Itinerary Istanbul 5-Day

 

5-Day Itinerary for a Sightseeing Tour in Istanbul

This 5-day itinerary is designed to help you explore the most important attractions in Istanbul. It includes a daily schedule, with descriptions of each landmark, suggested activities, and meal breaks at nearby restaurants. Each day ends with accommodation recommendations close to the last attraction of the day, sorted by price and service.

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Day 1: Sultanahmet – Historical Istanbul

Attractions:

1. Hagia Sophia: This UNESCO World Heritage site was originally a Byzantine church, later a mosque, and now functions as both a museum and mosque. Admire its iconic dome and the stunning mosaics.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles, this mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
3. Topkapi Palace: Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, it now houses an extensive museum with collections of jewels, artifacts, and the palace's harem section.
   
   
   

These three landmarks are within walking distance of each other in the Sultanahmet district. Start at Hagia Sophia, walk a few minutes to the Blue Mosque, and finish at Topkapi Palace, all located around Sultanahmet Square.

What to Do: Walk around the serene Sultanahmet Square, explore the interior of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and spend time exploring the lavish halls of Topkapi Palace.

Lunch and Dinner Options (near Sultanahmet):

• Budget: Sultanahmet Köftecisi (Turkish köfte, approx. $10/person)
• Mid-range: Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi Selim Usta (Traditional Turkish food, approx. $20/person)
• Luxury: Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine (Ottoman cuisine, approx. $60/person)

Accommodations (near Sultanahmet):

• Budget: Agora Guesthouse & Hostel
  Price: $40/night
  Service: Dorms and private rooms, basic amenities, free breakfast.

• Mid-range: Hotel Amira
  Price: $100/night
  Service: Boutique hotel, comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast.

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
  Price: $400/night
  Service: Luxurious rooms, historical building, premium service.

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Day 2: Bosphorus & Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace

Attractions:

1. Bosphorus Cruise: Experience a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying views of both European and Asian Istanbul, along with palaces, mansions, and bridges.
2. Dolmabahçe Palace: This 19th-century palace is one of the grandest in Turkey. It was home to the last Ottoman sultans and showcases a blend of European and Ottoman architecture.
3. Ortaköy Mosque: Situated on the waterfront, this picturesque mosque is a must-see at sunset.

   

   Bosphorus

   
   

Begin with a Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü Pier (or Kabataş Pier if you're closer to the modern district). After the cruise, walk or take a short tram ride to Dolmabahçe Palace. End the day with a visit to Ortaköy Mosque, which is a 10-minute drive from the palace along the Bosphorus.

What to Do: Take a half-day cruise on the Bosphorus, explore the opulent interiors of Dolmabahçe Palace, and stroll along the Bosphorus shoreline in Ortaköy.

Ortaköy Mosque

Lunch and Dinner Options (near Dolmabahçe and Ortaköy):

• Budget: Ortaköy Kumpir (Stuffed baked potatoes, approx. $8/person)
• Mid-range: Feriye Lokantası (Turkish cuisine, approx. $35/person)
• Luxury: Sunset Grill & Bar (Mediterranean fusion, approx. $90/person)

Accommodations (near Dolmabahçe Palace):

• Budget: Cheers Midtown Hostel
  Price: $50/night
  Service: Cozy hostel, simple rooms, great location.

• Mid-range: The House Hotel Bosphorus
  Price: $150/night
  Service: Stylish rooms with views of the Bosphorus, breakfast included.

• Luxury: Shangri-La Bosphorus
  Price: $350/night
  Service: 5-star luxury hotel with waterfront views, spa, and fine dining.

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Day 3: Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Attractions:

1. Grand Bazaar: One of the largest covered markets in the world, this sprawling bazaar has over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to textiles.
2. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): A vibrant market offering a wide variety of spices, Turkish delights, and local delicacies.
3. Süleymaniye Mosque: Built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this grand mosque offers fantastic views of the city.
   
   
   

These locations are close to each other. Start at the Grand Bazaar, then take a short walk (around 10 minutes) to the Spice Bazaar near Eminönü. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk uphill to the Süleymaniye Mosque.

