Istanbul, Turkey 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Sultanahmet Area

• Arrival: Ataturk Airport or Istanbul New Airport. You can take a taxi, bus (Havabus) or metro to your hotel. (Istanbul Transportation)

• Accommodation: Choose a hotel near Sultanahmet area for easy access to major attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum and Topkapi Palace.

  • Budget: Hotel Sultania or Dosso Dossi Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Four Seasons Sultanahmet Istanbul or Rixos Premier Ushaka Istanbul
  • Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Istanbul or Shangri-La Bosphorus

• Lunch: Try traditional Turkish dishes like köfte at Çiçek Pasajı.

• Afternoon: Visit the Basilica Cistern, then explore the Grand Bazaar (only on Monday to Saturday) for shopping and local experiences.

• Dinner: Savor some Baltı Karısik at Köşkçeşme Altı Yıldız Restaurant.

Day 2: Taksim & Istiklal Avenue

• Morning: Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kabataş, then a funicular up to Taksim Square and stroll through Istiklal Avenue.

• Lunch: Sample some çiğ köfte at Bebek Çiğ Köfte.

• Afternoon: Visit the Galata Tower, Pera Museum, and St. Anthony of Padua Church.

• Dinner: Sit down for a meal at Noluç Restaurant for modern Turkish cuisine.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Ortaköy

• Morning: Take a Bosphorus Cruise to experience the city from the water and see iconic sights like Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, and the beautiful Ottoman mansions.

• Lunch: Enjoy seafood at Ortaköy Fish Market or try a famous lokanta like Üstünağa Hanı.

• Afternoon: Visit the Ortaköy Mosque, a beautiful Ottoman-style mosque right on the Bosphorus shore. Take a stroll along the pier for stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus.

Day 4: Chora Church & Balat

• Morning: Head to Chora Church in the Balat neighborhood, known for its intricate Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

• Lunch: Sample some lahmacun at Hayvore Balat.

• Afternoon: Wander through the colorful streets of Balat, take a spice bazaar tour, and visit the Fethiye Mosque and Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

• Dinner: Try some İmam Bayildi at Hançer Balat Restaurant.

Day 5: Princes’ Islands & Departure

• Morning: Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, where you can rent a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage to explore. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

• Lunch: Dine at one of the island restaurants, such as Ada Restaurant.

• Afternoon: Take your time exploring the islands before returning to Eminönü or Kabataş in the early afternoon for your departure.

Tips & Things to Know:

• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency, and credit/debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
• Language: The primary language is Turkish, but English is spoken in most tourist establishments.
• Clothing: Modest dress is recommended when visiting religious sites; women should wear a headscarf.
• Shopping: Be mindful of the quality and authenticity of goods, especially at the Grand Bazaar.
• Internet: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes and hotels.
• Electricity: The voltage in Turkey is 220V, with European two-prong plugs. Bring an adapter if necessary.

Istanbul Transportation:

• Metro: Istanbul’s metro system connects various parts of the city and can be a convenient way to get around.
• Tram & Ferry: The tram runs from Kabataş to Kapıçadır, while ferries serve the waterfront areas and connect Europe and Asia.
• Bus & Funicular: Buses cover most areas of Istanbul, while funiculars link Taksim with Karaköy and Kabataş.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available but can be expensive; make sure the meter is on when you start your journey.
• Havabus: The airport bus service connects Atatürk Airport, Istanbul New Airport, and various locations around the city.