3-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration in Istanbul, Turkey

Day 1: Historic Landmarks Discovery

Istanbul, Turkey on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast including fresh simit, cheeses, olives and tea at this historic patisserie open from 8am.
TRY50, 1h

9:00am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece with Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy, open from 9am to 7pm.
TRY100, 2h

11:15am

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed)

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque known for its beautiful blue tiles, open until 7pm though closed to visitors during prayer times.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and local dishes at this famous restaurant open from 11am to 9pm.
TRY70, 1h

1:45pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover Ottoman history visiting Topkapi Palace with its opulent rooms and treasury, open until 6:45pm in June.
TRY125, 2h

4:00pm

Basilica Cistern

Visit the atmospheric ancient underground water reservoir famous for its Medusa head columns, open until 7pm.
TRY50, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Savor fresh seafood dishes in a charming historic setting open until 11pm.
TRY150, 1.5h
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Day 2: Modern Istanbul & Art

Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Privato Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fresh eggs and Turkish coffee in Karaköy, open from 8am.
TRY55, 1h

9:45am

Galata Tower

Climb the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul, open 9am to 7pm.
TRY70, 1h

11:00am

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art in this waterfront museum, open 10am–6pm.
TRY100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantasi

Taste traditional mezes and Turkish cuisine in a stylish setting, open 12pm–11pm.
TRY100, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along Istiklal Avenue

Stroll down this lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes and street performances.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit Pera Museum

Admire Orientalist paintings and diverse art collections, open 10am–6pm.
TRY60, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Dine at one of Istanbul’s top restaurants offering modern Anatolian cuisine with a view, reservation recommended, open till 11pm.
TRY250, 2h
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Day 3: Bosphorus & Asian Side

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of cheeses and honey, open at 8am, located on the Asian side.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic ferry tour along the Bosphorus Strait to see palaces, fortresses, and Istanbul’s skyline, typically departs from Kabataş till late afternoon.
TRY120, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Kadıköy Market

Discover the vibrant market filled with local foods, crafts and cafes on the Asian side.
Free entry, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Sample diverse Anatolian cuisines at this famous market-side restaurant, open till 10pm.
TRY80, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)

Take a short boat ride to the Maiden’s Tower, an iconic symbol of Istanbul located on a small islet, open 9am–7pm.
TRY50, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Moda Coastal Park

Wind down with a walk or tea by the seaside park offering beautiful views of the Marmara Sea.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Iskele Restaurant

End your trip with exquisite seafood and sunset views at this seaside restaurant in Moda, open until 11pm.
TRY160, 1.5h
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