Istanbul itinerary

In this post, I am providing you with a travel itinerary ranging from one day to one week. If you find it useful and beneficial, please leave a comment to let me know.

One day in Istanbul

If you are here in Istanbul for one day, I suggest this Itinerary.

9:00 AM - Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.

10:30 AM - Next, head to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), located just a few steps away from the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most stunning examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Be sure to dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and take off your shoes before entering.

12:00 PM - After visiting the Blue Mosque, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Here you can shop for souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more. Take your time to explore the bazaar and get lost in its narrow alleys.

2:00 PM - For lunch, try some delicious Turkish food at a local restaurant. You might want to try some kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), or meze (a selection of small dishes).

3:00 PM - After lunch, take a stroll along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city's skyline and watch the boats passing by.

5:00 PM - Next, head to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

7:00 PM - End your day with a relaxing visit to a traditional Turkish bath (hammam). There are several hammams throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and services.

Two days in Istanbul

Day 1: 9:00 AM - Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. 10:30 AM - Next, head to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), located just a few steps away from the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most stunning examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Be sure to dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and take off your shoes before entering. 12:00 PM - After visiting the Blue Mosque, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Here you can shop for souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more. Take your time to explore the bazaar and get lost in its narrow alleys. 2:00 PM - For lunch, try some delicious Turkish food at a local restaurant. You might want to try some kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), or meze (a selection of small dishes). 3:00 PM - After lunch, take a stroll along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city's skyline and watch the boats passing by. 5:00 PM - Next, head to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. 7:00 PM - End your day with a relaxing visit to a traditional Turkish bath (hammam). There are several hammams throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and services. Day 2: 9:00 AM - Start your day at the Basilica Cistern, a large underground water reservoir built during the Byzantine era. It is an atmospheric and fascinating place to visit. 10:30 AM - Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, a colorful market filled with spices, dried fruits, nuts, and sweets. Take your time to explore the market and try some samples. 12:00 PM - For lunch, try some delicious Turkish street food at one of the many food stalls in the area. You might want to try some simit (a sesame-covered bread), grilled corn, or roasted chestnuts. 1:00 PM - After lunch, head to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's largest and most impressive mosques. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. 3:00 PM - Next, take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul. Kadikoy is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood with plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Take your time to explore the area and enjoy the views of the Bosphorus. 7:00 PM - End your day with a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants in Kadikoy. You might want to try some fresh seafood, meze, or Turkish raki (an anise-flavored spirit).

Three days in Istanbul

Day 1: 9:00 AM - Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. 10:30 AM - Next, head to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), located just a few steps away from the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most stunning examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Be sure to dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and take off your shoes before entering. 12:00 PM - After visiting the Blue Mosque, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Here you can shop for souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more. Take your time to explore the bazaar and get lost in its narrow alleys. 2:00 PM - For lunch, try some delicious Turkish food at a local restaurant. You might want to try some kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), or meze (a selection of small dishes). 3:00 PM - After lunch, take a stroll along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city's skyline and watch the boats passing by. 5:00 PM - Next, head to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. 7:00 PM - End your day with a relaxing visit to a traditional Turkish bath (hammam). There are several hammams throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and services. Day 2: 9:00 AM - Start your day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century. It is a unique and atmospheric place to explore. 10:30 AM - Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, another famous covered market in Istanbul. Here you can find all kinds of spices, sweets, and Turkish delight. 12:00 PM - For lunch, try some street food like a simit (a sesame-covered bread ring) or a balik ekmek (a fish sandwich). 1:00 PM - After lunch, take a ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul. Here you can explore the Kadikoy neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and local markets. 5:00 PM - Return to the European side and visit the Galata Tower, a medieval tower with stunning views of the city. 7:00 PM - For dinner, try some Turkish seafood at one of the many restaurants along the Bosphorus. Day 3: 9:00 AM - Start your day at the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), a Byzantine church with some of the most impressive frescoes and mosaics in the city. 11:00 AM - Next, head to the Dolmabahce Palace, a lavish 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus. The palace includes stunning rooms, gardens, and a clock tower. 1:00 PM - For lunch, try some traditional Ottoman cuisine at a restaurant like Ciya Sofrasi or Pandeli. 3:00 PM - After lunch, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Turkish art. 5:00 PM - Finally, take a leisurely walk through the trendy neighborhoods of Karakoy and Beyoglu, known for their lively bars, cafes, and shops.

Four days in Istanbul

Day 1:

• Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Originally a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.

• Next, head to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), located just a few steps away from the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most stunning examples of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Be sure to dress appropriately (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and take off your shoes before entering.

• After visiting the Blue Mosque, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Here you can shop for souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more. Take your time to explore the bazaar and get lost in its narrow alleys.

• For lunch, try some delicious Turkish food at a local restaurant. You might want to try some kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), or meze (a selection of small dishes).

• In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city's skyline and watch the boats passing by.

Day 2:

• Start your day at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

• Next, head to the nearby Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.

• For lunch, try some traditional Turkish street food such as simit (a sesame-covered bread ring), doner kebab, or kokorec (grilled sheep intestines).

