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

An Adventure-Filled Week in Istanbul with Family

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Historic Exploration

Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your adventure by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, once a cathedral and a mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square, easily accessible on foot.
TRY 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fes Cafe

Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at Fes Cafe with a view of the Blue Mosque.
Head to Fes Cafe, located near Sultanahmet Square.
TRY 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sultanahmet Square

Stroll through the historic Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by beautiful landmarks like the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome.
Walk around Sultanahmet Square at your leisure.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a taste of traditional Turkish dishes.
Matbah Restaurant is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
TRY 120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sultanahmet Square

Day 2: Palace and Shopping

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

9:30AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring exquisite architecture and stunning courtyards.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
TRY 90, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Have a traditional Turkish meal at Pandeli Restaurant, known for its historic setting within the Spice Bazaar.
Pandeli Restaurant is located near Topkapi Palace.
TRY 60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of souvenirs and goods.
Walk to the Grand Bazaar from Topkapi Palace area.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tarihi Karakoy Balik Lokantasi

Savour freshly caught seafood at Tarihi Karakoy Balik Lokantasi, a renowned fish restaurant by the Golden Horn.
Take a taxi or tram to the restaurant near Karakoy.
TRY 150, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Topkapi Palace

Day 3: Bosphorus Beauty

Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to admire Istanbul's skyline, passing by iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace and Maiden's Tower.
Head to the Eminonu or Ortakoy pier to start your cruise.
TRY 150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a feast of Anatolian dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a wide selection of authentic Turkish cuisine.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy, accessible by ferry from Eminonu or Karakoy.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Discover contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, a museum showcasing a diverse collection of modern artworks.
Take a ferry from Kadikoy to Karakoy and walk to Istanbul Modern.
TRY 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Treat yourself to skewers of flavourful kebabs at Ciya Kebap, known for its succulent grilled meats.
Ciya Kebap is in Kadikoy, a short walk from Istanbul Modern.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bosphorus Cruise

Day 4: Island Retreat

Princes' Islands, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Ferry to Princes' Islands

Take a ferry ride to the Princes' Islands, a serene getaway from the bustling city known for its natural beauty and historic mansions.
Ferries depart from Kabatas or Kadikoy. You can explore the islands on foot, by bike or horse-drawn carriage.
TRY 25, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cafe

Relish a seafood lunch at Ada Cafe, offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea.
Stroll to Ada Cafe from the main promenade on Buyukada Island.
TRY 70, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Buyukada

Discover the charming streets of Buyukada with its colourful houses, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
Go on a leisurely walk or hire a bike to explore the island.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ada Palace

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Ada Palace, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Turkish cuisine.
Head to Ada Palace for a sophisticated dining experience.
TRY 200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Princes' Islands

Day 5: Modern Art and Shopping

Istanbul Modern, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum showcasing innovative works by Turkish artists, located near the Bosphorus.
Head to Karakoy and visit Istanbul Modern for a cultural experience.
TRY 40, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Try delicious baklava and Turkish sweets at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a popular pastry shop with a variety of sweet treats.
Walk to Karakoy Gulluoglu in the Karakoy neighbourhood.
TRY 30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shop at Istiklal Avenue

Indulge in a shopping spree along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Take a tram or taxi to Istiklal Avenue for a vibrant shopping experience.
Depends on shopping, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savour Mediterranean and Turkish fusion cuisine at Meze by Lemon Tree, offering a delightful dining experience.
Head to Meze by Lemon Tree located on Istiklal Avenue for dinner.
TRY 120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul Modern

Day 6: Cultural Experience

Miniaturk Park, Istanbul, Turkey

9:30AM

Explore Miniaturk Park

Discover Turkey in miniature at Miniaturk Park, featuring scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from around the country.
Take public transportation or a taxi to Miniaturk Park for a unique cultural experience.
TRY 40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Enjoy a historical Ottoman meal at Asitane Restaurant, known for its authentic recipes and traditional ambiance.
Head to Asitane Restaurant for a culinary journey through Ottoman cuisine.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Eyup Sultan Mosque

Experience the sacred atmosphere at Eyup Sultan Mosque, an important Islamic site in Istanbul with stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Take a short taxi ride to Eyup Sultan Mosque for a cultural visit.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Turkish Tea at Pierre Loti Cafe

Relax and enjoy traditional Turkish tea at Pierre Loti Cafe, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.
Head to Pierre Loti Cafe for a relaxing tea break with a view.
TRY 10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Miniaturk Park

Day 7: Palatial Splendour

Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, a grandiose example of Ottoman architecture and luxurious design with elegant interiors and lush gardens.
Take a taxi or tram to Dolmabahce Palace for a royal experience.
TRY 90, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Divan Lokantasi

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Divan Lokantasi, offering a blend of traditional flavours in a serene setting near the palace.
Head to Divan Lokantasi for a delightful lunch experience.
TRY 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Taksim Square

Stroll through Taksim Square, a vibrant hub in Istanbul with shops, cafes, and cultural sites, perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk.
Take a leisurely walk around Taksim Square and explore the bustling neighbourhood.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, located on the rooftop with panoramic views of the city, offering modern Turkish cuisine.
Head to Mikla Restaurant for a sophisticated dinner with a view.
TRY 180, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dolmabahce Palace
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 Istanbul

Best Turkey Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Istanbul (Late February — early March 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: 5 Days in Istanbul (February)
Packing List
Istanbul Weather & Climate Guide: A Year-Round Journey
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Istanbul
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Istanbul Trip

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