10 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 10 days in Istanbul that is family-friendly:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. You can explore the local area around your hotel, grab some delicious Turkish food, and get a good night's sleep to prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Old City Tour

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, followed by a visit to the Hagia Sophia Museum. After that, head to the Topkapi Palace Museum, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire. End your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy some traditional Turkish tea.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise

Take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. You'll get to see stunning views of the city from the water, including the famous Maiden's Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. After the cruise, head to the Dolmabahce Palace, which is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture.

Day 4: Princes' Islands

Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. You can rent bicycles or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the islands, which are known for their beautiful beaches and historic buildings.

Day 5: Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Spend the day exploring the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, which are home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations. You can also visit the nearby Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage system that dates back to the Byzantine era.

Day 6: Miniaturk and Panorama 1453 History Museum

Visit Miniaturk, a miniature park that features scaled-down models of famous landmarks from around Turkey. After that, head to the Panorama 1453 History Museum, which features a 360-degree panoramic painting of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

Day 7: Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Take a break from history and culture and visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which features contemporary art from Turkey and around the world. After that, head to the nearby Taksim Square, which is a popular shopping and dining destination.

Day 8: Suleymaniye Mosque and Spice Bazaar

Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. After that, head to the nearby Spice Bazaar, where you can shop for spices, sweets, and other traditional Turkish products.

Day 9: Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Mall

Spend the day at the Istanbul Aquarium, which is home to over 15,000 sea creatures from around the world. After that, head to the nearby Aqua Florya Mall, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Day 10: Departure

On your last day, take some time to say goodbye to Istanbul and enjoy any last-minute activities or shopping before heading to the airport for your flight home.

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