• In the afternoon, take a walk around the trendy neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata, which are known for their cool cafes, art galleries, and street art.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture on the banks of the Bosphorus.

• Next, head to the nearby Ortakoy neighborhood, which is known for its picturesque waterfront, lively cafes, and street food stalls.

• For lunch, try some fresh seafood at one of the many fish restaurants in the area.

• In the afternoon, take a visit to the Chora Church, one of the finest examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Istanbul.

Day 4:

• Start your day by taking a ferry to the nearby Princes' Islands, a group of nine small islands off the coast of Istanbul. Here you can enjoy a peaceful day away from the city's hustle and bustle, take a bike ride, or go horseback riding.

• For lunch, try some fresh seafood at one of the island's restaurants.

• In the afternoon, take a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Turkish and international art.

• In the evening, head to Taksim Square, one of Istanbul's busiest areas, and explore the trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Five days in Istanbul

Day 1: Historical Istanbul

• Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, then visit the nearby Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.

• Head to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and explore its vast courtyards, museums, and the Harem section.

• In the afternoon, walk through the vibrant streets of Sultanahmet and enjoy the local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Beyoglu

• Take a scenic Bosphorus cruise, which will allow you to see the city's skyline and both the European and Asian sides.

• Afterward, head to Beyoglu, the modern district of Istanbul, and stroll along the famous pedestrian avenue, Istiklal Street.

• Take a ride on the historic Galata Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of Istanbul.

Day 3: Asian Istanbul

• Start the day with a ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and visit the colorful neighborhood of Kadikoy.

• Explore the lively markets, street art, and local food scene.

• Then take a bus or taxi to the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace, which was the summer residence of Ottoman sultans.

Day 4: Princes’ Islands

• Take a ferry from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara.

• Enjoy a relaxing day cycling or walking around the islands, exploring the charming architecture, and sampling local food.

• You may also want to take a horse-drawn carriage ride on the largest island, Buyukada.

Day 5: Modern Istanbul and Turkish Bath

• Start your day at the Dolmabahce Palace, a grand 19th-century palace that served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.

• Then, visit the Istanbul Modern Museum, which showcases contemporary art from Turkey and around the world.

• In the afternoon, relax in a traditional Turkish bath (hammam), such as the Cemberlitas or Cagaloglu hammams.

Six days in Istanbul

Day 1: Explore the Old City

• Start your day at the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks.

• Next, visit the Blue Mosque and the nearby Basilica Cistern.

• Have lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant in the Sultanahmet area.

• In the afternoon, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans.

• End your day with a relaxing visit to a traditional Turkish bath (hammam) in the nearby neighborhood of Cemberlitas.

Day 2: Bosphorus and Beyoglu

• Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus to see Istanbul from the water and visit the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace.

• In the afternoon, explore the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu, starting from Istiklal Street and Taksim Square.

• Visit the Galata Tower for a stunning panoramic view of the city.

• Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area, specializing in either Turkish or international cuisine.

Day 3: Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara.

• Explore the car-free island of Buyukada by renting a bike or taking a horse-drawn carriage.

• Have lunch at one of the seafood restaurants on the island.

• Return to Istanbul in the evening.

Day 4: Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar

• Start your day at the Spice Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the city.

• Next, visit the nearby Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Yeni Camii (New Mosque).

• Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area.

• Spend the afternoon at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, shopping for souvenirs, carpets, spices, and more.

Day 5: Asian Side

• Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood.

• Visit the Haydarpasa Train Station and the Moda neighborhood.

• Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Kadikoy, known for its street food and meze (a selection of small dishes).

• In the afternoon, take a walk along the Bosphorus in the Uskudar neighborhood, which offers beautiful views of the European side of the city.

Day 6: Day Trip to Bursa

• Take a day trip to Bursa, located about two hours south of Istanbul by ferry and bus.

• Explore the city's historic sites, including the Green Mosque and the Grand Mosque.

• Visit the hot springs and thermal baths in the nearby town of Cekirge.

• Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the city, specializing in the region's traditional dishes.

• Return to Istanbul in the evening.

Seven days in Istanbul

Day 1:

• Start your day at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, two of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks.

• Explore the Grand Bazaar and sample some Turkish cuisine for lunch.

• Visit the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern in the afternoon.

Day 2:

• Take a boat tour along the Bosphorus and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the water.

• Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Explore the Taksim Square area in the evening, known for its bustling nightlife.

Day 3:

• Visit the Spice Bazaar, a colorful and aromatic market selling spices, sweets, and souvenirs.

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul, and enjoy a day of relaxation and nature.

Day 4:

• Visit the Chora Church, a beautifully preserved example of Byzantine art and architecture.

• Explore the neighborhood of Balat, known for its colorful houses, street art, and trendy cafes and restaurants.

• Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum of Art in the evening, showcasing contemporary Turkish and international art.

Day 5:

• Take a day trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, located about 500 km southwest of Istanbul. It is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 6:

• Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman periods.

• Explore the neighborhood of Karakoy, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and street art.

• Take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening.

Day 7:

• Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul.

• Explore the lively neighborhood of Beyoglu, known for its art galleries, cafes, and bars.

• Visit the Galata Tower, a medieval tower offering panoramic views of the city.