Day 1: Sultanahmet District (Historical Core)
1. Hagia Sophia
• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Start with Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture and Ottoman design.
2. Topkapi Palace
• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Cost: 200 TL (~$10 USD)
• Overview: Dive into Ottoman history with a tour of Topkapi Palace, the sultans’ opulent residence.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Sultanahmet Köftecisi
• Address: Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish meatballs (köfte) and grilled meats
• Cost: 150 TL per person ($8 USD)
• Luxury: Pandeli Restaurant
• Address: Misir Carsisi, No:1, 34110 Eminönü/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Classic Turkish with a historic ambiance inside the Spice Bazaar
• Cost: 400 TL per person ($20 USD)
3. Basilica Cistern
• Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Cost: 30 TL (~$1.50 USD)
• Overview: Step underground into the stunning Byzantine cistern with its towering columns.
4. Grand Bazaar
• Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: Free (shopping optional)
• Overview: Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets for souvenirs and Turkish delicacies.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Karaköy Lokantası
• Address: Kemankeş Cd. No:37/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish with a modern twist
• Cost: 250 TL per person ($12 USD)
• Luxury: Neolokal
• Address: Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Contemporary Turkish in a stylish setting
• Cost: 700 TL per person ($35 USD)
Day 2: Beyoğlu & Bosphorus
1. Dolmabahçe Palace
• Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Cost: 90 TL (~$4.50 USD)
• Overview: Tour this European-inspired palace adorned with marble, crystal, and sprawling gardens.
2. Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus
• Address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Koyu Cd. No:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: A picturesque mosque with Bosphorus views, offering an opportunity to try street food like kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes).
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Çiya Sofrası
• Address: Güneşlibahçe Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Traditional Anatolian dishes
• Cost: 200 TL per person ($10 USD)
• Luxury: Sunset Grill & Bar
• Address: Kuruçeşme Mh., Yol Sk. No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: International with Bosphorus views
• Cost: 900 TL per person ($45 USD)
3. Bosphorus Cruise (Afternoon)
• Starting Point: Eminönü Ferry Terminal
• Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: 50 TL (~$2.50 USD)
• Overview: Relax on a Bosphorus cruise to view Istanbul from the water, with sights including palaces and bridges.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Asmali Cavit
• Address: Asmalı Mescit, Asmalı Mescit Cd. No:16/D, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Mezze-style with a local vibe
• Cost: 300 TL per person ($15 USD)
• Luxury: Ulus 29
• Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. Ulus Parkı İçi, 34340 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish fusion with views
• Cost: 800 TL per person ($40 USD)
Day 3: Historic & Cultural Gems
1. Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
• Address: Dervişali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Cost: 65 TL (~$3.50 USD)
• Overview: See intricate Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this renowned historical church.
2. Süleymaniye Mosque
• Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: This peaceful complex offers one of Istanbul’s best panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Lades Menemen
• Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Sadri Alışık Sk. No:11, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Famous for menemen (scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers)
• Cost: 120 TL per person ($6 USD)
• Luxury: Mürver Restaurant
• Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:11/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Contemporary Turkish with Bosphorus views
• Cost: 700 TL per person ($35 USD)
3. Spice Bazaar
• Address: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Browse this fragrant bazaar for spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
4. Galata Tower & Istiklal Street
• Address (Galata Tower): Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
• Cost (Galata Tower): 100 TL (~$5 USD)
• Overview: Take in panoramic views at Galata Tower, then stroll along Istiklal Street for shops, cafes, and more.
Day 4: Asian Side Exploration
1. Kadıköy Market Tour
• Address: Kadıköy District, Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Explore fresh produce, fish, and spices at Kadıköy’s bustling market, a favorite among locals.
2. Moda Neighborhood Walk
• Address: Moda District, Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Wander the artsy Moda area, known for its cafes, sea views, and relaxed vibe.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Cibalikapı Balıkçısı
• Address: Cihangir, Şair Nedim Cd. No:20, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Seafood-focused with a casual setting
• Cost: 250 TL per person ($12 USD)
• Luxury: Roka Pera
• Address: Caferağa, Moda Cd. No:174, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Upscale seafood with fresh local ingredients
• Cost: 500 TL per person ($25 USD)
3. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
• Address: Salacak, Üsküdar Salacak Mevkii, 34668 Üsküdar/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Cost: 50 TL (~$2.50 USD)
• Overview: Take a ferry to this historic tower on a small islet for panoramic views of the Bosphorus and surrounding city.
