Ultimate 7-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Turkey

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Cafe Privato, where you can enjoy menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) accompanied by fresh bread and olives.
Walk to Sultanahmet Square
TRY200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral turned mosque, known for its stunning dome and beautiful mosaics.
Walk to the next location
TRY200, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Grab a delicious serving of köfte (meatballs) served with rice and salads at this authentic eatery.
Walk through the gardens to the Topkapi Palace
TRY150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Wander through the rooms of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and admire its opulent architecture and priceless artifacts.
Walk to Gülhane Park
TRY300, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll in Gülhane Park

Relax and enjoy a peaceful walk in Gülhane Park, a lovely green space with views of the Bosphorus.
Walk to the nearest tram station
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Indulge in a variety of traditional Turkish kebabs while overlooking the Golden Horn at Hamdi Restaurant.
Tram ride to Karaköy
TRY400, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Deep Dive

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at MOC

Start your second day with a delicious pastry and specialty coffee at MOC (Ministry of Coffee) in Karaköy.
Walk to the Bosphorus ferry terminal
TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing morning on a Bosphorus cruise, taking in views of Istanbul's skyline and historic waterfront palaces.
Ferry ride
TRY300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Orta Kulüp

Refuel at Orta Kulüp, located near the ferry terminal, offering delectable fish dishes and mezze.
Walk to the Spice Bazaar
TRY250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shop at Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the sights and smells at the Spice Bazaar, filled with spices, sweets, and local crafts.
Walk to Süleymaniye Mosque
FREE, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

Marvel at the grandeur of Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's largest and most beautiful mosques.
Walk to Grand Bazaar
FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Spend the evening wandering through the Grand Bazaar, shopping for carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Walk to a nearby restaurant
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pandeli Restaurant

End your day with dinner at Pandeli Restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar, known for its traditional Turkish dishes.
Walk to hotel
TRY500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Emek Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Emek Cafe, famous for its traditional Turkish breakfast and friendly atmosphere.
Take the tram to Galata Tower
TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb to the top of Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.
Walk to Istiklal Avenue
TRY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Zubeyir Ocakbasi

Savor grilled meats and authentic Turkish dishes at Zubeyir Ocakbasi, located right off Istiklal Avenue.
Explore Istiklal Avenue
TRY300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue, enjoying street food, shops, and art galleries along the bustling pedestrian street.
Walk to the Pera Museum
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Pera Museum

Discover intriguing art exhibits at the Pera Museum, showcasing Turkish and international art.
Walk to nearby cafe
TRY200, 1 hour

5:30PM

Coffee break at Fıccın

Relax with a cup of Turkish coffee and a slice of traditional Turkish delight at Fıccın.
Walk to Taksim Square
TRY150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine at 360 Istanbul for a fusion menu with a stunning rooftop view of the city.
Walk back to the hotel
TRY600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Architectural Gems

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a quintessential Van breakfast rich in cheeses and fresh breads.
Take a taxi to the District of Ortaköy
TRY120, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ortaköy Mosque

Admire the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque, situated by the Bosphorus with its stunning architecture.
Stroll along the waterfront
FREE, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Asmalı Cavit

Enjoy fresh meze and seafood at Asmalı Cavit, a delightful restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
Walk back to the tram station
TRY350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, once the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
Take a short tram ride to Sisli
TRY400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Yıldız Park

Take a leisurely walk through Yıldız Park, known for its beautiful gardens and romantic pathways.
Walk to Beşiktaş
FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Snack at Beşiktaş Fish Market

Explore local delicacies at Beşiktaş Fish Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood snacks.
Walk to the tram stop
TRY250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Çınaraltı Cafe

End your day with a light dinner at Çınaraltı Cafe, known for its riverside view and tasty Turkish food.
Take a bus back to the hotel
TRY300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Local Experiences

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Aret'in Yeri

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Aret'in Yeri near Galata Bridge known for its homemade pastries and fresh juice.
Take the tram to Kadıköy
TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Ferry to Kadıköy

Take the ferry to Kadıköy for a new perspective of the city over the Bosphorus.
Enjoy a scenic ride
TRY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Taste a variety of regional dishes at Çiya Sofrası, famous for its authentic and unique Turkish cuisine.
Explore Kadıköy Market
TRY200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wander Kadıköy Market

Stroll through the vibrant Kadıköy Market filled with fresh produce, street food stalls, and local shops.
Take a ferry back to Eminönü
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the New Mosque

Visit the New Mosque (Yeni Camii), an iconic structure filled with intricate tile work and rich history.
Walk to the Istanbul Modern Museum
FREE, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Istanbul Modern

Experience contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, housed in a stunning waterfront building.
Walk to a nearby cafe
TRY300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mezzaluna

Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist at Mezzaluna located in Karaköy.
Take a taxi back to hotel
TRY500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day of Relaxation

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Savor a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, taking your time to fuel up for the day ahead.
Prepare for a visit to a Hamam
FREE, 1 hour

10:30AM

Turkish Bath Experience

Indulge in a luxurious Turkish bath experience at a traditional hamam, the ultimate relaxation.
Walk or taxi to the hamam
TRY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Refuel with lunch at Doy Doy, known for its stunning views and tasty dishes.
Relax at the Bosphorus
TRY300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Leisure at Bosphorus

Spend some leisurely time walking along the Bosphorus promenade, soaking in the atmosphere.
Look for coffee shops along the way
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee and Baklava at Gülhane Park Cafe

Indulge in local sweets and aromatic Turkish coffee at the café in Gülhane Park.
Walk to a nearby tram station
TRY200, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Walk at the Park

Enjoy an evening stroll through Gülhane Park, beautifully lit and ideal for relaxation.
Head towards the hotel
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bebek Balıkçısı

Conclude your day with a delightful seafood dinner at Bebek Balıkçısı with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Take a taxi back to hotel
TRY500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pelit

Gather for a sweet and savory breakfast at Pelit, an Istanbul classic known for its pastries.
Walk to the last shopping spree location
TRY200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Final Shopping at Nişantaşı

Explore Nişantaşı, one of Istanbul's most fashionable districts, perfect for last-minute souvenirs.
Walk or take a taxi back to Sultanahmet
TRY250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Caffè Nero

Grab a light lunch at Caffè Nero, offering delicious sandwiches and coffee for an easy meal.
Walk around Sultanahmet
TRY250, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Wander into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water storage with stunning columns.
Walk to nearby Iconic sites
TRY300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Hippodrome of Constantinople

Finish your journey by exploring the Hippodrome, a historical site rich in ancient history.
Walk back to hotel
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Savor a memorable farewell dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, where stunning views and exquisite cuisine await.
Take a taxi to the restaurant
TRY800, 2 hours
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