7-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration of Istanbul, Turkey: June 6-12, 2025

Day 1: Historic Beginnings

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start your day with traditional Turkish breakfast pastries and strong coffee at this historic patisserie near Sultanahmet, open from 8am.
TRY50, 1h

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, a masterpiece combining Byzantine architecture and Islamic influences, open 9am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and thoughtful Ottoman architecture, open to visitors until closing at 7pm (excluding prayer times).
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs in one of the oldest and most famous eateries in Sultanahmet, open daily from 9am to 10pm.
TRY70, 1h

2:30pm

Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir famous for its atmospheric illumination and Medusa heads, open 9am-5:30pm.
TRY55, 1h

4:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the expansive palace complex where Ottoman sultans once resided, filled with rich history, art, and stunning views, open until 6pm.
TRY200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood in a charming historic building close to Sultanahmet, open from 6pm to 11pm.
TRY150, 1.5h
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Day 2: Market and Ferry

Istanbul, Turkey on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çınaraltı Çay Bahçesi

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with traditional tea and simit by the Bosphorus in Çengelköy, open from 7am.
TRY40, 1h

10:00am

Grand Bazaar

Shop and explore one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring thousands of shops, open 9am-7pm.
Free Entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Have an authentic Ottoman-style lunch in a historic restaurant within the Spice Bazaar, open 12pm-10pm.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Spice Bazaar

Explore this vibrant marketplace to buy spices, sweets, and souvenirs, open 9am-7pm.
Free Entry, 1h

3:30pm

Ferry to Üsküdar

Take a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus from Eminönü to the Asian side's Üsküdar, with departures every 20-30 minutes and a journey time of about 20 minutes.
TRY15, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Üsküdar

Stroll along the waterfront and visit landmarks such as the Maiden's Tower and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Return towards Kadıköy and relish diverse and authentic Anatolian dishes famous in this much-loved restaurant open from 12pm to 11pm.
TRY130, 1.5h
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Day 3: Galata and Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Karabatak Cafe

Enjoy artisan coffee and fresh pastries in a relaxed setting near Galata Tower, open from 8am.
TRY45, 1h

9:30am

Galata Tower

Ascend the medieval stone tower for panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus, open 9am-7pm.
TRY70, 1h

11:00am

Walk Istiklal Avenue

Stroll along this bustling pedestrian street full of shops, historic buildings, street performers and cafes.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Müzedechanga

Enjoy contemporary Turkish cuisine in a stylish museum café near Taksim Square, open 12pm-10pm.
TRY150, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pera Museum

Explore fine art collections and exhibitions focusing on Ottoman and Orientalist art, open 10am-6pm.
TRY60, 1.5h

4:30pm

Relax at Gezi Park

Take a peaceful break in this green oasis near Taksim Square, perfect for people-watching and casual walks.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant that reinterprets traditional Anatolian dishes creatively; open 7pm-11pm.
TRY220, 2h
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Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Experience an authentic Turkish breakfast with a wide selection of regional delicacies, open 8am-12pm.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Full-Day Cruise

Embark on a scenic daytime cruise from Kabataş to the Black Sea, viewing palaces, fortresses, and charming villages along the Bosphorus; departs at 9:30am, lasting about 6h including stops.
TRY120, 6h

4:00pm

Explore Ortaköy

Visit the lively neighbourhood famous for its Bosphorus Mosque and market stalls selling handmade crafts, open daily.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at House Cafe Ortaköy

Enjoy stylish dining with spectacular views of the Bosphorus Bridge, open from 8am to 11pm.
TRY160, 1.5h
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Day 5: Asian Side Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moda Bakery

Sample fresh bread and pastries in the cozy Moda district, open from 7am.
TRY40, 1h

9:30am

Moda Walk and Park

Take a leisurely walk along the seaside promenade and enjoy the green spaces of Moda Park.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Kadıköy Market

Explore the lively market with fresh produce, fish, and street food stalls, perfect for tasting local flavours, open from early morning to late evening.
Free Entry, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Baylan Pastanesi

Indulge in famous Turkish desserts and light lunch dishes in this historic Kadıköy patisserie, open 8am-10pm.
TRY70, 1h

2:00pm

Fenerbahçe Park and Lighthouse

Relax in this scenic park and visit the historic lighthouse overlooking the Sea of Marmara.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to European Side and Rest

Travel back by ferry to European Istanbul for an evening at leisure.
TRY15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Experience innovative New Anatolian cuisine with spectacular city views from the rooftop of The Marmara Pera Hotel, open 6:30pm to 11pm.
TRY280, 2h
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Day 6: Art and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Taste some of Istanbul’s best baklava and pastries at this famed dessert shop in Karaköy, open from 8am.
TRY50, 1h

10:00am

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish and international art in this waterfront museum, open 10am to 6pm, except Monday.
TRY80, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Delight in elegant Turkish meze and main courses in a stylish setting, open 12pm-11pm.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Across Galata Bridge

Enjoy views of the Golden Horn and watch fishermen on this iconic bridge connecting Karaköy and Eminönü.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Visit this museum featuring important Islamic calligraphy, carpets, and artefacts, open 9am-7pm.
TRY50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at Pierre Loti Cafe

Take a cable car to this cafe to enjoy panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere at sunset.
TRY40, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Neolokal or Local Favourite

Choose between revisiting Neolokal or try a local meyhane (tavern) for lively dining with meze and wine, open until late.
TRY150, 2h
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Day 7: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Have a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby café, preparing for your departure day.
Depends, 1h

9:30am

Last Minute Shopping or Sightseeing

Visit any nearby markets or sights you may want to quickly spot before leaving, considering flight timings.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Check-Out and Transfer to Airport

Ensure you have sufficient time to travel to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport depending on your flight, allowing for security checks.
Depends on transport, Varies
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