How many days do you need in Istanbul?

This itinerary covers 10 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 10 days trip to Istanbul. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Enchanting Istanbul Exploration

Day 1: Historical Marvels

Istanbul, Turkey on July 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa

Indulge in delicious Turkish pastries and strong coffee at a historic bakery.

TRY 50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the majestic Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture.

TRY 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Doyum Grill House

Savor traditional kebabs and mezes in a cozy setting overlooking the Bosphorus.

TRY 120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Step back in time at the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans.

TRY 150, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Dine like royalty on Ottoman-inspired dishes in a refined ambiance.

TRY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Charming Galata and Beyoglu

Istanbul, Turkey on July 21, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Start your day with the famous Turkish baklava and Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) at a renowned pastry shop.

TRY 70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Walk across Galata Bridge

Stroll across the iconic Galata Bridge for panoramic views of the Golden Horn.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kitchenette

Dine at Kitchenette for a modern take on Turkish cuisine with a view of the Galata Tower.

TRY 130, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Wander along Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Savor contemporary Turkish cuisine with a view from the rooftop of Mikla Restaurant.

TRY 250, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Bosphorus Beauty

Istanbul, Turkey on July 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at House of Medusa

Enjoy a delightful Turkish breakfast with a mix of sweet and savory items at a charming cafe.

TRY 80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, passing by iconic landmarks and picturesque neighborhoods.

TRY 150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Restaurant

Taste authentic Anatolian cuisine at Ciya Restaurant in Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Moda Sea Garden

Relax at Moda Sea Garden, a seaside park offering stunning views of the Marmara Sea.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Dine at Ciya Sofrasi for a variety of flavorful mezes and kebabs.

TRY 120, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey on July 23, 2024

9:00AM

Ferry to Buyukada

Take a ferry to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, for a peaceful getaway.

TRY 25 (round trip), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

Explore Buyukada's charming streets and Victorian-era cottages on a horse-drawn carriage tour.

TRY 50 per person, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ada Cinar

Feast on fresh seafood with a view of the sea at Ada Cinar restaurant.

TRY 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Swim at Nakibey Beach

Unwind with a swim at Nakibey Beach and soak up the sun on the sandy shores.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Baltaci Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner of grilled fish and mezes at Baltaci Restaurant before catching the ferry back.

TRY 120, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 5: Exploring Asian Charms

Istanbul, Turkey on July 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sivrioglu Borek & Cafe

Savor freshly baked borek (Turkish pastry) and strong Turkish tea at a local favorite spot.

TRY 60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Bagdat Avenue

Discover the upscale shops and cafes on Bagdat Avenue, a popular shopping street in Kadikoy.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Try delicious kebabs and grilled meats at Ciya Kebap, a local favorite for traditional Turkish dishes.

TRY 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Moda Caddesi

Walk along Moda Caddesi, a trendy street with boutiques, cafes, and street art in Kadikoy.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Konya

Enjoy a mix of Anatolian and Turkish dishes at Ciya Konya, known for its varied menu selection.

TRY 100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 6: Asian Side Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on July 25, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Indulge in a traditional Kurdish breakfast spread at Van Kahvalti Evi.

TRY 90, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Uskudar

Explore the historic district of Uskudar, with its mosques, markets, and waterfront views.

Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Beylerbeyi Sarayi Restaurant

Dine at Beylerbeyi Sarayi Restaurant for a taste of Ottoman palace cuisine near Beylerbeyi Palace.

TRY 140, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Camlica Hill

Climb Camlica Hill for panoramic views of Istanbul and the perfect sunset spot.

TRY 20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kale Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Kale Restaurant with Turkish classics and a view of the illuminated cityscape.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 7: Turkish Bath Relaxation

Istanbul, Turkey on July 26, 2024

10:00AM

Turkish Bath Experience at Cagaloglu Hamami

Pamper yourself with a traditional Turkish bath experience at the historic Cagaloglu Hamami.

TRY 250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gulhane Sark Sofrasi

Enjoy a hearty Ottoman meal at Gulhane Sark Sofrasi after your relaxing bath.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and haggle for souvenirs.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

End your day with a sumptuous Ottoman dinner at Asitane Restaurant, known for its historic recipes.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 8: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey on July 27, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Chora Museum

Explore the stunning mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes at the Chora Museum.

TRY 45, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk through Balat

Stroll through the colorful streets of Balat, known for its historic houses and street art.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Forno Balat

Enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired lunch at Forno Balat in a trendy cafe setting.

TRY 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Fener and Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

Discover the vibrant neighborhood of Fener and visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, a historic site.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asmalimescit Balik Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood at Asmalimescit Balik Restaurant amidst the lively atmosphere of Asmalimescit.

TRY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 9: Nature Escape

Istanbul, Turkey on July 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sutis Emirgan

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast by the Bosphorus at Sutis Emirgan offering a variety of Turkish delights.

TRY 70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Emirgan Park

Stroll through the lush gardens of Emirgan Park, known for its beautiful flowers and peaceful atmosphere.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mangerie Bebek

Dine at Mangerie Bebek with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.

TRY 120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bosphorus Boat Tour

Embark on a private Bosphorus boat tour to admire the beauty of Istanbul's waterfront from the sea.

TRY 300 (per boat), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bebek Balikci

Enjoy a seafood dinner at Bebek Balikci with a view of the Bosphorus and a selection of fresh catches.

TRY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 10: Farewell Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 29, 2024

9:00AM

Traditional Istanbul Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Relish one last traditional Istanbul breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi with a spread of delicious Turkish dishes.

TRY 90, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, the lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans.

TRY 90, 2 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Istinye Park

Indulge in some last-minute shopping at Istinye Park, a luxury mall offering a range of designer brands.

Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Pierre Loti Hill

Savor a Turkish coffee at Pierre Loti Hill while enjoying panoramic views of the Golden Horn.

TRY 20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

End your Istanbul adventure with a luxurious dining experience at Sunset Grill & Bar with stunning views of the city.

TRY 300, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Enchanting Istanbul Exploration

Day 1: Historical Marvels

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Charming Galata and Beyoglu

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Bosphorus Beauty

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Exploring Asian Charms

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Asian Side Exploration

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Turkish Bath Relaxation

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Cultural Immersion

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 9: Nature Escape

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 10: Farewell Istanbul

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

More About Istanbul

Plan Your Istanbul Trip