What to Do: Spend time shopping for unique souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar, sample spices and sweets in the Spice Bazaar, and relax in the peaceful gardens of the Süleymaniye Mosque.

Lunch and Dinner Options (near Grand Bazaar):

• Budget: Dönerci Şahin Usta (Döner kebab, approx. $7/person)
• Mid-range: Hamdi Restaurant (Grilled Turkish kebabs, approx. $35/person)
• Luxury: Beyti (Traditional Turkish cuisine, approx. $75/person)

Accommodations (near Grand Bazaar):

• Budget: Old Mile Suites
  Price: $30/night
  Service: Affordable and clean rooms with basic amenities.

• Mid-range: Niles Hotel Istanbul
  Price: $120/night
  Service: Boutique-style hotel, traditional decor, rooftop terrace.

• Luxury: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Old Town
  Price: $180/night
  Service: Modern rooms, central location, excellent service.

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Day 4: Galata Tower & Taksim Square

Attractions:

1. Galata Tower: This medieval stone tower offers stunning panoramic views of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
2. Istiklal Street: A bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
3. Taksim Square: A lively area that is the heart of modern Istanbul, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural sites.

Start the day at Galata Tower in the Galata neighborhood. Walk or take a short tram ride to Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian street. From there, follow Istiklal Street all the way up to Taksim Square, a 20-30 minute walk depending on stops.

Istiklal Street

What to Do: Climb to the top of Galata Tower, explore the shops and historical landmarks along Istiklal Street, and visit the Republic Monument in Taksim Square.

Lunch and Dinner Options (near Galata and Taksim):

• Budget: Simit Sarayı (Turkish bagels and snacks, approx. $5/person)
• Mid-range: Meze by Lemon Tree (Turkish mezes, approx. $35/person)
• Luxury: 360 Istanbul (Fusion cuisine, rooftop view, approx. $80/person)

Accommodations (near Taksim Square):

• Budget: Chambers of the Boheme Hostel
  Price: $35/night
  Service: Hostel with basic rooms, great location.

• Mid-range: The Marmara Taksim
  Price: $130/night
  Service: Comfortable rooms, rooftop pool, central location.

• Luxury: Rixos Pera Istanbul
  Price: $250/night
  Service: 5-star hotel with luxurious amenities, spa, and elegant design.

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Day 5: Princes’ Islands – Büyükada

Aya Yorgi Church

Attractions:

1. Büyükada (Princes’ Islands): The largest of the Princes' Islands, where no motor vehicles are allowed. Visitors explore the island by bicycle or horse-drawn carriages.
2. Aya Yorgi Church: Perched atop a hill on Büyükada, this small church offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
3. Büyükada Beach: Relax on the beach and enjoy the serene atmosphere away from the bustling city.

Take the ferry from either Eminönü or Kabataş to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. Once on the island, rent a bicycle or take a horse-drawn carriage to visit Aya Yorgi Church and finish at Büyükada Beach for relaxation.

What to Do: Rent a bicycle or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore Büyükada, hike to Aya Yorgi Church for stunning views, and relax at one of the island’s beaches.

Lunch and Dinner Options (on Büyükada):

• Budget: Kosk Orman Restaurant (Turkish grill, approx. $12/person)
• Mid-range: Milto Restaurant (Seafood, approx. $30/person)
• Luxury: Büyükada Anastasia Meziki (Fusion cuisine, approx. $60/person)

Accommodations (on Büyükada):

• Budget: Marine House Boutique Hotel
  Price: $50/night
  Service: Simple but comfortable rooms, central location.

• Mid-range: Ada Palas Boutique Hotel
  Price: $120/night
  Service: Cozy rooms, Ottoman-style decor, peaceful garden.

• Luxury: Splendid Palace Hotel
  Price: $200/night
  Service: Historic hotel with elegant interiors, outdoor pool, and fine dining.

Carte 5-Day Istanbul Tour with steps to do

This itinerary ensures you visit Istanbul’s most iconic sites while providing a detailed program with well-placed meal breaks and nearby accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences.