How many days do you need in Istanbul?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Istanbul, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Istanbul?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Istanbul. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Friendly 5-Day Istanbul Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Day in Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Simit Sarayi, known for its delicious simit (sesame bread rings).

£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sultanahmet Square & Hagia Sophia

Explore the historic Sultanahmet Square, home to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel blending Christian and Islamic influences.

£15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant, offering a variety of kebabs and mezes.

£20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Basilica Cistern

Visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and lighting.

£6, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

End the day with dinner at Matbah Restaurant, serving Ottoman palace cuisine in a historic setting.

£30, 2 hours

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Day 2: Palatial Day at Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, offering a variety of Turkish cheeses, olives, and pastries.

£15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and now a museum showcasing imperial treasures.

£12, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at Pandeli Restaurant within Topkapi Palace, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus while dining on traditional Turkish dishes.

£25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenirs and local goods.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Indulge in dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its spectacular views of the Golden Horn and delicious Turkish cuisine.

£35, 2 hours

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Day 3: Bosphorus Beauty & Dolmabahce

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bebek Kahve

Start your day with a scenic breakfast at Bebek Kahve, overlooking the Bosphorus and enjoying traditional Turkish pastries.

£20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a memorable Bosphorus Cruise, passing by iconic landmarks like the Maiden's Tower and enjoying the beauty of Istanbul from the water.

£25, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savour lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a wide range of Anatolian dishes and desserts in a cosy setting.

£18, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning Ottoman imperial palace overlooking the Bosphorus, filled with luxurious furniture and decor.

£10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, known for its panoramic views of the Bosphorus and delectable Mediterranean cuisine.

£40, 2 hours

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Day 4: Island Escape to Princes' Islands

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kosk Cafe

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Kosk Cafe, offering stunning views of the sea and delicious Turkish pastries.

£12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its charming streets, horse-drawn carriages, and tranquil atmosphere.

£5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Buyukada

Discover the beauty of Buyukada by exploring the historic streets, renting bicycles for a scenic ride, or relaxing by the sea.

Variable, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Ada Cafe, overlooking the sea and offering fresh catches of the day.

£25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Ferry back to Istanbul

Catch the return ferry back to Istanbul, enjoying the scenic views of the Marmara Sea and the Istanbul skyline.

£5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

End the day with dinner at Ciya Kebap, known for its delicious kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes.

£20, 2 hours

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Day 5: Miniature Wonders & Aquatic Adventures

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its Turkish breakfast spread and cosy atmosphere.

£15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Miniaturk

Explore the miniature world of Miniaturk, showcasing scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from Turkey and around the world.

£10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, offering a blend of traditional Turkish and modern cuisine in a stylish setting.

£30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Istanbul Aquarium

Dive into the wonders of marine life at the Istanbul Aquarium, home to a variety of sea creatures and interactive exhibits.

£20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Conclude your day with dinner at Balikci Sabahattin, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh fish dishes and authentic Turkish flavours.

£35, 2 hours

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Friendly 5-Day Istanbul Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Day in Sultanahmet

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 2: Palatial Day at Topkapi Palace

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Bosphorus Beauty & Dolmabahce

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 4: Island Escape to Princes' Islands

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Miniature Wonders & Aquatic Adventures

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

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