6 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd love to help you plan a wonderful 6-day family trip to Istanbul! Here's a fun and diverse itinerary for you:

## Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

• Check into your hotel and freshen up
• Head to Sultanahmet Square to visit the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of the Old City
• Have a delicious Turkish dinner at a local restaurant

## Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahçe Palace

• Start your day with a scenic Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning views of the city's skyline
• Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, a grand Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus
• Explore the trendy neighborhood of Beşiktaş and enjoy a family-friendly lunch
• Spend the evening at Ortaköy Square, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food

## Day 3: Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

• Begin your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans
• Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant
• End the day with a relaxing Turkish bath experience at a historic hammam

## Day 4: Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands for a peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Rent bicycles or horse-drawn carriages to explore the car-free islands
• Enjoy a seafood lunch by the waterfront
• Visit the historic monasteries and churches on Büyükada

## Day 5: Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower

• Start your day at the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market selling spices, sweets, and souvenirs
• Climb to the top of Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul
• Explore the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy and enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant
• End the day with a leisurely walk along the Galata Bridge

## Day 6: Modern Istanbul and Shopping

• Visit the modern district of Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue for shopping and dining
• Explore the contemporary art scene at Istanbul Modern or Pera Museum
• Have a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee or tea to end your trip on a sweet note

I hope this itinerary gives you a good mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities in Istanbul. Have a fantastic trip with your loved ones!