11-Day Istanbul Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and History

Day 1: Historical Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring fresh bread, olives, cheeses, and honey.
Walk to the nearby tram station.
TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this architectural wonder that seamlessly transitioned from a cathedral to a mosque, now a museum.
Tram from Eminönü to Sultanahmet.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Short walk from Hagia Sophia.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at this lavish palace filled with artifacts.
5-minute walk from lunch.
TRY250, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll in Gulhane Park

Unwind with a leisurely walk amidst scenic gardens, a serene escape in Istanbul.
Exit Topkapi Palace and walk into the park.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Treat yourself to delicious kebabs while enjoying panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Enjoying the Market

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Savor a lovely brunch with a stunning view of the Bosphorus and creative twists on classic Turkish dishes.
Taxi to Bebek.
TRY120, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, a paradise for shoppers.
Taxi back to Sultanahmet.
Free to enter, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Sample flavorful Turkish cuisine in a historic setting within the spice market.
Walk to the Spice Bazaar.
TRY150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Spice Bazaar

Delight your senses with the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of spices, sweets, and teas.
Right next to lunch location.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Experience the beauty of Istanbul from the water, passing by palaces and waterfront mansions.
Walk to Eminönü port.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy creative mezze dishes paired with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.
Walk 10 minutes back to your hotel.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Local Experiences

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pierre Loti Cafe

Indulge in breakfast with a panoramic view of the Golden Horn.
Take a cable car to the cafe.
TRY80, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Chora Church

Admire the stunning mosaics and frescoes in one of Istanbul's hidden gems.
Taxi to Chora Church.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sehzade Cağ Kebap

Experience authentic cağ kebap, a delicious skewered meat dish.
Return to the city center by taxi.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque

Visit this grand mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
Take a short taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Walk the Spice Trail

Stroll through the area surrounding the mosque, lined with various shops selling spices.
On foot from the mosque.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Amedros Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of delicious Turkish dishes in a cozy setting near the Sultanahmet area.
Short walk from the Spice Trail.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Art and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa

Start your day with a delightful spread of cakes and Turkish delight.
Tram to Sirkeci.
TRY70, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Discover contemporary Turkish and international artists at this pivotal gallery.
Walk to the museum from breakfast.
TRY150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Indulge in delicious baklava and other pastries as part of your meal.
Short walk to Karaköy.
TRY120, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Pera Museum

Immerse yourself in art and history, including unique exhibits showcasing Ottoman-era photography.
Walk from lunch to Pera Museum.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Wander İstiklal Avenue

Stroll down this vibrant pedestrian avenue, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk down İstiklal Avenue.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Enjoy exquisite international cuisine in a rooftop restaurant with stunning views.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
TRY350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Bosphorus Day

Istanbul, Turkey

8:30AM

Breakfast at Taksim Kebab House

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of Turkish kebabs and bread.
Walk to Taksim Square.
TRY80, 1 hour

10:00AM

Take a Ferry to Buyukada

Experience a relaxing ferry ride to Istanbul's Princes' Islands for a peaceful day trip.
Walk to Kabatas ferry terminal.
TRY100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Seyir Restaurant (Buyukada)

Enjoy seafood and magnificent views of the sea at this island restaurant.
Located near the ferry terminal on Buyukada.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Exploration of Buyukada

Spend the afternoon discovering the beautiful architecture and quiet shores of this charming island.
Explore on foot or rent a bike.
TRY50, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Istanbul

Enjoy the ferry ride back to mainland Istanbul.
Back to Kabatas ferry terminal.
TRY100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Savor fresh seafood in a cozy atmosphere within a delightful neighborhood setting.
Short taxi ride to the restaurant.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring the Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Delight in a traditional Turkish breakfast with an amazing view of the Bosphorus.
Ferry to Üsküdar.
TRY80, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Maiden's Tower

Explore this iconic landmark in the Bosphorus with stunning views from the tower.
Short boat ride to Maiden's Tower.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Çınaraltı Café

Enjoy lunch at a unique spot under centuries-old trees overlooking the sea.
Short boat ride back to Üsküdar.
TRY120, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Camlica Hill

