Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Enchanting Istanbul Exploration

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Historical Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet tram station.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Next, marvel at the stunning interior of the Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles.
A 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Matbah Restaurant, offering a taste of history.
A 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, and its impressive collections.
A 15-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant

End your day with a regal dining experience at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant.
A short taxi ride from Topkapi Palace.
120 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sultanahmet

Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Galata Tower

Start your day with panoramic views of Istanbul from the iconic Galata Tower.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Taksim Square.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll down Istiklal Street

Explore the bustling Istiklal Street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Istiklal Street is easily accessible from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Indulge in delicious baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned pastry shop in Beyoglu.
A short walk from Istiklal Street.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pera Museum

Immerse yourself in art and culture at Pera Museum, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions.
Pera Museum is a 10-minute walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
40 TRY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine with stunning views at Mikla Restaurant.
A short taxi ride from Pera Museum.
200 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Beyoglu

Day 3: Charming Besiktas

Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Start your day with a tour of the grand Dolmabahce Palace, a blend of Ottoman and European architecture.
Dolmabahce Palace is a short walk from Besiktas ferry terminal.
90 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Besiktas Fish Market

Stroll through the vibrant Besiktas Fish Market and sample fresh seafood delicacies.
A 10-minute walk from Dolmabahce Palace.
Varies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Lokma Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood feast at Lokma Restaurant, known for its delicious mezes and grilled fish.
Located within Besiktas Fish Market.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise from Besiktas, admiring the city's skyline from the water.
The cruise departure point is near Lokma Restaurant.
60 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lucca Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist at Lucca Restaurant in Besiktas.
A short walk from the Bosphorus cruise drop-off point.
150 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Besiktas

Day 4: Scenic Uskudar

Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Maiden's Tower, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Maiden's Tower is accessible by boat from Besiktas.
25 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kuzguncuk Neighborhood

Wander through the charming streets of Kuzguncuk, known for its historic wooden houses and cozy cafes.
A short taxi ride from Maiden's Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Delight in Anatolian flavors at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a variety of regional dishes in Uskudar.
Located in the heart of Kuzguncuk neighborhood.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Sakirin Mosque

Explore the modern and uniquely designed Sakirin Mosque, a hidden gem in Uskudar.
A short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Indulge in delicious kebabs and grilled meats at Ciya Kebap, a favorite among locals.
A short taxi ride from Sakirin Mosque.
100 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Uskudar

Day 5: Lively Kadikoy

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kadikoy Market, known for its fresh produce and local delicacies.
Kadikoy Market is easily accessible by ferry from Uskudar.
Varies, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Moda Park

Relax in the green oasis of Moda Park, offering panoramic views of the Marmara Sea.
A short walk from Kadikoy Market.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy another delicious meal at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic Turkish flavors.
Located near Moda Park.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Bull Statue

Admire the iconic Bull Statue in Kadikoy, a popular meeting point for locals and visitors.
A short walk from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

End your day with flavorful kebabs and Turkish specialties at Ciya Kebap.
A short ferry ride back to Uskudar.
100 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kadikoy

Day 6: Historic Eyup

Eyup, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque

Start your day with a visit to the sacred Eyup Sultan Mosque, a significant religious site in Istanbul.
Eyup Sultan Mosque is easily accessible by bus from Kadikoy.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ride the Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill and soak in panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
The cable car station is near Eyup Sultan Mosque.
12 TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Savor traditional Ottoman cuisine at Pandeli Restaurant, offering a historic dining experience.
Located on Pierre Loti Hill.
90 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Miniaturk

Discover Turkey in miniature at Miniaturk, showcasing scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks.
A short taxi ride from Pierre Loti Hill.
40 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Indulge in a royal Ottoman dining experience at Asitane Restaurant, known for its historic recipes.
A short taxi ride from Miniaturk.
130 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Eyup

Day 7: Chic Ortakoy

Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Ortakoy Mosque

Begin your day by exploring the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Ortakoy Mosque is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Eyup.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop at Ortakoy Bazaar

Browse through unique handicrafts and souvenirs at the bustling Ortakoy Bazaar by the waterfront.
Located near Ortakoy Mosque.
Varies, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at House Cafe Ortakoy

Enjoy a delightful meal with a view at House Cafe Ortakoy, known for its fusion of Turkish and international cuisine.
Located in the heart of Ortakoy Bazaar.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take a Bosphorus Boat Tour

Embark on a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus, passing by iconic landmarks and enjoying the scenic views.
Boat tours depart from Ortakoy waterfront.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Big Chefs Ortakoy

End your Istanbul journey with a gourmet dinner at Big Chefs Ortakoy, offering a modern twist on Turkish classics.
Located near the Bosphorus boat tour departure point.
150 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ortakoy
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About istambul

13-day Turkey: Istanbul → Izmir → Antalya → Cappadocia → Ankara (October)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: September — Göreme (Cappadocia), Antalya, and Istanbul, Turkey
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your istambul Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go