14 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a vibrant city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine. Here’s a fun and engaging 14-day itinerary that skips the religious sites but still immerses you in the essence of this magnificent city. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival and Sultanahmet Exploration

• Morning: Arrive in Istanbul! Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Stroll around Sultanahmet Square. Visit the Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place. Don’t miss the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Turkish mezes!

## Day 2: Topkapi Palace and Gulhane Park

• Morning: Head to Topkapi Palace. Explore the opulent rooms and the stunning views of the Bosphorus.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk in Gulhane Park. Grab a coffee at one of the park’s cafes.
• Evening: Dinner in the Karaköy district, known for its trendy eateries.

## Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar

• Morning: Take a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Enjoy the views of palaces and waterfront mansions.
• Afternoon: Visit the Spice Bazaar. Indulge in some shopping for spices, sweets, and teas.
• Evening: Try a local fish restaurant along the Bosphorus for dinner.

## Day 4: Taksim Square and Istiklal Street

• Morning: Explore Taksim Square and the surrounding area.
• Afternoon: Walk down Istiklal Street. Pop into shops, cafes, and art galleries. Don’t forget to try a simit (Turkish sesame bagel) from a street vendor!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city.

## Day 5: Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy

• Morning: Visit Dolmabahçe Palace. Marvel at its stunning architecture and gardens.
• Afternoon: Head to Ortaköy. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water and try a kumpir (stuffed baked potato).
• Evening: Stroll along the Bosphorus and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

## Day 6: Asian Side Adventure

• Morning: Take a ferry to the Asian side. Visit Kadıköy and explore the local market.
• Afternoon: Head to Moda for a relaxing walk along the waterfront. Grab a coffee at a local café.
• Evening: Dinner in Kadıköy, perhaps at a meyhane (tavern) for some live music.

## Day 7: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. Enjoy contemporary Turkish art.
• Afternoon: Explore the Pera Museum. Check out their exhibitions and the beautiful building.
• Evening: Dinner in the Galata area, with a view of the iconic Galata Tower.

## Day 8: Princes’ Islands

• All ## Day: Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands. Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore Büyükada. Enjoy a picnic lunch and relax on the beach.
• Evening: Return to Istanbul and have a casual dinner.

## Day 9: Culinary Day

• Morning: Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Turkish dishes.
• Afternoon: Enjoy the meal you prepared! Spend the rest of the day exploring local markets.
• Evening: Visit a local bar for some Turkish raki and meze.

## Day 10: Shopping Day

• Morning: Head to the Grand Bazaar. Get lost in the maze of shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry.
• Afternoon: Visit the Spice Bazaar again for any last-minute goodies.
• Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the Nişantaşı district, known for its upscale dining.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Edirne

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Edirne, a city known for its Ottoman architecture. Visit the Selimiye Mosque (not a religious site, but an architectural marvel) and enjoy local specialties like Edirne Tava Ciğeri (fried liver).
• Evening: Return to Istanbul and relax.

## Day 12: Explore the Neighborhoods

• Morning: Visit Balat and Fener neighborhoods. Explore the colorful streets and local shops.
• Afternoon: Head to Karaköy for lunch and check out the street art.
• Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant in Karaköy.

## Day 13: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath (hamam) experience.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at a café, people-watching and enjoying the atmosphere.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Bosphorus.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll through your favorite neighborhood.
• Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport.

And there you have it! A delightful 14-day itinerary that captures the essence of Istanbul without focusing on religious sites. Enjoy your adventure, and don’t forget to savor every bite of that delicious Turkish cuisine! Safe travels! 🌍✈️