Istanbul 7 Day Itinerary

Istanbul 7-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Sultanahmet Area

  • ✅ Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Sultanahmet area.
  • 🏺 Visit the Blue Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
  • 🗿 Explore the Hagia Sophia Museum, an iconic Byzantine church turned mosque, now a museum.
  • 🌾 Relax in Sultanahmet Square and enjoy local street food like simit (Turkish bagel) and kumpir (baked potatoes).
  • 🏠 Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2: Sultanahmet Continued & The Grand Bazaar

  • ⏳ Morning visit to Topkapi Palace, the official and primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years.
  • 🛍️ Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops.
  • 🎬 Afternoon at your leisure. Consider visiting the Basilica Cistern or the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
  • 🍲 Evening dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Turkish cuisine like Köfte (meatballs) and Manti (Turkish ravioli).

Day 3: Taksim & Istiklal Avenue

  • 🚗 Morning transfer to Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul.
  • 🏛️ Visit Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • 🛍️ Explore Istiklal Avenue, a bustling shopping street filled with cafes, boutiques, and street artists.
  • 🎭 Evening at the Pera Museum or Tunel Nightclub.

Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahçe Palace

  • 🛳️ Morning Bosphorus Cruise, a relaxing boat trip along the Bosphorus Strait, separating Europe and Asia.
  • 🏰 Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, the last residence for Ottoman sultans and the first presidential palace of the Turkish Republic.
  • 🌳 Afternoon in Besiktas at Pierre Loti Hill or Ortaköy, famous for its mosque and colorful houses by the Bosphorus.

Day 5: Princes’ Islands

  • 🚤 Ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara.
  • 🌃 Explore Burgaz and Büyükada islands on horse-drawn carriages or bicycles.
  • 🍦 Ice cream break at Sedef Café, a historic café on Büyükada.
  • 🏖️ Afternoon at your leisure. Swim, sunbathe, or relax in one of the island’s peaceful spots.

Day 6: Chora Church & Spice Market

  • 🌅 Morning visit to Chora Church, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
  • 🛍️ Spice Bazaar exploration, filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delight, and other local delicacies.
  • 🎨 Afternoon at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (ISMODERN) or the Railroad Museum.
  • 🌍 Evening at Taksim Square or Rixos Libertas Hotel’s rooftop bar for sunset views.

Day 7: Departure

  • 🌅 Last minutes of sightseeing or shopping in Istanbul.
  • ✈️ Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home with unforgettable memories of Istanbul.

Tips & Things To Know

  1. Currency: The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency in Turkey.
  2. Language: While many people understand English, learning a few basic Turkish phrases is appreciated.
  3. Transportation: Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, metro, and ferries. You can also use ride-hailing services like BiTaksi or In Taxi.
  4. Dress Code: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).
  5. Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid isolated or dimly lit streets at night.