Eco-Friendly 10-Day Itinerary in Istanbul

Day 1: Explore Historical Landmarks

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Simit Sarayı

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring simit, olives, and tea while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Bosphorus.
Located in Karaköy, easily reachable by walking from Taksim Square.
TRY60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the incredible Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque, now a museum, with mesmerizing architecture and history.
Take tram line T1 from Karaköy to Sultanahmet station.
TRY200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor some of the best traditional Turkish meatballs at this historical restaurant.
A short walk from Hagia Sophia.
TRY80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque showcases stunning blue tiles and intricate architecture.
Walking distance from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wander in the Topkapi Palace

Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for centuries, with lovely gardens and impressive collections.
Just a short walk away from the Blue Mosque.
TRY250, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ziya Şark Sofrası

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in an eco-friendly restaurant focusing on local ingredients.
Located nearby, it's a quick walk.
TRY100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turchia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Start your day lakeside with a hearty organic breakfast filled with local flavors.
Located in Bebek and accessible via public transport.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a scenic eco-friendly cruise on the Bosphorus, witnessing city landmarks from the water.
Board at Bebek Pier; purchase tickets at departure.
TRY150, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Çamlıca Hill

Spend a relaxing hour at Çamlıca Hill, taking in panoramic views of Istanbul.
Take bus 15 or 15B from the Bosphorus area.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Çamlıca Social Facility

Dine at a restaurant focused on fresh ingredients with a stunning view of the city.
Located at the entrance to the hill.
TRY90, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wander through the Asian side of Istanbul

Stroll through Kadıköy’s local markets and discover eco-friendly shops and cafes.
Take a ferry from Üsküdar to Kadıköy.
TRY20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Çiya Sofrası

Grab a coffee at Çiya's café known for its sustainable approach to food.
Walking distance from Kadıköy's market area.
TRY30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Giritli Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal made from organic ingredients sourced locally.
A short walk along the waterfront.
TRY120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Creativity

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Pera

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with eco-friendly coffee and pastries.
Located in the vibrant street of Istiklal.
TRY60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary Turkish art at the Istanbul Modern museum, housed in a former warehouse.
Walking distance from the café.
TRY100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at MOC - Market Of Coffee

Have a light lunch at this sustainable café while sampling eco-friendly coffees.
Located a short walk from the museum.
TRY80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll through Karaköy District

Wander through the artistic Karaköy area and appreciate the street art and local galleries.
Easily reachable on foot.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit SALT Galata

Check out this cultural center known for exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops.
A short walk from Karaköy.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nardis Jazz Club

Enjoy a cozy dinner while listening to live jazz music, focusing on fresh and sustainable food.
Located near Galata Tower.
TRY150, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Parks

Istanbul, Turchia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh produce and local cheeses before your day in nature.
Located in Cihangir, easily accessible by tram.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day trip to Belgrad Forest

Escape the city with a visit to Belgrad Forest where you can hike trails and enjoy the lush greenery.
Take bus 41 from Levent metro station.
TRY30, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Hiking in Belgrad Forest

Experience the beautiful trails of Belgrad Forest, a peaceful haven just outside Istanbul.
Navigate within the park's well-marked trails.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic with local organic snacks to enjoy on your hike.
Purchase snacks from a local market before the trip.
TRY40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue hiking

Explore more trails within the forest and breathe in the fresh air.
Within Belgrad Forest.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Istanbul

Head back to Istanbul and refresh for dinner.
Take bus 41 back to Levent.
TRY30, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Deep Istanbul Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Walking distance from Taksim Square.
TRY120, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Shopping and Souvenirs

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at House Café

Enjoy a healthy breakfast in the heart of the historical district.
Located in Galata, accessible by tram.
TRY80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest traders' markets where you can find handicrafts and local products.
Take tram T1 from Karaköy to Beyazit.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Meşhur Saffet Usta

Taste some of the best local dishes at this well-loved restaurant located close to the Grand Bazaar.
Short walk from the bazaar.
TRY90, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Discover exotic spices, teas, and dried fruits in this colorful, aromatic market.
Walking distance from the Grand Bazaar.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Souvenirs Shopping

Spend some time picking up unique souvenirs and eco-friendly products.
Utilize shops nearby the Spice Bazaar.
Variable, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Hafız Mustafa

Enjoy traditional Turkish desserts and coffee at this iconic café.
Located near the Spice Bazaar.
TRY40, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Tarihi Nigaroca

Feast on classic dishes made from farm-to-table ingredients.
Located in Eminönü and accessible on foot.
TRY110, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxation and Spa Day

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tarabya Bay

Kickstart your day with a leisurely breakfast by the sea, enjoying the fresh air.
Located in Sarıyer, reachable via bus.
TRY70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit a Traditional Hammam

Immerse yourself in the culture by enjoying a relaxing session at a traditional hammam.
Choose balmy variations nearby here in Tarabya.
TRY150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cibalikapı Balıkçısı

