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.
The Blue Mosque is a short walk from Sultanahmet Tram Station.
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.
Hagia Sophia is just a few minutes away from the Blue Mosque.
TRY 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Ottoman cuisine at Matbah, offering a historic dining experience.
Matbah is a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
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.
Take a tram from Sultanahmet to Beyazit tram station near the Grand Bazaar.
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.
Deraliye is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
TRY 200, 2 hours
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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.
Head to the Grand Bazaar area using public transport or a taxi.
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.
Pandeli is situated inside the Grand Bazaar.
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.
The Spice Bazaar is within walking distance from the Grand Bazaar.
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.
Walk from the Spice Bazaar to Rustem Pasha Mosque.
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.
Take a taxi or tram to Karakoy Gulluoglu from Rustem Pasha Mosque.
TRY 80, 1 hour
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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.
Join a Bosphorus cruise from Eminonu or Besiktas.
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.
Head to Kantin in Bebek after the Bosphorus cruise.
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.
Take a taxi or bus to Rumeli Fortress from Bebek.
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.
Take a taxi or bus to Pierre Loti Cafe.
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.
Take a taxi or bus to Ciya Sofrasi for dinner.
TRY 180, 2 hours
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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.
Start your journey to Galata Tower by taking the Teleferik from Karakoy.
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.
Walk to Galata Konak Cafe from the Galata Tower.
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.
Walk from Galata Tower to Istiklal Avenue.
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.
Head to Aynalı Geçit for tea after exploring Istiklal Avenue.
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.
Take a taxi or tram to Mikla Restaurant for dinner.
TRY 250, 2 hours
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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.
Head to Topkapi Palace using public transport or a taxi.
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.
Asitane Restaurant is located near Topkapi Palace.
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.
Hagia Sophia is within walking distance from Topkapi Palace.
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.
Walk to Hafiz Mustafa for a sweet treat after Hagia Sophia.
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.
Take a taxi or tram to Doyum Grillhouse for dinner.
TRY 180, 2 hours
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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.
Board a ferry from Eminonu or Karakoy to Kadikoy.
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.
The market is a short walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal.
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.
Ciya Kebap is located in Kadikoy Market.
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.
Stroll to Moda Park from Kadikoy Market.
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.
Head to Namli Gurme for tea after exploring Moda Park.
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.
Ciya Sofrasi is a short walk from Namli Gurme.
TRY 180, 2 hours
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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.
Catch a ferry from Kabatas or Bostanci to Buyukada.
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.
Horse carriages can be found near the ferry terminal.
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.
Ada Venue is located by the waterfront on Buyukada.
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.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from Ada Venue to Nakibey Beach.
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.
Head to Splendid Palas for tea after your beach time.
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.
Take a ferry from Buyukada to Heybeli Ada and walk to the restaurant along the waterfront.
TRY 200, 2 hours
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