Affordable 8-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Explore the City on a Budget

Day 1: Historic Old City

Istanbul, Turkey on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Simit Sarayı

Start your day with traditional Turkish simit and tea at Simit Sarayı, offering affordable and tasty options.
TRY10, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Sultanahmet Square

Explore the iconic Blue Mosque and admire the structure from outside for free; entry to the mosque is free and respectful dress code is required.
TRY0, 1h

11:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Purchase a low-cost ticket to the Hagia Sophia Museum and explore its magnificent Byzantine architecture and mosaics.
TRY100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of traditional Turkish meatballs at the famous Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
TRY60, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace Gardens

Wander the beautiful gardens around Topkapi Palace, entry to the gardens is free if you skip the palace entry, offering stunning views over the Bosphorus.
TRY0, 1h

4:00pm

Walk through Gülhane Park

Relax in Gülhane Park, a historical urban park close to the old city with free entry, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
TRY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Çiya Sofrası

Taste authentic Anatolian dishes at Çiya Sofrası, located on the Asian side but reachable by short ferry from Eminönü, offering affordable meals.
TRY80, 1h
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Day 2: Eminönü & Galata

Istanbul, Turkey on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Enjoy a budget-friendly Turkish breakfast with börek and çay (tea) from a local bakery in Eminönü.
TRY15, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Spice Bazaar

Browse the vibrant Spice Bazaar, a colourful and aromatic market selling spices, sweets and souvenirs, free to enter and explore.
TRY0, 1h

11:00am

Walk to Galata Bridge and Explore

Stroll across the Galata Bridge, watch local fishermen and take great views of the Bosphorus.
TRY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Balık Ekmek Stand

Try the iconic affordable fish sandwich (balık ekmek) near Eminönü pier for a traditional, low-cost lunch.
TRY25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Galata Tower (outside view free)

Enjoy picturesque free views and photo ops around the Galata Tower area; entry to the tower itself has a small fee if desired.
TRY0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Istiklal Avenue by Foot

Walk along Istiklal Avenue, the buzzing pedestrian street full of street performers, cheap shops and dog-friendly parks.
TRY0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dürümzade

Sample tasty and inexpensive Turkish dürüm wraps at the popular Dürümzade near Taksim Square.
TRY35, 1h
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Day 3: Karaköy & Taksim

Istanbul, Turkey on June 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Try affordable, delicious baklava and strong Turkish coffee at this famous pastry shop in Karaköy.
TRY30, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Karaköy Streets and Waterfront

Wander the trendy Karaköy district with its street art and waterfront views along the Bosphorus, all free to roam.
TRY0, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Museum of Innocence

Discover this affordable and quirky museum inspired by novelist Orhan Pamuk’s work, showcasing Istanbul’s daily life.
TRY50, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Dine at this iconic restaurant serving traditional Turkish dishes at moderate prices.
TRY70, 1h

2:30pm

Take the Funicular up to Taksim Square

Experience the affordable funicular ride to the bustling Taksim Square, entry free, perfect for people watching.
TRY10, 30m

3:00pm

Stroll Gezi Park

Relax in Gezi Park near Taksim Square, a green oasis and ideal spot for budget travellers to unwind.
TRY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Midpoint Taksim

Enjoy affordable international and Turkish cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere on the main square’s edge.
TRY60, 1h
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Day 4: Kadıköy Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Moda Bakery

Start in the Asian side with tasty local pastries and tea at an affordable bakery in the Moda area of Kadıköy.
TRY20, 0h30m

9:30am

Kadıköy Market Walk

Explore the lively Kadıköy market, full of fresh produce, cheap street food stalls and local character.
TRY0, 1h

11:00am

Visit the Haydarpaşa Train Station (Outside)

Admire the historic façade of this iconic train station for free and enjoy views of the Bosphorus.
TRY0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Enjoy authentic and affordable Anatolian cuisine in the heart of Kadıköy, well-loved by locals and travellers.
TRY80, 1h

1:30pm

Ferry Ride Return to European Side

Take the scenic and inexpensive ferry trip back to the European side, views of Istanbul’s skyline from the water.
TRY15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Istanbul Modern (Free on Fridays after 6pm, else small fee)