Savor fresh seafood dishes at this eco-friendly restaurant near the Golden Horn.
Located nearby the hammam.
TRY120, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Emirgan Park

After lunch, stroll through Emirgan Park, one of the best green spaces in Istanbul.
Take bus 48 to Emirgan Park.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Coffee at Emirgan Sıdıka

Relax with coffee and great views of the Bosphorus in this serene café within the park.
On-site at Emirgan Park.
TRY50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Extra Hammam Treatment

Treat yourself to an additional hammam service, such as a massage for complete relaxation.
Back to the same location as earlier.
TRY100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

End your relaxing day with a dinner overlooking the Bosphorus while enjoying modern Turkish cuisine.
A short walk from Emirgan Park.
TRY200, 2 hours
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Day 7: Adventure and Sports

Istanbul, Turchia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Konyalı Restaurant

Fuel up with a traditional Turkish breakfast in the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu.
Close to Topkapi Palace, easy to spot.
TRY80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Go Cycling at Riva

Rent a bike and venture to Riva, a serene coastal area perfect for cycling.
Take bus 139 from Sarayburnu.
TRY50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Cycling Exploration

Enjoy picturesque roads while cycling along the coast and discovering breathtaking views.
Navigate within the Riva area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Çayır Restoran

Dine in a quaint local restaurant offering sustainable dishes with fresh local produce.
Located in Riva.
TRY90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Swimming at Riva Beach

Take some time to relax and swim at Riva's clean beach.
Nearby the cycling route.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Istanbul

Head back to Istanbul after a fulfilling day of adventure.
Bus 139 back to Sarayburnu.
TRY50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Kale Grills

Enjoy a satisfying dinner focused on healthy grilled specialties from local farms.
Close to Taksim area.
TRY110, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Historical Walks

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pideci Durum

Start your day with a traditional Turkish pide, a type of flatbread, for breakfast.
Short distance from the Grand Bazaar.
TRY60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Historical Walking Tour

Join a walking tour of the historical Sultanahmet area to learn about the rich history of Istanbul.
Meeting point at Sultanahmet Square.
TRY200, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aşşk Cafe

After the tour, settle in for lunch at this cozy cafe serving healthy Turkish dishes.
A short walk from the tour ends.
TRY80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Basilica Cistern

Visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, where you can admire the columned halls and serene waters.
Just a short walk from Aşşk Cafe.
TRY150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Discover the Hippodrome

Stroll around the Hippodrome, the historical center of sporting and political events in ancient Byzantium.
Located near the Basilica.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum

End your historical walk with a visit to the Archaeological Museum to see important artefacts.
A short walk away.
TRY200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zeyrekhane

Enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant focusing on fine dining with an environmental approach.
Located in the Zeyrek district.
TRY130, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Day Trip

Istanbul, Turchia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kiva

Enjoy a light vegetarian breakfast at this cozy café before your day trip.
Connected via public transport from the main city.
TRY50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day trip to Princes Islands

Catch a ferry to the beautiful Princes Islands for a day of exploration and relaxation.
Ferries depart from Kabataş.
TRY50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Buyukada

Once on the island, enjoy the absence of cars and explore by renting a bike or walking.
Biking options available upon arrival.
TRY30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Have lunch at this popular restaurant offering fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
A short walk from the docking area.
TRY100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Take some time to unwind at the beach nearby, made all the more enjoyable without crowds.
Easily reachable by foot.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Return Ferry to Istanbul

Head back to the city after a relaxing day on the islands.
Catch the ferry at the same docking area.
TRY50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee at MOC

Enjoy a final cup of eco-friendly coffee at this beloved spot in Istanbul.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
TRY30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Borsa

Indulge in a magnificent meal with local specialties emphasizing fresh and organic ingredients.
Located in the Levent area.
TRY160, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Culinary Delights

Istanbul, Turchia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ortaköy Cafe

Enjoy a breakfast view of the Bosphorus while feasting on their famous kumpir (stuffed baked potato).
Ortaköy is easily accessible by bus.
TRY70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cooking Class at Cooking Alaturka

Get hands-on experience in cooking traditional Turkish dishes from an eco-conscious perspective.
Taksim Square to Cooking Alaturka by taxi or tram.
TRY300, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cooking Alaturka

Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch after cooking your traditional meals.
On-site at Cooking Alaturka.
Included, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit a Local Market

Wander through local markets to get a feel for Istanbul's culinary scene and pick up fresh ingredients.
Choose one nearby; Kadıköy or Eminönü are good options.
Variable, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Petra Roasting Co.

Relax with an expertly brewed coffee at this eco-conscious café.
A short distance in Kadıköy.
TRY40, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Finish your final night in Istanbul with exquisite meze dishes made from organic ingredients.
Short walk from Kadıköy.
TRY140, 1.5 hours
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