Istanbul, Turkey-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Sultanahmet

  • Arrival: Arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or public transportation (Havabus shuttle bus) to your hotel
  • Place to Go: Grand Bazaar (open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance fee: 35 TL)
    • One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to carpets.
  • Activity: Explore the nearby streets and alleys around the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and snacks
  • Where to Eat: Try some delicious Turkish pastries (baklava, simit, etc.) at a local bakery or café, such as:
    • Hamdi Bakkal ( Address: Grand Bazaar, Istanbul )
  • Accommodation:
    • Hotel Sultan ( Address: Sultanahmet, Istanbul )
    • Book in advance to ensure availability
  • Thing to Know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist destinations like the Grand Bazaar.
  • Tips:
    • Haggle politely when shopping at markets or from street vendors.
    • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.

Day 2: Byzantine History and Shopping in Sultanahmet

  • Place to Go: Hagia Sophia (open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, entrance fee: 40 TL)
    • A former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum, showcasing some of the most impressive Byzantine architecture.
  • Activity: Visit the nearby Basilica Cistern (open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance fee: 20 TL) for an underground adventure
    • Marvel at the ancient columns and sculptures in this 6th-century cistern.
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at:
    • Kızılkaymak ( Address: Sultanahmet, Istanbul )
  • Place to Go: Spice Bazaar (open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance fee: 20 TL)
    • A historic bazaar filled with spices, teas, and sweets.
  • Accommodation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Thing to Know: Be respectful when visiting mosques or churches. Dress modestly and remove your shoes if required.
  • Tips:
    • Try some Turkish delight (lokum) at the Spice Bazaar.
    • Don’t miss the charming streets and alleys around Sultanahmet for unique shopping experiences.

Day 3: Explore the Princes’ Islands

  • Transportation: Take a ferry from Kabataş (or other designated departure points) to one of the Princes’ Islands, such as Büyükada or Heybeliada
  • Place to Go: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and scenic views on the islands
    • Visit the historic churches and monasteries, such as the Church of St. George in Büyükada.
  • Activity:
    • Rent a bike and explore the island at your own pace.
    • Take a leisurely stroll or go for a swim (if you prefer).
  • Where to Eat: Try some seafood at one of the local restaurants on the islands, such as:
    • Fener Restaurant ( Address: Büyükada )
  • Accommodation:
    • None recommended; stay in Istanbul and explore the islands as day trips.
  • Thing to Know: Be prepared for a relaxing and peaceful experience, but also be aware that some island facilities may not be available on certain days or during peak season.
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the beautiful beaches on Büyükada.
    • Try to avoid visiting the Princes’ Islands on Mondays, as they can be quite crowded.

Day 4: Visit Topkapi Palace and Explore Beyoğlu

  • Place to Go: Topkapi Palace (open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, entrance fee: 40 TL)
    • The primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, showcasing impressive architecture and stunning gardens.
  • Activity:
    • Explore the nearby streets and alleys around Topkapi Palace for souvenirs and snacks
    • Visit the adjacent Basilica of St. Sergius (open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, entrance fee: free)
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at:
    • Karaköy Güllüoğlu ( Address: Karaköy )
  • Place to Go: Istiklal Avenue (open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
    • A bustling pedestrian shopping street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Accommodation:
    • Hotel Pera Palace ( Address: Beyoğlu, Istanbul )
    • Book in advance to ensure availability
  • Thing to Know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist destinations like Topkapi Palace.
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the stunning views of the Bosphorus from Istiklal Avenue.
    • Try some traditional Turkish coffee or tea at one of the many cafes on Istiklal Avenue.

Day 5: Visit the Chora Church and Explore Edirnekapi

  • Place to Go: Chora Church (open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance fee: 20 TL)
    • A historic Byzantine church turned museum, showcasing stunning mosaics and frescoes.
  • Activity:
    • Explore the nearby streets and alleys around Edirnekapi for souvenirs and snacks
    • Visit the adjacent Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance fee: free)
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at:
    • Lütfüoğlu Baklava ( Address: Edirnekapi )
  • Place to Go: Istanbul Archaeological Museum (open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, entrance fee: 20 TL)
    • A world-renowned museum showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and antiquities.
  • Accommodation:
    • Same as Day 4
  • Thing to Know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist destinations like the Chora Church.
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the stunning views of the Golden Horn from Edirnekapi.
    • Try some traditional Turkish sweets at one of the many bakeries in Edirnekapi.

Day 6: Explore the Bosphorus and Farewell

  • Transportation: Take a ferry or bus along the Bosphorus for a scenic tour
  • Place to Go: Spice Islands (open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, entrance fee: free)
    • A historic neighborhood filled with charming streets, alleys, and shops.
  • Activity:
    • Explore the nearby streets and alleys around the Bosphorus for souvenirs and snacks
    • Visit one of the many historical sites along the Bosphorus, such as the Çamlıca Hill Monument (open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, entrance fee: free)
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at:
    • Mikla Restaurant ( Address: Karaköy )
  • Accommodation:
    • Same as Day 1
  • Thing to Know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist destinations like the Spice Islands.
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the ferry or bus tour.
    • Try some traditional Turkish coffee or tea at one of the many cafes along the Bosphorus.