6-Day Comprehensive Istanbul Tour: History, Culture & Culinary Delights

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with menemen and fresh simit in this iconic eatery located in the heart of the historic district.
TRY50, 1h0m

9:45am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with rich history as a church, mosque, and now a museum.
TRY150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Balikci Sabahattin

Dine on freshly caught fish dishes in this traditional seafood restaurant famed for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
TRY180, 1h30m

1:45pm

Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and impressive architecture; note visiting hours due to prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the sprawling Topkapi Palace complex, home to Ottoman sultans, featuring exquisite artifacts and beautiful gardens.
TRY200, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with spectacular views of the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia, serving traditional Turkish and seafood dishes.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus & Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a rich eastern Turkish breakfast featuring cheeses, honey, and kaymak from Van region on the Asian side.
TRY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, seeing palaces, bridges, and waterfront mansions connecting Europe and Asia.
TRY120, 2h0m

12:00pm

Explore Üsküdar

Wander the historic district of Üsküdar on the Asian side, visiting landmarks such as Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and local bazaars.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Kanaat Lokantası

Relish traditional Ottoman and Turkish dishes in this long-standing restaurant beloved by locals for its authentic recipes.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Maiden’s Tower

Take a short boat ride to the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) for panoramic views and learn about its fascinating legends.
TRY50, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy

End your day with vibrant Anatolian dishes in this renowned restaurant showcasing rich regional flavors on the Asian side.
TRY140, 1h30m
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Day 3: Beyoğlu & Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional breakfast with diverse cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh bread before exploring the lively area.
TRY60, 1h0m

9:45am

Istiklal Street Walk

Stroll down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, bookstores, and historic buildings.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Meze By Lemon Tree

Taste delicious mezes and light Mediterranean dishes in a cozy ambiance near Taksim Square.
TRY130, 1h15m

1:30pm

Galata Tower

Climb the medieval Galata Tower for a panoramic 360-degree view of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus.
TRY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pera Museum

Visit this cultural institution to admire Ottoman-era, Orientalist art and contemporary exhibitions; open 10am-6pm.
TRY70, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Dine at this rooftop restaurant offering innovative cuisine with breathtaking views over Taksim and the Bosphorus.
TRY220, 1h30m
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Day 4: Princes' Islands Escape

Istanbul, Turkey on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a light breakfast to prepare for your island day trip; many hotels offer buffet options from 7am.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Ferry to Büyükada

Catch the ferry from Kabataş to the largest of the Princes’ Islands, known for its tranquil atmosphere and historic mansions.
TRY90, 1h0m

9:45am

Bike Rental and Island Tour

Rent a bicycle to explore the island freely, visiting landmarks like the Aya Yorgi Church and enjoying seaside views.
TRY50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood dishes with a scenic waterfront ambiance on the island; highly recommended grilled fish platter.
TRY160, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax on the Beach

Spend some leisure time at one of Büyükada’s public beaches, soaking up sun and sea breeze.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return Ferry to Istanbul

Head back to the city by ferry, enjoying sunset views on the Bosphorus.
TRY90, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Celebrate your island day with contemporary Anatolian cuisine served in a stylish setting near Karaköy.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 5: Bazaar & Historic Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Indulge in traditional Turkish sweets and pastries accompanied by strong Turkish tea or coffee.
TRY70, 1h0m

9:30am

Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s largest covered markets with thousands of shops selling jewelry, carpets, and crafts; opens at 9am.
Free, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine within the Spice Market building, enjoying classic Ottoman dishes in this historic restaurant established in 1901.
TRY150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Spice Bazaar

Explore the colorful Spice Bazaar with aromatic herbs, sweets, and souvenirs; a feast for the senses.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rüstem Pasha Mosque

Visit this small yet exquisitely tiled mosque near the Spice Bazaar showcasing stunning İznik tile work.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with panoramic Golden Horn views featuring kebabs and traditional Turkish grilled meats.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 6: Modern Istanbul & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at MOC Istanbul Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries at this highly rated café in Nişantaşı.
TRY60, 0h45m

9:30am

Nişantaşı Shopping District

Explore upscale boutiques, designer stores, and chic cafes in one of Istanbul’s most fashionable neighborhoods.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Discover contemporary Turkish and international art in this waterfront museum, open from 10am to 6pm.
TRY85, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Kantin

Enjoy fresh, seasonal Turkish cuisine focused on local produce in a casual yet stylish atmosphere in Karaköy.
TRY120, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Karaköy and Galataport

Stroll waterfront Karaköy area and Galataport for picturesque views, cafes, and boutique shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Mikla

Celebrate your Istanbul trip with modern Anatolian cuisine and stunning city views from this upscale rooftop restaurant.
TRY350, 2h0m
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