Istanbul is again a city that has influences of both Asian and European culture giving the visitors a feeling of completely different world. It is very interesting to spend a day in Istanbul as a real Turkish citizen, to taste about its atmosphere; this city is very fascinating. These days you will get an opportunity to find out what is great and off the beaten path in Istanbul from Turkish breakfast to the best nightlife entertainment.
Day 1: Historical Heartbeat of Istanbul
Morning: Sultanahmet Square (9AM – 12PM)
You should start the trip from Sultanahmet, the center of historic Istanbul. From the Hagia Sophia, the city’s icon, a Byzantine architectural piece. First it was a church, then a mosque, now it is a museum with wonderful mosaics and a magnificent dome.
- Hagia Sophia: Entry fee: 500 TL (~$18).
- Travel Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds. Marvel at the breathtaking mosaics and domes.
Then, visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) called by a stunning blue tiles decoration of its inside. So dress carefully, this is an active place of worship. Relax sometime in the peaceful courtyard.
- Blue Mosque: Free entry.
- Travel Tip: Check for prayer times to avoid disruptions. Dress modestly; headscarves are available for free at the entrance.
Lunch: Local Flavors (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
If you want to have an excellent Turkish lunch, Köşk Kebap is a place you can visit. Kebabs, mezes and of course the famous stewed lentils are all local favorites. Don’t forget to have a bit of Turkish tea or coffee.
- Recommended Spot: Köşk Kebap or Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
- Estimated cost: 150–200 TL (~$5–$7).
- Try their succulent kebabs and lentil soup.
Afternoon: Topkapi Palace (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
If I get time, spend the afternoon in Topkapi Palace, home of the former Ottoman sultans. Intrigue its amazing halls, extensive courtyards, and world class collections, including its famous Harem area.
- Entry fee: 650 TL ($16).
- Travel Tip: Wander through lavish courtyards, the treasury, and the Harem. Audio guides enhance the experience.
Evening: Sunset at Galata Bridge (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Depart to the Galata Bridge and finish the day. Get a stunning view of the Golden Horn as the sun sinks and floats its warm glow over the city. Or you may also try fishing from the bridge like the local do.
- Travel Tip: Walk along the bridge, enjoy street food like roasted chestnuts (50 TL/$2), or try fishing like locals.
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Day 2: Bosphorus Bliss in Istanbul
Morning: Bosphorus Cruise (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Have a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the day. If you pick a local ferry rather than a tourist boat, it’ll be a much more authentic experience. Enjoy sail along the strait passing the castles and defenses and waterfront mansions on the shores.
- Take a public ferry from Eminönü. Cost: ($1).
- Cruise past palaces and waterfront mansions for stunning views.
- Witness iconic landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Ottoman mansions.
Lunch: Fish Sandwich at Eminönü (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
On your way, go to Eminönü then get a balik ekmek (fish sandwich) from one of the boats there on the coast. It’s a simple and delicious local meal to try.
- Travel Tip: Try balik ekmek (fish sandwich) at Eminönü.
Afternoon: Spice Bazaar (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Go to the spice bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) right nearby. Spices, chocolates, dried fruits and souvenirs are all part of this energetic market. Friendly stores will sell you the Turkish delight and different nuts you can taste.
- Entry: Free.
- Travel Tip: Shop for spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs. Vendors often allow free sampling.
Evening: Istiklal Street and Taksim Square (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Travel to Taksim Square by take the metro in the evening and do a wander down Istiklal Street: a busy pedestrian avenue. It has stores and cafés and historical buildings on the street. A traditional meyhane (tavern) is your best place to go to try some raki (Turkish anise flavored alcohol) and mezes, while being introduced to live music and a bustling environment.
- Stroll along Istiklal Street for shopping, street performers, and historic tram rides.
- Dinner at a traditional meyhane (tavern) like Nevizade Sokak.
- Cost: 300–400 TL ($10–$14).
- Savor raki (aniseed spirit) with mezes and enjoy live Turkish music.
Day 3: Hidden Gems of Istanbul
Morning: Balat and Fener (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Visit Balat and Fener and explore the beautiful areas to which they are connected. The colorful buildings, narrow streets and breath-taking street art offered in these parts offer an insight into the colourful history of Istanbul. Go to St. Stephen Church in Bulgaria and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
- Walk through these historic neighborhoods with colorful houses and cobblestone streets.
- Key Attractions:
- Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (free entry).
- Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Lunch: Café Culture (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
You have many delightful cafes to have a relaxing meal in Balat. There are wonderful meals in a relaxing ambiance at places like the Coffee Department and Forno Balat.
