Discovering Istanbul in 5 Days

Day 1: Historical Wonders

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the stunning Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture blending with Ottoman elements.
Hagia Sophia is within walking distance from Sultanahmet tram station.
60 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Blue Mosque

Head to the Blue Mosque next, known for its impressive blue tiles and unique architecture.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hafiz Mustafa

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at Hafiz Mustafa, known for its delectable baklava and traditional Turkish desserts.
A 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and filled with opulent treasures.
A short walk from Hafiz Mustafa.
100 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in an authentic Ottoman dining experience at Matbah Restaurant, offering a taste of historical Turkish cuisine.
A quick taxi ride from Topkapi Palace.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Modern Istanbul

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Galata Tower

Start your day with a panoramic view of Istanbul from the top of the iconic Galata Tower.
A short walk from Tophane tram station.
35 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Istiklal Avenue

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Istiklal Avenue is easily accessible from Galata Tower.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Savor a traditional Turkish lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu, renowned for its savory pastries and baklava.
A short walk from Istiklal Avenue.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions and installations.
A quick tram ride from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
40 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Experience a fusion of Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine at Mikla, offering a unique dining experience with breathtaking views.
A short taxi ride from Istanbul Modern.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Asian Side Adventure

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Kadikoy Market

Start your day by exploring the vibrant Kadikoy Market, filled with fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.
Kadikoy Market is a short walk from Kadikoy ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Moda Park

Relax at Moda Park, offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
A leisurely walk from Kadikoy Market.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a feast of Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Turkish dishes.
A short walk from Moda Park.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Haydarpasa Train Station

Visit the historic Haydarpasa Train Station, an architectural gem along the waterfront with a rich past.
A quick taxi ride from Ciya Sofrasi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Indulge in flavorful kebabs and grilled meats at Ciya Kebap, known for its authentic Turkish barbecue dishes.
A short walk from Haydarpasa Train Station.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Chora Church

Start your day with a visit to the Chora Church, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Chora Church is accessible via public transportation.
45 TRY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
A short walk from Chora Church.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Enjoy a traditional Ottoman meal at Pandeli, located within the Grand Bazaar and offering a taste of Turkish culinary history.
Located within the Grand Bazaar.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Spice Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights.
A short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Experience a royal Ottoman dining experience at Asitane Restaurant, serving authentic dishes inspired by historical recipes.
A quick taxi ride from the Spice Bazaar.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Bosphorus Delights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying picturesque views of Istanbul's waterfront.
Various cruise companies offer tours departing from Eminonu or Besiktas.
50 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Rumeli Fortress

Explore the historic Rumeli Fortress, a strategic fortress built along the Bosphorus during the Ottoman era.
Accessible by boat from the Bosphorus Cruise.
30 TRY, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Return to Kadikoy for lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, savoring more delicious Anatolian dishes.
A ferry ride from Eminonu or Besiktas to Kadikoy.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dolmabahce Palace

Visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of Ottoman extravagance and European elegance.
Accessible by public transportation or taxi from Kadikoy.
90 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

End your day with a luxurious dining experience at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline.
A short taxi ride from Dolmabahce Palace.
250 TRY, 2 hours
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