Istanbul Itinerary for 5 Days

• Day 1: Explore the historical district of Sultanahmet. Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Have lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine and stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
• Day 2: Take a ferry to the beautiful Princes' Islands. Spend the day biking and exploring the island's beaches and forests. Have dinner at Tiya Limani for fresh seafood.
• Day 3: Visit the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet. Take a tram to the Taksim Square and walk down Istiklal Street for shopping and dining. Have lunch at Buttergrill for great burgers.
• Day 4: Take a day trip to Edirne to see the stunning Selimiye Mosque and the Edirne Palace. Have lunch at Alicik Restaurant for traditional Turkish food.
• Day 5: Visit the Chora Museum for stunning mosaics and frescoes. Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait for scenic views. Have dinner at Karakoy Lokantasi for delicious meze and wine.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Hagia Sophia - 2 hours - 72 TL
• Blue Mosque - 1 hour - Free
• Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine - 1.5 hours - 120 TL
• Grand Bazaar - 2 hours - Depends on shopping
• Princes' Islands - Full day - Ferry - 25 TL
• Tiya Limani - 2 hours - 150 TL
• Topkapi Palace - 3 hours - 72 TL
• Basilica Cistern - 1 hour - 40 TL
• Taksim Square - 2 hours - Free
• Istiklal Street - 3 hours - Depends on shopping
• Buttergrill - 1.5 hours - 80 TL
• Edirne - Full day - Bus - 20 TL
• Selimiye Mosque - 2 hours - Free
• Edirne Palace - 1.5 hours - 45 TL
• Alicik Restaurant - 2 hours - 100 TL
• Chora Museum - 1.5 hours - 45 TL
• Bosphorus Strait Boat Tour - 2 hours - 25 TL
• Karakoy Lokantasi - 2 hours - 150 TL
• Total Estimated Costs: 972 TL

Transportation:

To get around Istanbul, take the tram, metro, or ferry depending on your destination. A single ride on public transportation costs 3.50 TL. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive, so negotiate prices before getting in.

Links to Key Attractions and Restaurants:

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
• Bosphorus Boat Tours
• Tiya Limani
• Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar
• Selimiye Mosque
• Edirne Tours
• Karakoy Lokantasi

Tips:

If you have more time, consider taking a trip to the charming town of Bursa to see the Green Mosque and the Grand Mosque.