7 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Istanbul that is family-friendly:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Arrive at your hotel and settle in.
• Take a stroll around the neighborhood and get familiar with the area.
• Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore nearby restaurants.

Day 2: Old City Tour

• Start your day early and head to the Old City, also known as Sultanahmet.
• Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Take a break for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
• In the afternoon, visit the Grand Bazaar for some shopping.
• End the day with a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

Day 3: Bosphorus Tour

• Take a Bosphorus tour and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the water.
• Visit the Dolmabahce Palace and the Rumeli Fortress.
• Stop for lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the Bosphorus.
• In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum or the Rahmi Koc Museum.
• End the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Day 4: Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands and spend the day exploring.
• Rent bicycles or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the island.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or at one of the many parks.
• In the evening, take the ferry back to Istanbul and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower

• Start your day at the Spice Bazaar and sample some of the delicious Turkish delights.
• Visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Suleymaniye Mosque.
• Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Turkish cuisine.
• In the afternoon, visit the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• End the day with a walk along Istiklal Avenue and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Asian Side Tour

• Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood.
• Visit the Moda Park and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
• Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
• In the afternoon, visit the Beylerbeyi Palace and the Camlica Hill.
• End the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Hamam and Departure

• Start your day with a traditional Turkish bath, also known as a hamam.
• Have breakfast at a local cafe and enjoy your last few hours in Istanbul.
• Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight back home.

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