- Spot: Forno Balat, a cozy cafe offering delicious pide and coffee.
- Cost: 200 TL (~$7).
Afternoon: Chora Church (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Visit the most famous Chora Church also known as Kariye Museum for having marvelous mosaques and frescoes of Bible themes. Located a little off the usual beaten track, it boasts of beautiful paintings on the walls and a historical significance!
- Entry fee: 200 TL (~$7).
- Travel Tip: Admire the stunning mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories.
Evening: Local Dinner Experience (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
For dinner go to a restaurant located in Kadıköy area of Istanbul facing Asia. I suggest that you take a ferry across the Bosphorus, thereby enjoying a ride. Ciya Sofrasi which a restaurant that has specialize in Anatolian cuisine prepares dishes that will make your taste buds travel throughout Turkey.
- Take a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side (cost: 15 TL/~$0.50).
- Dine at Çiya Sofrası for traditional Anatolian dishes.
- Estimated cost: 300–350 TL (~$12).
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Day 4: Contemporary Istanbul
Morning: Istanbul Modern (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Have a day out with an outing to Istanbul Modern, the city’s first modern art museum. Located in disused Bosphorus warehouse and featuring works by Turkish and international artists, it is housed. In addition, the museum location on the waterfront gives you excellent views.
- Entry fee: 200 TL (~$7).
- Travel Tip: Explore contemporary Turkish and international art.
Lunch: Karaköy (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Spend sometime visiting Karaköy, a fashionable frontline activity with stylish cafés and restaurants. With wonderful Turkish cuisine, Namlı Gurme, and with the tastiest baklava, Karaköy Güllüoğlu is serving.
- Spot: Namlı Gurme in Karaköy for a variety of gourmet Turkish dishes.
- Cost: 250–300 TL (~$10).
Afternoon: Museum of Innocence (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Went to the Museum of Innocence with Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk founded. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum, modeled after Pamuk’s novel of the same name, a trip to Istanbul’s history which is both beautifully set out and narratively.
- Entry fee: 200 TL (~$7).
- Travel Tip: Created by Orhan Pamuk, this museum offers a fascinating perspective on Istanbul through its collection of objects and narratives.
Evening: Rooftop Views (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Rooftop dinner to finalize the day on. Serving outstanding food, Mikla is on top floor of the Marmara Pera Hotel with views of the city skyline and Bosphorus. This is the place to sit and think about how your day went.
- Spot: Mikla Restaurant for a fine dining experience.
- Cost: 1,000–1,500 TL (~$35–$50).
- Enjoy stunning city views and innovative Turkish cuisine.
Day 5: Markets and Relaxation
Morning: Grand Bazaar (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Everyone visiting Istanbul cannot miss the Grand Bazaar. You should arrive early to avoid the crowds and you’ll get lost in the labyrinthine lanes full of shops selling everything from carpets and pottery to jewelry and spices. Much more unique gifts and how to improve your negotiating skills.
- Free entry.
- One of the world’s largest covered markets, offering everything from carpets to jewelry.
- Travel Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and bring cash for bargaining
Lunch: Traditional Turkish Cuisine (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
A traditional Turkish restaurant for lunch than include Nusr-Et or Karaköy Lokantası. You can enjoy a lot of delicious food such as lamb stew, manti (Turkish dumplings), etc, and mezes.
- Spot: Karaköy Lokantası for hearty Turkish dishes.
- Cost: 250–300 TL (~$10).
Afternoon: Turkish Bath (Hamam)
Relax the traditional Turkish bath, after days of adventure. There’s the Hurrem Sultan Hamami, a near Hagia Sophia marvel in marble steam rooms and with excellent service. Experience a full body scrub and masssage to cleanse and renew your body.
- Visit: Hurrem Sultan Hamami.
- Cost: 800–1,000 TL (~$30–$35).
- Indulge in a rejuvenating scrub and massage session.
Evening: Farewell Dinner (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
With a wonderful smooth goodbye meal, you’ll wrap up your Istanbul experience. Pick a restaurant with a view, like 360 Istanbul, where you’ll have a view of the city. Enjoy some delicious foods that will keep you mentally going through the best adventure in this lovely city.
- Spot: 360 Istanbul, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views.
- Cost: 800–1,200 TL (~$30–$40).
- Savor fusion dishes while reminiscing about your journey.
Istanbul is a city that will break your heart with its mixture of old school and contemporary. This 5 day itinerary provides the perfect balance of history, culture and local experience so you actually leave with unforgettable memories.
So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of discovery, and get ready to fall in love with the captivating city where East truly meets West.
