Istanbul 4 Day Itinerary

Istanbul 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Sites & Spice Bazaar

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Baklava, Turkish Tea) in Karaköy district.
  • Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia Museum and marvel at its architectural grandeur.
  • Explore the nearby Blue Mosque, known for its magnificent blue tiles.
  • Take a leisurely stroll to the Sultanahmet Square and see the Basilica Cistern.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Şehzade Büryan (Traditional Turkish Cuisine).
  • Visit the Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman Sultans, and check out its treasury and harem sections.
  • Explore the colorful Spice Bazaar and pick up some souvenirs.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy, offers a variety of Anatolian dishes).
  • Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus to enjoy the stunning city skyline and historic architecture.

Day 2: Modern Istanbul & Taksim

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Lokanta Maya (Modern Turkish cuisine) in Karaköy district.
  • Visit Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul, and explore the surrounding shops and cafes.
  • Walk up to the İstiklal Avenue and visit the historic Pera Museum.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Noluç (Traditional Turkish Seafood).
  • Take a funicular to the Tünel neighbourhood and explore its charming streets.
  • Visit the Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Van Kahvalti Evi (Breakfast place offering dinner as well, featuring dishes from Eastern Anatolia).
  • Take a stroll around Taksim Square and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Asian Side & Princes’ Islands

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab some pastries from a local bakery.
  • Take a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side and explore its bustling markets, cafes, and street art.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Karaburma Şark Köftecisi (Traditional Turkish meatballs).
  • Take another ferry to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar). Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and explore the picturesque island town.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Derya Restaurant on Buyukada Island, famous for its seafood dishes.
  • Return to Istanbul and relax in the evening.

Day 4: More Sightseeing & Farewell Dinner

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try local breakfast at a café near your accommodation.
  • Visit the Chora Church, known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
  • Explore the Rumeli Fortress on the European side of the Bosphorus.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at İstikbal Çiğ Köfte (Traditional Turkish dish, Cığ Kofte).
  • Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or simply relaxing in a local café.

Evening:

  • Farewell Dinner at Northeast Palas Turhan Usta (Traditional Black Sea cuisine).
  • Take a final stroll along the Bosphorus or visit the Galata Bridge to watch the city’s vibrant nightlife from afar.

Things to Know:

  • Istanbul can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season (April - October).
  • Turkish Lira is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments but always carry some cash.
  • Public transportation includes buses, trams, metro, and ferries. An Istanbulkart travel card is recommended for seamless travel.
  • Taxis are readily available, but make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
  • English is not as widely spoken as in other European cities, so it’s useful to have a translation app or hire a guide for a better experience.

Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!