Visit this beautiful hill for picturesque views of Istanbul and a chance to relax in nature.
Take a taxi to Camlica Hill.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace

Discover this stunning 19th-century palace with lovely gardens and opulent decorations.
Short taxi ride from Camlica Hill.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hünkar Restaurant

Enjoy Turkish classic dishes in a historical ambiance.
Take a taxi back to the city center.
TRY280, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Gems

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Nugget Cafe

Start your day with a modern twist on Turkish breakfast classics.
Walk to the nearby cafe.
TRY100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore this grand palace, a symbol of the Ottoman royal history with extravagant interiors.
Tram to Kabatas and walk to the palace.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nusret Steakhouse

Treat yourself to a delicious steak meal from one of the city's renowned chefs.
Short taxi ride from the palace.
TRY400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ortaköy Mosque

Visit this picturesque mosque located right by the Bosphorus, a perfect photo opportunity.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Stroll around Ortaköy

Walk along the charming streets filled with cafes and shops by the waterfront.
On foot from the mosque.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Baltazar Istanbul

End your day with a contemporary Anatolian dinner and great wine pairings.
Walk to the restaurant in Ortaköy.
TRY320, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip

Istanbul, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to start the day.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Day Trip to Princes' Islands

Take a ferry to the charming islands, where cars are banned, and explore on foot or bike.
Ferry from Kabatas.
TRY100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Fish Restaurant

Savor delicious seafood at a popular restaurant along the waterfront on the islands.
Near your chosen spot on the islands.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Continue Exploring the Islands

Spend your afternoon admiring historic mansions, and soaking up the island's atmosphere.
Explore on foot or bicycle rental.
TRY50, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Istanbul

Take the ferry back as you reflect on a lovely day.
Back to Kabatas.
TRY100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kalkan Restaurant

Dine on a variety of delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Short taxi ride from the ferry terminal.
TRY270, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Shopping and Leisure

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Patisserie de Pera

Enjoy baked goods from this charming patisserie that offer a taste of Paris in Istanbul.
Walk to Pera.
TRY100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shopping at Nişantaşı

Browse high-end boutiques and local designers in this trendy shopping district.
Take a taxi to Nişantaşı.
Varies by purchase, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Petite Maison

Delight in a beautiful Mediterranean lunch in a sophisticated chic restaurant.
Short taxi ride from shopping.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Istanbul Aquarium

Experience a fascinating underwater world at one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
Take a taxi to the aquarium.
TRY175, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Florya Beach

Unwind at this lovely beach with beautiful views and a refreshing atmosphere.
Short taxi ride from the aquarium.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Marmara Taksim

Experience luxury dining with diverse menus featuring both Turkish and international cuisine.
Taxi back to Taksim.
TRY350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Historical Insights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Doy Doy

Enjoy a mix of breakfast plates featuring traditional Turkish favorites.
Walk to the restaurant.
TRY90, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Discover the mysterious underground water reservoir, rich in history and architecture.
Walk to the cistern nearby.
TRY150, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pideci Selim Usta

Indulge in delicious Turkish pide (flatbread) with various fillings.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
TRY100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Explore artifacts from ancient civilizations and marvel at their history.
10-minute walk from lunch.
TRY200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk along the Theodosian Walls

Take a stroll along these impressive ancient walls that tell the story of the city's defenses.
Taxi to the walls.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Konyalı Lokantası

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on regional dishes.
Short taxi ride from the walls.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Final Reflections

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Evinin Kahvaltısı

Conclude your journey with a homemade-style breakfast in a cozy atmosphere.
Take a taxi across town.
TRY120, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul

Immerse yourself one last time in the rich history embedded in this magnificent museum.
Taxi to the museum.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Enjoy regional Turkish dishes in this well-regarded restaurant known for its vibrant flavors.
Take a taxi to Kadiköy.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Final Shopping in Kadiköy Market

Find some last-minute souvenirs at this bustling market filled with local goods.
Explore the area on foot.
Varies by purchase, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mikan

Celebrate the end of your journey with a delightful dinner featuring delicious Asian-inspired dishes.
Take a taxi back to the city center.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability