6-Day Comprehensive Istanbul Itinerary: Explore the Cultural and Historical Heart of Turkey

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy classic Turkish breakfast dishes in a historic eatery known for its delicious kofte and traditional flavors, open from 7:00am.
TRY100, 1h0m

9:30am

Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic landmark with stunning Byzantine mosaics and a rich history as both a cathedral and mosque, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
TRY150, 2h0m

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Visit the still-active mosque famous for its exquisite blue İznik tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Savor Ottoman palace cuisine near the Hagia Sophia, open 12:00pm-10:00pm with traditional, authentic dishes.
TRY200, 1h30m

2:45pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the sprawling former palace of Ottoman sultans including the Harem section; open 9:00am-6:45pm.
TRY200, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Old City skyline in a rooftop setting, open until 11:00pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Beyoğlu and Galata

Istanbul, Turkey on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Privato Café

Enjoy fresh coffee and homemade Turkish breakfast with a view of Galata Tower, open from 8:00am.
TRY120, 1h0m

9:30am

Galata Tower

Climb the medieval tower for a 360-degree view of Istanbul’s skyline; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

11:00am

Istiklal Avenue Walk

Stroll along this bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic tram; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Çiçek Pasajı

Experience lively atmosphere and meze dishes in this historic arcade, open 12:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m

3:00pm

Pera Museum

Visit this art museum with Ottoman era and Orientalist paintings; open 10:00am-6:00pm.
TRY70, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with contemporary Turkish cuisine and impressive city views, open 6:00pm-12:00am.
TRY350, 2h0m
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Day 3: Asian Side and Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası

Located in Kadıköy, serves unique Anatolian breakfast specialties, open from 8:00am.
TRY130, 1h0m

9:30am

Kadıköy Market Walking Tour

Explore vibrant street market with fresh produce, spices, and local crafts.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Moda Neighborhood Stroll

Relax in this charming area with cafes, sea views, and street art.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Mezze Bar

Enjoy an array of traditional mezes and Anatolian dishes, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to European Side via Ferry

Take a scenic ferry ride back across the Bosphorus for great photo opportunities, runs frequently throughout the day.
TRY20, 1h0m

4:30pm

Spice Bazaar

Discover a fragrant, colorful market packed with spices, sweets, and souvenirs; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free to enter, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Famous for kebabs with Bosphorus views, open 11:00am-11:00pm.
TRY220, 1h30m
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Day 4: Grand Bazaar and Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kale Café

Simple breakfast near the Grand Bazaar to energize for a shopping day, open from 7:30am.
TRY90, 1h0m

9:00am

Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free to enter, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Havuzlu Restaurant

Offers authentic Turkish dishes just steps from the bazaar, open 11:00am-10:00pm.
TRY150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Visit this small mosque renowned for its exquisite Iznik tilework; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Explore Eminönü District

Wander the lively district near the Galata Bridge and waterfront.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

A top seafood restaurant inside a historic Ottoman house, open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY300, 1h30m
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Day 5: Bosphorus Cruise & Parks

Istanbul, Turkey on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Enjoy breakfast in the upscale Bebek neighborhood with Bosphorus views, open from 8:00am.
TRY160, 1h0m

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour public boat cruise along the Bosphorus, admiring palaces, mansions, and bridges; runs 9:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm daily.
TRY100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Walk in Emirgan Park

Relax in one of Istanbul’s largest and most beautiful parks, known for its tulip gardens; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sarıyer Börekçisi

Savor the famous börek pastries near the park, open 8:00am-9:00pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace; open 9:00am-4:00pm (closed Mondays). Plan to check opening day.
TRY250, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Dine on international cuisine with spectacular views of the Bosphorus; open 6:00pm-midnight.
TRY400, 2h0m
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Day 6: Modern Istanbul & Relax

Istanbul, Turkey on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at MOC Istanbul

Start your day with specialty coffee and pastries in a hip cafe located in Karaköy, open from 8:00am.
TRY130, 1h0m

9:45am

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish and international art; open 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
TRY90, 2h0m

12:00pm

Walk around Karaköy

Explore galleries, boutiques, and street art in this trendy and revitalized neighborhood.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Unter Karaköy

A lively spot offering modern Turkish dishes and cocktails, open 12:00pm-12:00am.
TRY180, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Çukurcuma Antique District

Browse antiques and vintage shops in a bohemian district known for unique finds and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)

Enjoy a rejuvenating experience at the historic Cagaloglu Hamami, open 9:00am-11:00pm.
TRY180, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Neolokal

Dine on innovative Turkish cuisine focusing on regional flavors within a stylish setting; open 6:30pm-11:00pm.
TRY400, 2h0m
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