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, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. After that, head to the Hagia Sophia, a former church turned mosque turned museum. Next, visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. End your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

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's skyline, as well as historic landmarks such as the Maiden's Tower and the Dolmabahce Palace.

Day 4: Princes' Islands

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a ferry to the Princes' Islands. These islands are car-free, so you can explore them on foot, by bike, or by horse-drawn carriage. You can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and delicious seafood.

Day 5: Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Spend the day exploring the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, which consist of three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. You'll see artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

Day 6: Turkish Bath

Experience a traditional Turkish bath, also known as a hammam. You'll be scrubbed, massaged, and pampered in a beautiful and relaxing setting.

Day 7: Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Turkish art. You'll see paintings, sculptures, installations, and more.

Day 8: Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower

Visit the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, which is filled with colorful spices, teas, and sweets. After that, head to the Galata Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.

Day 9: Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim Square

Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, which was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. After that, head to Taksim Square, which is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Day 10: Departure

On your last day, take some time to do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing for the airport.

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