Exploring Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historical Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the majestic Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque with stunning architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
30 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman cuisine experience at Matbah Restaurant near Topkapi Palace.
Matbah Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Blue Mosque

After lunch, visit the iconic Blue Mosque known for its striking blue tiles and impressive domes.
Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at the Grand Bazaar

End your day with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Grand Bazaar, approximately 25 minutes.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring the Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Discover Spice Bazaar

Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant colors and scents of the Spice Bazaar, a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Spice Bazaar is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional Turkish meal at Pandeli Restaurant located within the Grand Bazaar.
Pandeli Restaurant is inside the Grand Bazaar.
60 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Explore the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most impressive Ottoman mosques in Istanbul.
Suleymaniye Mosque is a 20-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Turkish Tea at Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi

Relax with a traditional Turkish tea at Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi, a serene spot near the Grand Bazaar.
Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi is a 5-minute walk from Suleymaniye Mosque.
10 TRY, 45 minutes
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Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise Experience

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise tour to admire Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
Join a cruise tour at Eminönü Pier.
50 TRY, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Restaurant

Enjoy a diverse and delicious lunch at Ciya Restaurant, offering a variety of Turkish dishes.
Ciya Restaurant is a short taxi ride from the pier.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and history.
Dolmabahçe Palace is a 15-minute taxi ride from Ciya Restaurant.
60 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Tour Topkapi Palace

Spend your day exploring the grand Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and a treasure trove of history.
Topkapi Palace is a 20-minute tram ride from Sultanahmet Square.
60 TRY, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Deraliye Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional Ottoman meal at Deraliye Restaurant, located near Topkapi Palace.
Deraliye Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Gulhane Park

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Gulhane Park, a beautiful green space near Topkapi Palace.
Gulhane Park is adjacent to Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Archaeology Museums

End your day with a visit to the Archaeology Museums complex, housing a vast collection of ancient artefacts.
Archaeology Museums are a 5-minute walk from Gulhane Park.
45 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Modern Taksim Square

Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Start your day by strolling down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Istiklal Avenue leads directly to Taksim Square.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a modern Turkish lunch with panoramic views at Mikla Restaurant, located near Taksim Square.
Mikla Restaurant is a short walk from Istiklal Avenue.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern Museum

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern Museum, showcasing Turkish and international artists.
Istanbul Modern Museum is a 10-minute walk from Mikla Restaurant.
40 TRY, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Demirören İstiklal

Conclude your day with some shopping at Demirören İstiklal, a modern shopping mall with a mix of local and international brands.
Demirören İstiklal is located on Istiklal Avenue.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours
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