Exploring Istanbul in 6 Days

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture that has served as a cathedral and mosque throughout history.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
30 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnic Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at Sarnic Restaurant, known for its traditional dishes and charming ambiance.
Sarnic Restaurant is located near Hagia Sophia.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Visit the majestic Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and admire its exquisite architecture and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
40 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a unique dining experience with authentic flavours and historical recipes.
Matbah Restaurant is located near Topkapi Palace.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Galata Tower & Istiklal Street

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Galata Tower

Start your day with a visit to Galata Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Istanbul from its observation deck.
Take a short tram ride from Sultanahmet to Galata Tower.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk down Istiklal Street

Stroll along Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings, perfect for shopping and people-watching.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Istiklal Street.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and rooftop dining with breathtaking city views.
Mikla Restaurant is located near Istiklal Street.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, a museum showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Istanbul Modern is a short walk from Mikla Restaurant.
20 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Karakoy Lokantasi

Dine at Karakoy Lokantasi, a popular restaurant offering a variety of traditional Turkish dishes in a vibrant setting near the waterfront.
Karakoy Lokantasi is located near Istanbul Modern.
45 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Taksim Square & Beyoglu

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Taksim Square

Begin your day at Taksim Square, a bustling hub known for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere, offering a taste of modern Istanbul.
Take a short metro ride from Sultanahmet to Taksim Square.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Walk along Istiklal Avenue, a popular shopping street lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings, perfect for exploring the local culture.
Istiklal Avenue is a short walk from Taksim Square.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mavi Ev Restaurant

Dine at Mavi Ev Restaurant, a charming eatery serving traditional Turkish cuisine in a cosy setting near Istiklal Avenue.
Mavi Ev Restaurant is located near Istiklal Avenue.
55 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pera Museum

Explore the Pera Museum, home to a diverse collection of artworks, including Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights, and Kütahya tiles.
Pera Museum is a short walk from Mavi Ev Restaurant.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asmalimescit Mahlas Pera

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Asmalimescit Mahlas Pera, offering a fusion of Turkish and international flavours in a trendy setting near Pera Museum.
Asmalimescit Mahlas Pera is located near Pera Museum.
70 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Dolmabahce Palace

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Discover the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning 19th-century royal residence showcasing Ottoman architecture, lavish interiors, and beautiful gardens.
Take a short tram ride from Sultanahmet to Dolmabahce Palace.
60 TRY, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bebek Balikci

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Bebek Balikci, a renowned fish restaurant offering fresh and delicious dishes with views of the Bosphorus.
Bebek Balikci is located near Dolmabahce Palace.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Yildiz Park

Relax in the serene surroundings of Yildiz Park, a beautiful green space with walking paths, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Bosphorus.
Yildiz Park is a short walk from Bebek Balikci.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Dine at Sunset Grill & Bar, a stylish restaurant offering international cuisine and panoramic views of the Bosphorus Bridge and Istanbul skyline.
Sunset Grill & Bar is located near Yildiz Park.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Asian Side Adventure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Take a Ferry to Kadikoy

Start your day by taking a scenic ferry ride to Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its lively markets, cultural attractions, and culinary scene.
Ferries depart from Eminonu or Karakoy ferry terminals.
5 TRY, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kadikoy Market, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.
Kadikoy Market is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Ciya Sofrasi, a popular restaurant known for its authentic dishes and diverse flavours inspired by regional cuisines.
Ciya Sofrasi is located near Kadikoy Market.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Moda Sahil Park

Relax at Moda Sahil Park, a scenic waterfront park offering panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Moda Sahil Park is a short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Delight in a dinner experience at Ciya Kebap, known for its succulent kebabs and grilled dishes made with fresh ingredients and bold spices.
Ciya Kebap is located near Moda Sahil Park.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historic Peninsula Finale

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a wide array of items from jewellery to spices.
Take a short tram ride from Sultanahmet to Grand Bazaar.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Discover Suleymaniye Mosque

Admire the architectural beauty of Suleymaniye Mosque, an impressive Ottoman mosque known for its intricate design, stunning domes, and serene courtyards.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Indulge in a culinary delight at Pandeli Restaurant, a historic eatery within the Spice Bazaar, serving traditional Ottoman cuisine with a view of the Golden Horn.
Pandeli Restaurant is located near Suleymaniye Mosque.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cruise on the Bosphorus

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, iconic landmarks, and the beautiful waters connecting Europe and Asia.
Boat tours depart from Eminonu or Kabatas docks.
25 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Mikla

Conclude your Istanbul adventure with a memorable farewell dinner at Mikla, a rooftop restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine and stunning views of the city at night.
Mikla is located near the Bosphorus cruise docks.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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