Exploring Istanbul in 4 Days

Day 1: Historical Wonders

Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day with a visit to Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel blending Byzantine and Ottoman influences.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Next, explore the intricate tile work and grandeur of the Blue Mosque, a symbol of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque is just opposite Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnic Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Sarnic Restaurant, known for its authentic Ottoman cuisine.
A short walk from the Blue Mosque.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans and filled with treasures.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Sultanahmet Square.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in a dinner at Matbah Restaurant offering authentic Ottoman recipes in a historic setting.
A short taxi ride from Topkapi Palace.
120 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: City Views & Modern Vibes

Galata Tower & Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Climb Galata Tower

Start your day by climbing the iconic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Galata Tower is a 10-minute taxi ride from Sultanahmet Square.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Stroll along Istiklal Avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and vibrant street performers.
Istiklal Avenue is a short walk from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a lunch break at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its delicious baklava and Turkish sweets.
A 15-minute walk from Istiklal Avenue.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Taksim Square

Explore the bustling Taksim Square, a vibrant hub of modern Istanbul with shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Taksim Square is at the end of Istiklal Avenue.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

End your day with a dinner at Mikla Restaurant, offering contemporary Turkish cuisine with stunning city views.
Mikla Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Market Exploration

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Spend your morning exploring the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Grand Bazaar is a 20-minute taxi ride from Sultanahmet Square.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Discover Spice Bazaar

Visit the nearby Spice Bazaar to immerse yourself in the scents and colours of exotic spices and Turkish delights.
Spice Bazaar is a short walk from Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic spot known for its Ottoman cuisine.
Pandeli Restaurant is located within the Spice Bazaar.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tea at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Sip Turkish tea and indulge in sweets at Hafiz Mustafa 1864, a renowned dessert shop near the Spice Bazaar.
A short walk from Pandeli Restaurant.
20 TRY, 45 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Fuego Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion dinner at Fuego Restaurant, blending Turkish and international flavours in a modern setting.
Fuego Restaurant is a 15-minute taxi ride from the Spice Bazaar.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Bosphorus Beauty & Asian Charm

Bosphorus Cruise & Asian Side, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a Bosphorus cruise to admire the beauty of Istanbul from the water, passing iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace.
You can catch a ferry from Eminonu or Besiktas to start your Bosphorus cruise.
25 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Uskudar

Disembark at Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul and explore this charming neighbourhood with historic mosques and local markets.
Uskudar is a short walk from the ferry port.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a variety of authentic Anatolian dishes in a cosy setting.
Ciya Sofrasi is a 10-minute walk from Uskudar centre.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Explore the Maiden's Tower, a picturesque landmark in the Bosphorus strait with a rich history and stunning views.
You can take a short boat ride from Uskudar to reach Maiden's Tower.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Indulge in dinner at Ciya Kebap, known for its delicious kebabs and grilled meats in a casual setting.
Ciya Kebap is a short walk from Maiden's Tower.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours
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