Istanbul-6-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Sultanahmet

Morning: Arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
9:00 AM: Take a taxi or public bus (Havaş) from the airport to your hotel
10:00 AM: Check-in at your hotel, such as Hotel Pera Palace or Hotel Marmara
11:00 AM: Visit the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii), a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, famous for its baklava and other Turkish pastries
2:00 PM: Explore the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground water storage system from the Byzantine era
4:00 PM: Visit the Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Meyhane, a traditional Turkish restaurant with live music

Day 2: Spice Bazaar and Golden Horn

9:00 AM: Visit the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the oldest covered bazaars in Turkey
11:00 AM: Explore the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, which sells a variety of spices, sweets, and souvenirs
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Üsküdar Lokantası, serving traditional Turkish cuisine
2:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Golden Horn (Haliç) waterfront, which offers beautiful views of the city
4:00 PM: Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi), a Byzantine church with stunning mosaics and frescoes
7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Limoncu, known for its delicious grilled fish

Day 3: Princes’ Islands

9:00 AM: Take a ferry from Kabataş to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar)
10:30 AM: Visit the island of Büyükada, which offers beautiful beaches and scenic views
1:00 PM: Have lunch at Yalı, a restaurant on the waterfront with stunning views
3:00 PM: Explore the island of Heybeliada, which features a monastery, a beach, and a picturesque village
6:00 PM: Return to the mainland by ferry

Day 4: Modern Istanbul

9:00 AM: Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, the last palace built for the Ottoman sultans
11:30 AM: Explore the Taksim Square and the surrounding streets, which offer a glimpse into modern Istanbul’s shopping and dining scene
1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Taksim 360, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city
3:30 PM: Visit the Istiklal Avenue, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe
6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Café de Pera, a cozy restaurant with live music

Day 5: Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping

9:00 AM: Take a Bosphorus cruise, which offers stunning views of the city from the water
11:30 AM: Visit the Ortakov Pier, where you can take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views
1:00 PM: Have lunch at Fishermen’s Restaurant, located on the pier
3:00 PM: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or browsing the stalls in the Spice Bazaar

Day 6: Last Day in Istanbul

9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Edebiyat Müzesi), which features a stunning collection of Ottoman art
12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Karaoke Restaurant, known for its delicious food and live music
2:00 PM: Visit the Atatürk Museum, which offers insight into the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
5:00 PM: Depart from Istanbul, taking memories of your wonderful trip with you!

Things to Know

Istanbul is a conservative city, so dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and bars.
Learn some basic Turkish phrases, such as “Merhaba” (hello), “teşekkür” (thank you), and “İyiyim” (I’m fine).
Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.

Transportation

The easiest way to get around Istanbul is by taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber.
Public buses and trams are also available, but can be confusing for tourists.
Take a ferry from Kabataş to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar) for a scenic trip.

Tips

I hope you enjoy your trip to Istanbul!