7-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration of Istanbul, Turkey

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on April 16, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Pierre Loti

Start your day at this charming café with a panoramic view of Istanbul, enjoying traditional Turkish breakfast including simit, olives, and fresh tea.

TRY 100, 1 hour

9:45AM

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, the Hagia Sophia, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine architecture and history as a church, mosque, and museum. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.

TRY 150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque famous for its beautiful blue İznik tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture. Closed during prayer times; best to visit between 12:00PM-4:00PM.

Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and delicious local sides in this historic eatery near the Blue Mosque.

TRY 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent Topkapi Palace, the home of Ottoman sultans featuring lush gardens, exquisite collections, and the famous Harem section. Open 9:00AM-6:00PM (last entry 5:00PM).

TRY 200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Walk and relax in Gülhane Park

Stroll through this historic park adjacent to Topkapi Palace to unwind and enjoy lovely views and fountains.

Free, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Dine on authentic Ottoman cuisine with views of Hagia Sophia, offering a rich culinary experience that reflects Istanbul’s history.

TRY 180, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Bosphorus and Bazaar

Istanbul, Turkey on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast spread with cheeses, honey, eggs, and fresh bread in this popular local spot in Cihangir.

TRY 90, 1 hour

9:30AM

Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to spices. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.

Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy classic Turkish dishes in this historic eatery located inside the Spice Bazaar.

TRY 120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Spice Bazaar

Delight in the sights and aromas of Turkish spices, teas, and sweets. Located near the Eminönü waterfront. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.

Free entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 1.5-hour cruise along the Bosphorus, offering picturesque views of Istanbul's skyline and both Asian and European shores. Cruises depart from Eminönü between 9:00AM and 6:00PM.

TRY 150, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit Ortaköy Mosque and Square

Walk around Ortaköy area by the Bosphorus, famous for its lively atmosphere, street vendors, and the beautiful mosque by the water.

Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Feriye Lokantası

Experience seafood and traditional Turkish dishes with a magnificent Bosphorus view.

TRY 200, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Modern Beyoğlu

Istanbul, Turkey on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mavra Café

Start your day in this stylish café offering specialty coffees and a light breakfast menu in the Beyoğlu district.

TRY 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Istiklal Avenue Walk

Explore this famous pedestrian street filled with shops, galleries, historic passages, and street performers.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Galata Tower

Climb the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views over Istanbul’s Old City and the Bosphorus. Open 9:00AM-7:00PM.

TRY 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Neolokal

Savor modern Turkish cuisine curated with local ingredients in a creative setting near the Karaköy area.

TRY 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Museum of Innocence

Visit this unique museum inspired by Orhan Pamuk’s novel, showcasing intricate details of Istanbul’s social history. Open 10:00AM-6:00PM.

TRY 75, 1.5 hours

4:15PM

Coffee Break at Karabatak

Enjoy high-quality Turkish coffee or espresso in a cozy and artsy environment.

TRY 50, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Experience Istanbul's fine dining with innovative cuisine and stunning views from the rooftop. Reservations recommended.

TRY 350, 2 hours

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Day 4: Asian Side & Kadıköy

Istanbul, Turkey on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası

Relish authentic Anatolian breakfast dishes and regional Turkish cuisine in the heart of Kadıköy.

TRY 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kadıköy Market and Moda Walk

Explore vibrant markets full of fresh produce, souvenirs, and local delicacies followed by a scenic walk along Moda’s seaside promenade.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Viktor Levi

Enjoy diverse international and Mediterranean dishes in a stylish atmosphere in Moda.

TRY 130, 1 hour

1:30PM

Fenerbahçe Park and Marina

Relax at this peaceful park with beautiful views of the Sea of Marmara and yachts docked at the marina.

Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return Ferry to European Side via Karaköy

Take a scenic ferry ride back to the European side, capturing spectacular city views from the water.

TRY 25, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish and international art in this modern museum on the waterfront. Open 10:00AM-6:00PM.

TRY 85, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy refined Turkish meze and seafood dishes in a beautifully decorated setting in Karaköy.

TRY 160, 1.5 hours

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Day 5: Palaces & Parks

Istanbul, Turkey on April 20, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Kronotrop

Start the day with excellent specialty coffee and pastries in the Karaköy neighborhood.

TRY 75, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dolmabahçe Palace Tour

Visit the lavish Dolmabahçe Palace along the Bosphorus, known for its European style, crystal chandeliers, and rich history. Open 9:00AM-4:00PM.

TRY 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen’s Terrace

Enjoy lunch with Bosphorus views and delicious Turkish and international cuisine near the Dolmabahçe area.

TRY 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Yıldız Park Walk

Discover this sprawling and serene park with beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking paths.

Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Çırağan Palace and Tea Garden

Relax with tea or coffee in the historic Çırağan Palace setting overlooking the Bosphorus.

TRY 70, 1 hour

6:00PM

Leisure time or optional shopping in Nişantaşı

Stroll through Istanbul’s upscale shopping district, filled with boutiques and cafés.

Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Zuma Istanbul

Delight in sophisticated Japanese cuisine in an upscale setting in Ortaköy to conclude your day with a global culinary touch.

TRY 300, 2 hours

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Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Savor a rich breakfast with local cheeses, olives, and Turkish specialties in Karaköy’s gourmet market venue.

TRY 90, 1 hour

9:30AM

Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Admire the exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this historic church museum. Open 9:00AM-5:00PM.

TRY 110, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk in Balat and Fener Neighborhoods

Explore the colorful streets and historic atmosphere of these traditional Istanbul neighborhoods rich in culture and architecture.

Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Forno Balat

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas and Turkish dishes in a cozy Balat locale.

TRY 100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Visit this industrial museum on the Golden Horn with exhibits on transport, engineering, and technology. Open 10:00AM-5:00PM.

TRY 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Pierre Loti Hill

Take the cable car up to this famous hilltop café for sunset views over the Golden Horn.

TRY 50, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası (Second Visit)

Revisit for their extensive Anatolian dishes in a relaxed setting.

TRY 120, 1.5 hours

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Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Privato Cafe

Have a final leisurely breakfast featuring fresh pastries and Turkish coffee in the Galata area.

TRY 85, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Arasta Bazaar

Pick up last-minute souvenirs close to Sultanahmet with a calm bazaar known for traditional crafts and textiles. Open 10:00AM-6:00PM.

Free entry, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Relax at a Hamam (Turkish Bath) – Historical Çemberlitaş Hamamı

Unwind with a traditional Turkish bath experience located near the Grand Bazaar. Open from 6:00AM till late evening.

TRY 250, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy a final meal of fresh seafood in a classic Ottoman-style setting in Sultanahmet.

TRY 160, 1 hour

3:30PM

Transfer to Airport

Allow sufficient time for transportation to Istanbul Airport for your departure.

TRY 100, 1 hour

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