3-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Istanbul: April 20-23, 2025

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Istanbul, Turkey on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hafız Mustafa 1864

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast featuring traditional pastries and kahve at this iconic café, open from 7:30 AM.
TRY50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM (last admission 6 PM).
TRY200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue tiles and grand architecture, open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, free entry but donations welcome.
Free, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at this renowned local eatery, open 11 AM to 9 PM.
TRY60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Topkapi Palace

Tour the lavish Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans, open 9 AM to 6 PM with last admissions at 5 PM.
TRY300, 3 hours

5:30PM

Explore the Basilica Cistern

Discover the mysterious underground Basilica Cistern, open 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
TRY100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savour fresh seafood at this charming historic restaurant in Sultanahmet, open until 11 PM.
TRY250, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bosphorus & Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy an authentic and hearty Turkish breakfast famous for its regional specialties, open from 8 AM.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 2-hour Bosphorus cruise departing from Eminönü pier, offering views of palaces, fortresses, and bridges, operates 9 AM to early evening.
TRY150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy

Ferry to Asian side and enjoy diverse Anatolian dishes at this acclaimed restaurant, open 12 PM to 10 PM.
TRY80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Kadıköy Market and Moda District

Wander through vibrant local markets, boutiques, and cafés in Kadıköy and Moda for a taste of modern Istanbul culture.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to European side and visit Istiklal Avenue

Walk down bustling Istiklal Avenue, famous for shopping, historic passages, and street performers.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine with panoramic views on the rooftop at 360 Istanbul, serving modern Turkish and international cuisine, open until midnight.
TRY300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Markets & Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey on April 22, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Mavra Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with coffee and pastries in the Karaköy district, opens at 8 AM.
TRY55, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Spend your morning exploring one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar opens from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

See the grandeur of Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
Free, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy classic Ottoman cuisine within the Grand Bazaar complex, open 11 AM to 6:30 PM.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Dive into the colours and aromas of the Spice Bazaar, open 9 AM to 7 PM, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Pierre Loti Café

Take a ferry and visit this scenic café with panoramic views of the Golden Horn, open 8 AM to 8 PM.
TRY40, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

End your trip with fine dining and spectacular sunset views at Mikla, open 6 PM to midnight, booking recommended.
TRY400, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability