3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Istanbul, Turkey

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast with assorted cheeses, olives, and fresh bread at this historic patisserie open daily from 7am to 10pm.
TRY75, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic former basilica and mosque, now a museum, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Opens from 9am to 7pm.
TRY200, 2h0m

11:45am

Tour the Blue Mosque

Admire the beautiful blue tile work inside the still-functioning mosque located just a short walk from Hagia Sophia. Open 24/7 but best visited during non-prayer hours.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor Istanbul’s famous meatballs and traditional Turkish dishes in this local eatery open from 11am to 9pm.
TRY90, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover Ottoman history in this vast palace complex with opulent rooms and beautiful views over the Bosphorus. Open from 9am to 6:45pm.
TRY320, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Gulhane Park

Relax in this historic park located near Topkapi Palace with beautiful gardens and a calm atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Delight in fresh seafood dishes in a charming historic setting. Open 6pm to 11pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus and Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Enjoy a stylish breakfast with Bosphorus views featuring eggs, pastries, and fresh juices. Open 8am to 11am weekdays.
TRY100, 1h0m

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 2-hour ferry cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing landmarks connecting Europe and Asia. Cruises usually start around 9am and run until evening.
TRY150, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace

Tour this exquisite 19th-century Ottoman summer palace on the Asian shore, open from 9am to 5pm.
TRY100, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kanaat Lokantası

Indulge in traditional Anatolian dishes at this long-standing Istanbul restaurant open from 10am to 10pm.
TRY90, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk in Çamlıca Hill

Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul from this hilltop park, a perfect place to relax and take photos. Open 24/7.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Kadıköy Market

Explore this lively market area with shops, cafes, and vibrant street art on the Asian side. Shops open until early evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Taste diverse traditional and regional Turkish cuisine in this famous Istanbul restaurant in Kadıköy. Open 12pm to 10pm.
TRY130, 1h30m
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Day 3: Shopping and Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy an authentic eastern Turkish breakfast platter with cheeses, honey, and eggs. Open from 7:30am to 5pm.
TRY80, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Wander through one of the largest covered markets in the world featuring thousands of shops selling textiles, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. Open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy classic Ottoman cuisine in this historic restaurant located inside the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Open 10am to 10pm.
TRY140, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Galata Tower

Climb or take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views over Istanbul’s skyline. Open 9am to 8pm.
TRY120, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Istiklal Avenue

Experience the lively pedestrian street filled with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings leading to Taksim Square. Shops generally open from 10am to 10pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Coffee break at Mandabatmaz

Taste some of Istanbul’s best Turkish coffee at this popular café near Istiklal. Open 8am to 10pm.
TRY30, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Enjoy a fusion menu with spectacular panoramic views of Istanbul in this rooftop restaurant open from 6pm to midnight.
TRY300, 1h30m
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