How many days do you need in Istanbul?

This itinerary covers 11 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 11 days trip to Istanbul. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Exploring Istanbul: A Cultural Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 20, 2024

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and freshen up for the adventure ahead.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic flavors and variety of dishes.

USD 20, 2 hours

8:00PM

Explore Istiklal Street

Take a leisurely stroll down Istiklal Street, the bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.

USD 0, 2 hours

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Day 2: Sultanahmet District

Istanbul, Turkey on July 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.

USD 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending Christian and Islamic architectural elements.

USD 14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balikci Sabahattin

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Balikci Sabahattin, a popular restaurant offering fresh fish and traditional Turkish dishes.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Marvel at the beauty of the Blue Mosque with its intricate tile work and grand domes.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a culinary journey through history.

USD 30, 2 hours

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Day 3: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Istanbul, Turkey on July 22, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start your day with a delightful Turkish pastry breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, famous for its baklava.

USD 10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the maze of shops at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.

USD 0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Deraliye Restaurant

Savor Ottoman cuisine for lunch at Deraliye Restaurant, located near the Grand Bazaar.

USD 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish delights.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Horn while dining at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its traditional Turkish kebabs and mezes.

USD 35, 2 hours

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Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on July 23, 2024

10:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to admire the Istanbul skyline and historic landmarks from the water.

USD 25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a delicious kebab lunch at Ciya Kebap, known for its flavorful meat dishes.

USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ortakoy

Stroll through the charming neighborhood of Ortakoy, known for its waterfront cafes and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.

USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Experience a fine dining sunset dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

USD 50, 2 hours

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Day 5: Topkapi Palace

Istanbul, Turkey on July 24, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Mangerie, overlooking the Bosphorus.

USD 20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans and home to priceless artifacts.

USD 15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish pide (pita) at Tarihi Karadeniz Pidecisi, a cozy spot near Topkapi Palace.

USD 10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Gülhane Park

Relax in the peaceful Gülhane Park, located next to Topkapi Palace, offering a serene escape from the city buzz.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a gastronomic experience at Mikla, a renowned restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with a view.

USD 40, 2 hours

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Day 6: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Istanbul, Turkey on July 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Start your day with another delicious Turkish breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu before heading to the mosques.

USD 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the historical and architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

USD 14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fuego Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion meal at Fuego Restaurant, offering a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish flavors.

USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and admire its intricate tile work and stunning architecture.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Return to Mikla for another delightful dining experience in the heart of Istanbul.

USD 40, 2 hours

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Day 7: Galata Tower

Istanbul, Turkey on July 26, 2024

10:00AM

Visit Galata Tower

Ascend the historic Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait.

USD 10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bayramoglu Doner

Savor a traditional Turkish doner kebab at Bayramoglu Doner, a local favorite near Galata Tower.

USD 8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Karakoy

Discover the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its street art, boutiques, and cafes.

USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

End your day with a delightful dinner at Ciya Kebap, where you can enjoy more Turkish kebab specialties.

USD 25, 2 hours

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Day 8: Beyoglu District

Istanbul, Turkey on July 27, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi in Beyoglu, known for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.

USD 15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Discover the vibrant Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

USD 0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Çiçek Pasajı

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Çiçek Pasajı, an iconic historic passage filled with restaurants and eateries.

USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

USD 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Asitane Restaurant, known for its historical recipes and elegant ambiance.

USD 35, 2 hours

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Day 9: Princes' Islands

Istanbul, Turkey on July 28, 2024

8:00AM

Ferry to Princes' Islands

Take a scenic ferry ride to the Princes' Islands, a peaceful oasis in the Sea of Marmara known for its horse-drawn carriages and charming architecture.

USD 5, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Büyükada

Discover the largest of the Princes' Islands, Büyükada, by renting a bike or taking a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island.

USD 10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mavi Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Mavi Restaurant overlooking the sea on Büyükada.

USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Swim at Princess Beach Club

Relax and swim at Princess Beach Club, a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Sea of Marmara.

USD 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ferry back to Istanbul

Catch the evening ferry back to Istanbul and enjoy the sunset over the city skyline from the water.

USD 5, 1.5 hours

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Day 10: Turkish Cooking Class

Istanbul, Turkey on July 29, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Spice Market

Embark on a guided tour of the Spice Market to select fresh ingredients for your Turkish cooking class.

USD 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Turkish Cooking Class at Istanbul Cooking School

Learn to prepare traditional Turkish dishes at Istanbul Cooking School under the guidance of expert chefs.

USD 50, 3 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy the Lunch You Prepared

Savor the fruits of your labor by enjoying the delicious lunch you prepared during the cooking class.

USD 0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

After lunch, explore the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece in Istanbul.

USD 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Free Evening

Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore a neighborhood of your choice, do some shopping, or relax at a cafe.

USD 20, Flexible

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Day 11: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on July 30, 2024

8:00AM

Final Breakfast in Istanbul

Enjoy your final breakfast in Istanbul at a local cafe or at your hotel before check-out.

USD 10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Shop for souvenirs, spices, or Turkish delights in the bustling streets of Istanbul for last-minute gifts.

USD 50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, reminiscing about your cultural journey through Istanbul.

USD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Istanbul Airport

Head to Istanbul Airport to catch your flight, taking with you memories of the vibrant city and warm hospitality.

USD 20, 1 hour

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Exploring Istanbul: A Cultural Journey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 2: Sultanahmet District

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Topkapi Palace

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Galata Tower

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Beyoglu District

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 9: Princes' Islands

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 10: Turkish Cooking Class

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 11: Departure Day

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

3:00PM

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