4. Çamlıca Hill
• Address: Kısıklı, Çamlıca Tepesi Yolu, 34692 Üsküdar/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: End your day with a peaceful view over Istanbul from Çamlıca Hill, the highest point on the Asian side.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Çiya Sofrası (if missed on Day 2)
• Address: Güneşlibahçe Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Traditional Anatolian dishes
• Cost: 200 TL per person ($10 USD)
• Luxury: Mikla
• Address: The Marmara Pera Hotel, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Fine dining with Turkish-inspired dishes and incredible views
• Cost: 900 TL per person ($45 USD)
Day 5: Modern Art & Relaxation
1. Istanbul Modern Art Museum
• Address: Karaköy, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Cost: 85 TL (~$4 USD)
• Overview: Begin with contemporary Turkish and international art at Istanbul’s premier modern art museum.
2. Taksim Square & Gezi Park
• Address: Taksim, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Explore the cultural heart of modern Istanbul with a walk around Taksim Square and nearby Gezi Park.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Esnaf Lokantası
• Address: Tarlabaşı Bulv. No:12, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Authentic Turkish with a home-cooked vibe
• Cost: 150 TL per person ($8 USD)
• Luxury: Yeni Lokanta
• Address: Tomtom Mah., Kumbaracı Ykş. No:66, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Refined Turkish with innovative touches
• Cost: 600 TL per person ($30 USD)
3. Relaxation at a Turkish Hammam (Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam)
• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Cankurtaran Mh., 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Cost: Packages from 600 TL (~$30 USD)
• Overview: Unwind with a traditional hammam experience at this beautifully restored bathhouse.
4. Sunset Stroll along the Bosphorus Promenade
• Location: Bebek or Ortaköy Area
• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: Conclude your Istanbul journey with a scenic walk along the Bosphorus, enjoying the city’s skyline at dusk.
Farewell Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Mükellef Karaköy
• Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No: 22, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish mezes and seafood with a Bosphorus view
• Cost: 350 TL per person ($18 USD)
• Luxury: Nicole Restaurant
• Address: Tomtom Kaptan Sk. No:18, Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: French-Mediterranean with Turkish inspiration, rooftop views of the Bosphorus
• Cost: 1,200 TL per person ($60 USD)
Hotel Recommendation:
Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul: If you have an unlimited budget, this is the place to stay in Istanbul... And if it's not - it is definitely worth a visit... have a drink out back overlooking the water after a long day of seeing the sights!
You can find your own favorite place here:
Annual Events in Paris to Consider:
1. Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): This month-long festival celebrates Istanbul’s symbolic flower, the tulip, with millions of blooms decorating city parks, especially Emirgan Park, Sultanahmet Square, and Gülhane Park.
2. International Istanbul Film Festival (April): Held every April, this prestigious film festival attracts international filmmakers and cinema lovers. Screenings are hosted in theaters across the city, primarily in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy.
3. Istanbul Music Festival (June): Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, this festival showcases classical music performances at historic venues like the Hagia Irene, the Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center, and Topkapı Palace.
4. Istanbul Jazz Festival (July): This event draws jazz, soul, and blues fans from all over the world, with performances in historic sites and cultural centers throughout the city.
5. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar): These religious festivals bring a unique atmosphere to Istanbul, with mosques decorated, and local events and meals shared among families and friends.
6. Istanbul Biennial (Every two years in September-November): This contemporary art exhibition, held at various venues throughout the city, showcases innovative works from local and international artists.
7. Republic Day (October 29): A national holiday with parades, concerts, and fireworks along the Bosphorus, marking the founding of the Turkish Republic.
8. International Istanbul Book Fair (November): This event gathers book lovers and publishers from around the world, offering a rich program of readings, signings, and workshops at the TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center.
Do you have a travel tip for your favorite place(s) to visit when in Istanbul, Turkey? If so... drop us a comment below!