazaar known for its classic Ottoman cuisine and panoramic views.
Pandeli Restaurant is located within the Grand Bazaar.
120 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Marvel at the grandeur of Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its courtyard.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a 20-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Relax at Cagaloglu Hamami

Unwind with a traditional Turkish bath experience at Cagaloglu Hamami, a historic bathhouse with stunning architecture and luxurious amenities.
Cagaloglu Hamami is a 10-minute walk from Suleymaniye Mosque.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Modern Istanbul

Beyoglu District, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Galata Tower

Begin your day by ascending the iconic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Galata Tower is easily accessible by tram or taxi from Sultanahmet.
25 TRY, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue

Explore the bustling Istiklal Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, galleries, and historic buildings, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Istiklal Avenue is a short walk from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Asmali Cavit

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Asmali Cavit, a popular restaurant on Istiklal Avenue known for its fresh seafood dishes and mezes.
Asmali Cavit is located on Istiklal Avenue.
90 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Pera Museum

Immerse yourself in art and culture at Pera Museum, featuring a diverse collection of Anatolian artifacts, Orientalist paintings, and temporary exhibitions.
Pera Museum is a short walk from Istiklal Avenue.
40 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Mikla Restaurant, a renowned rooftop venue offering modern Turkish cuisine and breathtaking views of the city.
Mikla Restaurant is a short taxi ride from Pera Museum.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Asian Side Exploration

Kadikoy District, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Kadikoy

Start your day with a scenic ferry ride from Eminonu to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul, enjoying picturesque views of the city and the Bosphorus.
Ferries to Kadikoy depart frequently from Eminonu Pier.
5 TRY, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Moda Neighborhood

Discover the charming Moda neighborhood in Kadikoy, filled with trendy cafes, designer boutiques, and lovely seaside parks for a relaxing morning.
Moda Neighborhood is a short walk from Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi, a beloved restaurant in Kadikoy serving a variety of traditional dishes and mezes.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in the heart of Kadikoy.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum of modern art, featuring exhibitions by Turkish and international artists.
Istanbul Modern is a short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
40 TRY, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Moda Sahil Park

Unwind at Moda Sahil Park, a waterfront park offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea and a perfect spot to watch the sunset over Istanbul.
Moda Sahil Park is adjacent to Istanbul Modern.
Free, 1 hour
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