How many days do you need in ISTANBUL?

This itinerary covers 7 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 7 days trip to ISTANBUL. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discovering Istanbul in 7 Days

Day 1: Exploring Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Start your day with the stunning Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, featuring intricate blue tiles.

TRY 60, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Step back in time at Hagia Sophia, a former Christian basilica turned imperial mosque, showcasing impressive Byzantine architecture.

TRY 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Ottoman cuisine at Matbah, offering a historic dining experience.

TRY 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

Free entry, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Deraliye Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner at Deraliye Restaurant, known for its delicious Ottoman cuisine and panoramic views of the city.

TRY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Sultanahmet

Day 2: Exploring the Bazaars

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Discover the vast array of shops and stalls at the Grand Bazaar, perfect for unique souvenirs and local goods.

Free entry, shopping costs vary, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Delight in a traditional Turkish lunch at Pandeli, located within the Grand Bazaar and offering a taste of history.

TRY 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Spice Bazaar

Engage your senses at the Spice Bazaar, where the aromas of exotic spices and teas fill the air.

Free entry, shopping costs vary, 1 hour

4:00PM

Turkish Tea at Rustem Pasha Mosque

Relax with a traditional Turkish tea at the charming courtyard of Rustem Pasha Mosque near the Spice Bazaar.

TRY 20, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Conclude your day with dinner at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a famous baklava shop offering sweet delights.

TRY 80, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Day 3: Sailing the Bosphorus

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring the picturesque waterfront and stunning architecture.

TRY 60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kantin

Enjoy a contemporary Turkish lunch at Kantin, known for its fresh and innovative approach to local cuisine.

TRY 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Rumeli Fortress

Explore the historic Rumeli Fortress, a large fortification on the European side of the Bosphorus offering panoramic views of the strait.

TRY 30, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Pierre Loti Cafe

Relax with Turkish tea at Pierre Loti Cafe, named after the famous French novelist who adored the panoramic views of Istanbul.

TRY 15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a unique blend of Turkish and Anatolian flavours in a cosy setting.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Bosphorus Strait

Day 4: Exploring Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Teleferik Ride to Galata Tower

Take a charming ride on the Teleferik to reach the iconic Galata Tower, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul.

TRY 25, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Galata Konak Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view at Galata Konak Cafe located near the Galata Tower, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Stroll along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and vibrant street art.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Cay at Aynalı Geçit

Unwind with a traditional Turkish cay (tea) at Aynalı Geçit, a historical tea house known for its authentic atmosphere.

TRY 10, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at Mikla Restaurant, offering modern Turkish cuisine with a Scandinavian twist and stunning views.

TRY 250, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beyoglu

Day 5: Historical Wonders

Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring stunning architecture and impressive treasures.

TRY 150, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a regal Ottoman lunch at Asitane Restaurant, serving authentic dishes from centuries-old palace recipes.

TRY 130, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Revisit Hagia Sophia to explore its intricate mosaics, impressive dome, and layers of history that span from Byzantine to Ottoman times.

TRY 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Turkish Delight at Hafiz Mustafa

Indulge in Turkish delight and sweets at Hafiz Mustafa, a renowned confectionery with a wide selection of local treats.

TRY 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Doyum Grillhouse

Savour a hearty dinner at Doyum Grillhouse, offering a modern twist on classic Turkish dishes in a cosy setting.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia

Day 6: Exploring Asia Side

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Kadikoy

Take a scenic ferry ride to Kadikoy on the Asia side of Istanbul, offering a different perspective of the city.

TRY 5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Kadikoy Market

Explore the vibrant Kadikoy Market, a food lover's paradise with fresh produce, local delicacies, and bustling stalls.

Free entry, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Indulge in authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Kebap, known for its delicious kebabs and mezes.

TRY 120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Moda Park

Relax in Moda Park, a serene green space offering panoramic views of the Marmara Sea and the Istanbul skyline.

Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Tea at Namli Gurme

Enjoy a leisurely tea break at Namli Gurme, a popular deli and cafe in Kadikoy known for its quality products.

TRY 15, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Return to Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy for another delicious dinner, experiencing more of their Anatolian culinary delights.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kadikoy

Day 7: Princes' Islands

Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Embark on a ferry journey to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, known for its serene atmosphere and historic charm.

TRY 10, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Horse Carriage Tour

Explore Buyukada by taking a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour around the island, enjoying the scenic views and relaxed pace.

TRY 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ada Venue

Relish a delightful lunch at Ada Venue, offering fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sea views.

TRY 150, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Swimming at Nakibey Beach

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Nakibey Beach, one of the popular spots on the island for swimming and sunbathing.

Free entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Splendid Palas

Unwind with a cup of tea at Splendid Palas, a charming cafe reflecting the island's old-world charm and elegance.

TRY 20, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Heybeli Ada Sahil Restaurant

Conclude your day with a seaside dinner at Heybeli Ada Sahil Restaurant, savouring Turkish and seafood dishes under the stars.

TRY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Princes' Islands

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Istanbul in 7 Days

Day 1: Exploring Sultanahmet

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Exploring the Bazaars

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Sailing the Bosphorus

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Exploring Beyoglu

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Historical Wonders

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Exploring Asia Side

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Princes' Islands

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

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