7 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Istanbul:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

• Start your day by visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It's a beautiful mosque with intricate blue tiles and six minarets.
• Next, head to the Hagia Sophia, a former church turned mosque turned museum. It's a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and is a must-visit in Istanbul.
• After that, visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. It's a vast complex with beautiful gardens, courtyards, and museums.
• End your day by exploring the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace

• Start your day by taking a Bosphorus cruise, which will take you along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. You'll get to see beautiful views of the city and its landmarks from the water.
• After the cruise, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, which was the residence of Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a stunning palace with beautiful gardens and interiors.
• End your day by visiting the Taksim Square, which is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to experience the modern side of Istanbul.

Day 3: Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, which are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. They're known for their beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and peaceful atmosphere.
• Explore the islands by renting a bike or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. You can also visit the historic monasteries and churches on the islands.
• End your day by watching the sunset from one of the islands' many cafes or restaurants.

Day 4: Istanbul Modern and Galata Tower

• Start your day by visiting the Istanbul Modern, which is a contemporary art museum located on the Bosphorus. It's a great place to see modern Turkish art and learn about the country's cultural scene.
• After that, visit the Galata Tower, which is a medieval tower located in the Galata district. It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to take photos.
• End your day by exploring the Galata district, which is known for its trendy cafes, bars, and shops.

Day 5: Spice Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque

• Start your day by visiting the Spice Bazaar, which is a historic market that sells spices, sweets, and other goods. It's a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Istanbul.
• After that, visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century and is a great example of Ottoman architecture.
• End your day by visiting the Eminonu district, which is known for its seafood restaurants and street food vendors.

Day 6: Chora Church and Istanbul Archaeological Museum

• Start your day by visiting the Chora Church, which is a Byzantine church located in the Edirnekapi district. It's known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
• After that, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which is one of the largest museums in Turkey. It houses artifacts from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman periods.
• End your day by visiting the Ortakoy district, which is known for its beautiful waterfront and trendy cafes.

Day 7: Hamams and Turkish Baths

• Start your day by visiting one of Istanbul's famous hamams or Turkish baths. They're a great way to relax and experience traditional Turkish culture.
• After that, visit the Istiklal Avenue, which is a pedestrian street in the Beyoglu district. It's a great place to shop, eat, and people-watch.
• End your day by visiting the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which is a great place to see contemporary Turkish art and learn about the country's cultural scene.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul!