This plan balances Istanbul’s grand landmarks with lively neighbourhoods and great food, keeping each day focused on nearby sights. Costs are rough per-person estimates in Turkish lira (₺); check current opening hours and ticket prices before you go.
Budget
About ₺10,000–13,000 per person for listed admission and food, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–May or September–October, for comfortable walking weather and milder crowds.
Sultanahmet and the Old City
Explore Istanbul’s historic heart on foot, with its major monuments, atmospheric lanes and classic Turkish dinner all close together.
Morning
Visit
Allow time to admire the vast interior and its layered history. It’s about a 5-minute walk from .
About ₺25Morning
See the Blue Mosque
Visit this landmark mosque, allowing for prayer-time closures and respectful dress. Walk about 5 minutes from .
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Tour the Ottoman palace grounds, courtyards and collections; set aside several hours. It’s around a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
About ₺2,400Afternoon
Wander the
Head underground to see the atmospheric columns and Medusa-head carvings. It’s about a 10-minute walk from .
About ₺1,500Evening
Dinner at
Try southeastern Turkish kebabs and enjoy views over the Golden Horn. Take a taxi from the cistern area in about 10–15 minutes.
About ₺900–1,500
Galata and Karaköy
Spend the day among Galata’s historic streets and Karaköy’s cafés and waterfront, linked by short walks and a scenic tram ride.
Morning
Climb
Take in the city views from this medieval tower; arrive early to avoid the longest queues. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Şişhane metro station.
About ₺30Morning
Explore the streets of Galata
Browse the historic lanes and small shops around . Walk about 5 minutes from .
FreeAfternoon
Lunch at
Enjoy Turkish meze and home-style dishes in a beautifully tiled dining room. It’s about a 15-minute walk downhill from .
About ₺700–1,200Afternoon
Walk the Karaköy waterfront
Stroll along the busy waterfront and watch ferries cross the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Book ahead for contemporary Anatolian cooking and sweeping city views. Take the T1 tram from Karaköy to Eminönü, then walk about 10 minutes; allow 15–20 minutes door to door.
About ₺2,500–4,000
Beşiktaş and Ortaköy
Enjoy the Bosphorus from palace gardens to waterfront cafés, then finish with an easygoing evening in the lively Ortaköy district.
Morning
Tour
See the richly decorated state rooms and gardens; check the palace’s weekly closing day before visiting. From Kabataş tram stop, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
About ₺1,800Afternoon
Relax in
Enjoy leafy paths and Bosphorus viewpoints in this peaceful former palace garden. Take a taxi from in about 10–15 minutes.
FreeAfternoon
See and the waterfront
Visit the ornate mosque beside the water and browse the lively square. It’s about a 15-minute walk downhill from .
FreeEvening
Try kumpir by the waterfront
Sample Istanbul-style baked potatoes with your choice of toppings from a local stall around the square. Walk about 5 minutes from .
About ₺200–400
Good to know
Getting around
Use an Istanbulkart for trams, ferries, metro and buses. Traffic can make taxis slow, so favour walking and transit where practical.
Mosques
Dress modestly and bring a scarf if needed; mosque visits may pause during prayer times.
Tickets
Admission prices can change, and some attractions use different rates for visitors. Confirm the latest prices and booking rules on official sites.
Dining
Reserve in advance. For smaller meals, look for busy spots with clearly displayed prices.