7 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Istanbul:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel
• Take some time to relax and get settled in
• In the evening, head out to explore the local area and enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner

Day 2: Old City Tour

• Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul
• Next, head to the Blue Mosque, which is just a short walk away
• After that, visit the Topkapi Palace, which was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans
• In the evening, take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar and shop for souvenirs

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar

• Take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the water
• Visit the Spice Bazaar and explore the colorful stalls selling spices, teas, and other local products
• In the afternoon, head to the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city

Day 4: Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands and spend the day exploring the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks
• Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the islands
• Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants

Day 5: Modern Istanbul

• Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum and explore the contemporary art scene in Istanbul
• Take a walk along Istiklal Avenue, one of the city's most popular shopping and dining destinations
• In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of Karakoy for dinner and drinks

Day 6: Asian Side

• Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy neighborhood
• Visit the Moda neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful views of the Marmara Sea
• In the evening, head to the Bagdat Avenue for dinner and drinks

Day 7: Hamams and Farewell

• Visit a traditional Turkish hamam and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment
• Spend your last day in Istanbul exploring any areas you may have missed or revisiting your favorite spots
• In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on your wonderful trip to Istanbul

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul! Let me know if you have any questions or need any further assistance.