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Exploring Istanbul in 7 Days

Viewed by 70 travelers

Day 1: Historic Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Start your day with traditional Turkish breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu before visiting the iconic Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is a short walk away from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
25TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnic Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman cuisine lunch at Sarnic Restaurant located near the attractions.
Sarnic Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
50TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Grand Bazaar

After lunch, head to the bustling Grand Bazaar to shop for souvenirs, spices, and carpets in its vibrant alleys.
Take a short taxi ride to the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Market Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi before immersing yourself in the sights and scents of the Grand Bazaar.
Van Kahvalti Evi is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
30TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

For lunch, try authentic Turkish cuisine at Pandeli Restaurant located within the Grand Bazaar.
Pandeli Restaurant is in the Grand Bazaar complex.
60TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

After lunch, wander through the vibrant Spice Bazaar to admire the colorful array of spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
The Spice Bazaar is adjacent to the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Palatial Treasures

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mado

Start your day with a sweet and savory breakfast at Mado before exploring the opulent Topkapi Palace and the ancient Basilica Cistern.
Mado is near the entrance of Topkapi Palace.
35TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Have a refined Ottoman-inspired lunch at Matbah Restaurant inside Topkapi Palace complex.
Matbah Restaurant is located within Topkapi Palace.
70TRY, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Basilica Cistern

Spend your afternoon delving into the mysterious underground world of the Basilica Cistern, marveling at the Medusa heads and ancient columns.
The Basilica Cistern is a short walk from Topkapi Palace.
20TRY, 1 hour
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Day 4: Bosphorus Beauty

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bebek Kahve

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view at Bebek Kahve before embarking on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise discovering Istanbul's shoreline.
Bebek Kahve overlooks the Bosphorus where you can board the cruise.
40TRY, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kiyi Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood for lunch at Kiyi Restaurant near the Dolmabahce Palace.
Kiyi Restaurant is a short drive from the cruise disembarkation point.
80TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's power and grandeur, with its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens.
Dolmabahce Palace is a quick walk from Kiyi Restaurant.
60TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Urban Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Karakoy Balikcisi

Start your day with a delicious seafood breakfast at Karakoy Balikcisi before heading to Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Karakoy Balikcisi is a short walk from Galata Tower.
45TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Journey Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of Turkish and international cuisine for lunch at Journey Restaurant on Istiklal Street.
Journey Restaurant is located in the heart of Istiklal Street.
70TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll Istiklal Street

Explore the vibrant Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian street full of shops, cafes, and street performances.
Start your walk from Journey Restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 6: Spiritual Journey

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Fasuli Lokantasi

Fuel up with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Fasuli Lokantasi before visiting the stunning Chora Church adorned with exquisite Byzantine mosaics.
Fasuli Lokantasi is a short drive from the Chora Church.
40TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Taste authentic Ottoman cuisine for lunch at Asitane Restaurant located near the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Asitane Restaurant is a short walk from the Suleymaniye Mosque.
60TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Explore the grandeur of the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's most magnificent imperial mosques with stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Suleymaniye Mosque is close to Asitane Restaurant and easily accessible on foot.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Island Retreat

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ada Cafe

Start your day with a seaside breakfast at Ada Cafe before taking a ferry to the Princes' Islands for a peaceful escape from the city.
Ada Cafe is a short walk from the ferry terminal to the Princes' Islands.
30TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Heybeli Ada Sahil Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with sea views at Heybeli Ada Sahil Restaurant on Heybeliada, one of the Princes' Islands.
Heybeli Ada Sahil Restaurant is a scenic walk from the ferry port.
50TRY, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Heybeliada

Discover the charming streets and serene atmosphere of Heybeliada by walking or renting a bike to explore the island's beauty.
Walk or rent a bike from the waterfront area to delve into Heybeliada's peaceful surroundings.
10TRY, 2 hours
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