7-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Historic Sites, Asian Side, and Leisure Exploration

Day 1: Historic Heart

Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Pierre Loti

Enjoy a scenic breakfast with views of the Golden Horn, setting a pleasant tone for your day exploring Istanbul’s historic district.
TRY100, 1h

10:30am

Blue Mosque Visit

Explore the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture. It’s a functioning mosque so be mindful of prayer times; open hours typically 9am-6pm.
FREE, 1h30m

12:00pm

Hagia Sophia Tour

Visit Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, and museum; now open as a mosque, visitors can admire its majestic dome and mosaics.
FREE, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor traditional Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this renowned restaurant near Sultanahmet, offering hearty and delicious local flavors.
TRY120, 1h

3:00pm

Topkapi Palace Visit

Tour the opulent Topkapi Palace and its sprawling grounds, learning about Ottoman sultans’ lifestyles and viewing treasures like the Harem and imperial collections. Open 9am-5pm.
TRY200, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Gülhane Park

Unwind with a leisurely stroll through Gülhane Park, adjacent to Topkapi Palace, and enjoy its peaceful gardens after a day of historic sightseeing.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Dine on authentic Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting near Sultanahmet, offering a refined taste of Turkey’s culinary heritage.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Palatial Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread in the vibrant Cihangir neighborhood.
TRY130, 1h

10:00am

Dolmabahce Palace Tour

Explore Dolmabahce Palace, the lavish 19th-century waterfront palace blending European styles with Ottoman grandeur, open 9am-4:30pm.
TRY250, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kale Café near Dolmabahce

Enjoy fresh seafood and Turkish mezes at this cozy café with views of the Bosphorus, perfect for a relaxing midday meal.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Leisure Time along Bosphorus

Stroll or take a short ferry ride along the Bosphorus, soaking in the striking views of Istanbul’s skyline and waterfront mansions.
TRY50, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with Turkish music, delicious food, and beautiful night views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks. Cruises typically start at 6:30pm and last about 3 hours.
TRY550, 3h
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Day 3: Asian Side Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası in Kadikoy

Start early at this famous spot on the Asian side, acclaimed for its rich Anatolian dishes and diverse breakfast options.
TRY140, 1h

9:30am

Explore Kadikoy Market and Streets

Wander through vibrant street markets, boutique shops, and hip cafés reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of Istanbul’s Asian side.
FREE, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Restaurant

Return to sample a wider range of traditional Anatolian dishes, including rare regional specialties expertly prepared.
TRY180, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)

Take a boat from Uskudar to this iconic tower located on a small islet in the Bosphorus for panoramic views and a unique café experience. Boats operate from 9am-7pm.
TRY50, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Uskudar Coastline

Walk along Uskudar’s scenic coastline, visiting local markets and mosques that convey the charm of the lesser-known side of Istanbul.
FREE, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kanaat Lokantası

Dine on classic Turkish dishes in this historic yet lively restaurant in Uskudar, popular among locals for its authentic flavors.
TRY160, 1h30m
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Day 4: Casual Roaming

Istanbul, Turkey on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at House Café Galata

Breakfast in a stylish setting near Galata Tower, perfect to kick off a leisurely day of exploration.
TRY120, 1h

10:30am

Visit Galata Tower

Climb (or take the elevator) to the top for one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic peninsula and Bosphorus. Open 9am-7pm.
TRY100, 1h

12:00pm

Walk Across Galata Bridge

Stroll from Galata to the Eminonu district, enjoying views of fishermen, seagulls, and the bustling waterfront.
FREE, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Experience a delicious kebab lunch at this famous restaurant near the Spice Bazaar with Bosphorus views.
TRY200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the aromas and colors of spices, sweets, and local goods at this historic market open 9am-7pm.
FREE, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Eminonu Waterfront

Enjoy tea or coffee at a waterfront café and watch the Bosphorus ferries and ships come and go.
TRY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Taste excellent mezes and fresh seafood in a cozy atmosphere in Beyoglu, ideal for a relaxed evening.
TRY220, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax & Explore

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at MOC Istanbul

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast options at this local favorite in Karakoy.
TRY110, 1h

10:30am

Walk along Istiklal Avenue

Explore the lively pedestrian street filled with shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, a great way to experience the modern and historic sides of Istanbul.
FREE, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Konsensus Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Turkish and international dishes at this bistro on Istiklal Avenue known for quality and ambiance.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pera Museum

Discover rich Ottoman and Orientalist art collections in a beautifully restored building; open 10am-6pm.
TRY150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at Kronotrop Galata

Recharge with expertly brewed coffee in a trendy café, perfect for reflection and people watching.
TRY60, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Neolokal

End the day with a refined dining experience featuring modern interpretations of traditional Turkish dishes in a stylish setting.
TRY350, 2h
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Day 6: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before preparing for departure.
INCLUDED, 0h30m

8:00am

Departure to Airport

Leave for Istanbul Airport to catch your morning flight, allowing adequate time for check-in and security.
TRY200 (taxi), 1h
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