Trip Highlights
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
- Basilica Cistern
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Grand Bazaar
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Istanbul, Turkey
13 activities
- 08:00 - 09:00Eating
Breakfast at Hotel
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel, featuring local cheeses, olives, fresh bread, jams, and Turkish tea, preparing you for a day of exploration in Sultanahmet.
Sultanahmet HotelBreakfastLocal Cuisine - 09:00 - 11:00Sightseeing
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a former church, mosque, and museum, now a mosque again. Its colossal dome and intricate mosaics tell a layered history spanning Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, Sultanahmet, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, TurkeyHistoryArchitectureIconic - 11:00 - 12:30Sightseeing
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Admire the stunning interior of the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and thousands of intricate blue Iznik tiles. Experience the serenity and beauty of one of Istanbul's most iconic religious sites.
Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, TurkeyHistoryArchitectureReligious - 12:30 - 13:30Eating
Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Savor authentic Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this historic restaurant, a local favorite since 1920. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal in a bustling atmosphere, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$25Local CuisineLunchTraditional - 13:30 - 15:00Sightseeing
Basilica Cistern
Descend into the mystical depths of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir. Admire its dimly lit columns, reflected in the water, and discover the intriguing Medusa heads at its base.
Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$20HistoryUndergroundAtmospheric - 15:00 - 18:00Sightseeing
Topkapi Palace Museum
Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Wander through its courtyards, treasury, and Harem, gaining insight into the lavish lives of the imperial family and their vast empire.
Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$30HistoryRoyaltyMuseum - 19:30 - 21:00Eating
Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin
Indulge in fresh seafood at Balikci Sabahattin, a highly-rated restaurant known for its delicious mezes and fish dishes. Located in the charming Kumkapı neighborhood, it offers a delightful culinary experience.
Cankurtaran, Seyit Hasan Kuyu Sk. No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$60SeafoodDinnerFine Dining
- 2
Day 2 — Istanbul, Turkey
15 activities
- 08:00 - 09:00Eating
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy another traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of exploring Istanbul's vibrant bazaars and the scenic Bosphorus.
Sultanahmet HotelBreakfastLocal Cuisine - 09:00 - 12:00Exploration
Grand Bazaar
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Haggle for souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, and spices amidst thousands of shops.
Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$50ShoppingMarketCulture - 12:00 - 13:00Exploration
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Engage your senses at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and nuts. It's a feast for the eyes and nose, offering a true taste of Istanbul's culinary heritage.
Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$30MarketFoodShopping - 13:00 - 14:00Eating
Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant
Enjoy delicious Turkish kebabs and mezes with stunning views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus from Hamdi Restaurant's rooftop terrace. It's a perfect spot for a memorable lunch experience.
Rüstem Paşa, Tahmis Cd. Kalçin Sk. No:11, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$40LunchKebabView - 14:30 - 16:30Sightseeing
Bosphorus Cruise
Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, gliding between two continents. Witness Istanbul's iconic landmarks, Ottoman palaces, historic fortresses, and charming waterfront villas from a unique perspective.
Eminönü Pier, Rüstem Paşa, Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd., 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey~$20CruiseSceneryRelaxation - 17:00 - 18:00Exploration
Explore Karaköy
Wander through the trendy Karaköy neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art, independent boutiques, and hip cafes. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Karaköy, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey~$10ModernArtTrendy - 18:00 - 19:00Sightseeing
Galata Tower
Ascend the historic Galata Tower for panoramic 360-degree views of Istanbul, including the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the Sultanahmet skyline. It's an unforgettable vantage point, especially at sunset.
Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey~$15ViewIconicPhotography - 19:30 - 21:00Eating
Dinner at Neolokal
Experience modern Turkish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes at Neolokal. Located near Galata Tower, it offers a refined dining experience with a commitment to sustainability.
Şişhane, Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey~$80Modern TurkishDinnerFine Dining
- 3
Day 3 — Istanbul, Turkey
11 activities
- 08:00 - 09:00Eating
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to explore the vibrant Beyoğlu district and the Asian side of Istanbul.
Sultanahmet HotelBreakfastLocal Cuisine - 09:30 - 11:30Exploration
Istiklal Street & Taksim Square
Stroll down Istiklal Street, Istanbul's famous pedestrian avenue, lined with shops, cafes, historic buildings, and art galleries. Conclude at Taksim Square, a major hub and symbol of modern Turkey.
Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey~$20ShoppingModernVibrant - 11:30 - 12:30Eating
Lunch at Çiya Sofrası
Cross over to the Asian side for lunch at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy, a renowned restaurant offering a rotating menu of authentic Anatolian dishes. Experience a true culinary journey through regional Turkish flavors.
Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey~$30Local CuisineLunchAuthentic - 13:30 - 16:30Exploration
Explore Kadıköy (Asian Side)
Discover Kadıköy, the vibrant heart of Istanbul's Asian side. Explore its bustling market, charming Moda neighborhood, and lively streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and street art. Experience a different pace of Istanbul.
Kadıköy, İstanbul, Turkey~$20Local LifeAsian SideMarket - 17:00 - 18:00Eating
Turkish Coffee Experience
Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a local cafe in Eminönü or Karaköy. Savor the rich, strong brew and perhaps have your fortune told from the coffee grounds, a unique cultural tradition.
Mandabatmaz, Olivia Geçidi 1/A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey~$10CoffeeCultureRelaxation - 18:00 - 20:00Travel
Travel to Istanbul Airport (IST)
Depart from Istanbul, carrying unforgettable memories of its historical wonders, vibrant bazaars, and delicious culinary delights.
Istanbul Airport (IST)DepartureAirport
Where to Stay
- Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Hotel
$120.0 / night2 nights4.5Excellent location near major attractionsAuthentic Ottoman ambianceGreat value for money