Istanbul, Turkey 4 Day Itinerary

Istanbul, Turkey: 4-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Explore Historical Sites

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast at Kafedüzdenmez in the Sultanahmet district.
  • Visit Hagia Sophia Museum and marvel at its architectural beauty, a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman art.
  • Head to Sultanahmet Square, where you can find the Blue Mosque. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering!

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir dating back to the Byzantine era.
  • Take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Don’t forget to haggle for souvenirs!

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, where you can try famous Istanbul specialties like Iskender Kebap.
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea or coffee at Nevizade Street in Sultanahmet.

Day 2: Discover Asian Istanbul and Modern Life

Morning:

  • Cross the Bosphorus Strait by ferry to explore Kadıköy in Asia.
  • Visit the Moda District, known for its vibrant street art, independent shops, and cafés.
  • Explore the Istanbul Modern Museum for a glimpse of contemporary Turkish art.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Çiya Soğanlı, a famous Kadıköy eatery known for its creative take on traditional Anatolian cuisine.
  • Visit the Kadırga Naval Museum to learn about Turkey’s naval history.

Evening:

  • Head back to Europe via the Bosphorus Ferry.
  • Have dinner at Narbuko in Karaköy, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus and creative seafood dishes.
  • Experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife at Roadhouse, a popular bar in Karaköy.

Day 3: Relax and Enjoy Local Life

Morning:

  • Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or at Bakery & Co in Cihangir.
  • Visit the Chora Church, another Byzantine gem adorned with beautiful mosaics.
  • Take a walk through the picturesque neighborhood of Cihangir.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Selale, known for its delicious meze selection.
  • Visit the Taksim Square and explore the trendy shops and cafés in the surrounding area.
  • Take a stroll through the Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s pedestrian shopping district, and enjoy the street performers.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Nicolas, an elegant French restaurant with stunning views of Taksim Square.
  • Visit the famous Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul by night.

Day 4: Enjoy Nature and Relax

Morning:

  • Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel or at Café de l’Orient in Galata.
  • Take a ferry to the Prince Islands. Explore the islands by horse-drawn carriage or bike.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at one of the island’s cafés, such as Şark Kahvesi.
  • Relax on the beach or explore the local architecture and charming streets.

Evening:

  • Take a ferry back to Istanbul.
  • Have a farewell dinner at Little Turkey in Karaköy, offering a contemporary take on traditional Turkish dishes.

Things to Know:

  • Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. The European side is more tourist-oriented.
  • The official language is Turkish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Tipping is customary and usually around 10%.
  • The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Public transportation is extensive and affordable. You can use the Istanbulkart for buses, trams, and ferries.
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques. Women should cover their heads with a scarf, and men should wear long pants.
  • Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around tourist attractions.

Tips:

  • Try the local tea (Çay) and coffee (Türk kahvesi).
  • Bargain at the Grand Bazaar, but be respectful and fair.
  • Take a Turkish bath (Hamam) for a traditional relaxation experience.
  • Enjoy the street food, especially simit (sesame bagels) and midye tava (fried mussels).

Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!