Discover contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern Museum with affordable entry.
TRY50, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Kebab Stand

Grab a budget dinner from a local kebab stall near Karaköy or Eminönü, delicious and filling.
TRY25, 1h
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Day 5: Princes' Islands Day Trip

Istanbul, Turkey on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Have a quick budget breakfast before your day trip to the quiet islands.
TRY15, 0h30m

8:30am

Ferry to Büyükada Island

Catch the affordable ferry from Kabataş to Büyükada, the largest Princes' Island, ideal for a scenic day escape.
TRY25, 1h30m

10:00am

Bike Rental and Island Exploration

Rent a bike for a low cost to explore the island’s car-free streets, beaches and forests.
TRY50, 3h

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch on the Island

Pick up affordable local snacks and enjoy a picnic by the sea to save on meal costs.
TRY30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Aya Yorgi Church Hill

Hike or bike up to the hilltop church with stunning views, free to enjoy the area itself.
TRY0, 1h

4:30pm

Return Ferry to Istanbul

Take the ferry back to the city as the sun begins to set, relaxing after a budget-friendly day outdoors.
TRY25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner near Kabataş Ferry Terminal

Enjoy affordable Turkish grilled meats or vegetarian options at local eateries around Kabataş.
TRY50, 1h
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Day 6: Beyoğlu Museums & Parks

Istanbul, Turkey on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Mado

Start with a budget-friendly breakfast of pastries and ayran at Mado, a well-known chain in Istanbul.
TRY25, 0h45m

10:00am

Pera Museum Visit

Explore affordable entry to the Pera Museum showcasing Ottoman era and oriental paintings along with contemporary exhibits.
TRY40, 1h30m

12:00pm

Walk to nearby cafés for light Lunch

Choose a local café around Istiklal for a cheap yet tasty lunch, enjoying people-watching and street music.
TRY35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (around Sultanahmet)

Affordable ticket lets you explore beautiful calligraphy, tiles and carpets from centuries past.
TRY45, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Maçka Park

Unwind in this peaceful green space with nice walking trails and budget-friendly local snack vendors nearby.
TRY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Asmalı Cavit

Enjoy reasonably priced meze and Turkish wine at this traditional and friendly meyhane (tavern) in Beyoğlu.
TRY70, 1h
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Day 7: Markets & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Local Street Vendor

Grab an affordable simit and tea from street vendors near your accommodation to start the day.
TRY15, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the largest covered markets in the world, with free entry to window shop and bargain hunt for souvenirs.
TRY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Havuzlu Restaurant

Enjoy affordable traditional Turkish food just outside the Grand Bazaar for restorative lunch.
TRY50, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along the Bosphorus from Karaköy to Ortaköy

Enjoy free scenic waterside walking paths ending at Ortaköy, a lively district known for its mosque and street food stalls.
TRY0, 2h

4:00pm

Try a cheap waffle or kumpir in Ortaköy

Snack on an affordable waffle or baked potato (kumpir) from a street vendor, immersed in local life.
TRY20, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at a Lokanta in Karaköy

End your day with tasty, affordable Turkish dishes at one of Karaköy's budget-friendly lokantas.
TRY60, 1h
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Day 8: Relax & Farewell

Istanbul, Turkey on June 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a simple and affordable Turkish breakfast at your local neighbourhood café.
TRY20, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Yıldız Park

Spend a peaceful morning walking or relaxing in Yıldız Park, one of Istanbul’s largest and free public parks.
TRY0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at a Budget-Friendly Lokanta Near Park

Choose from local affordable eateries near Yıldız Park for one last taste of Turkish home-style food.
TRY50, 1h

2:00pm

Last-Minute Shopping in Local Markets

Shop for small souvenirs and gifts at budget-friendly shops with bargaining opportunities in local markets nearby.
TRY20, 1h

4:00pm

Farewell Stroll along the Bosphorus

Take a final walk by the Bosphorus shore enjoying the city views before heading home.
TRY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Favourite Eatery

Finish your trip with an affordable and delicious dinner at a local favourite spot.
TRY60, 1h
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