7 day itinerary
Istanbul
Personalized with:Top 10 things to do istanbul
Itinerary
Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Istanbul, including the top 10 things to do:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City
- Start your day by visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It's a beautiful mosque with intricate blue tiles and six minarets.
- Next, head to the , a former church turned mosque turned museum. It's a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and is a must-visit.
- After that, explore the , one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. You can find everything from spices to jewelry to textiles here.
- End your day by visiting the , the former residence of Ottoman sultans. It's a beautiful palace with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Day 2: and
- Start your day by taking a Bosphorus cruise, which will take you along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. You'll see beautiful views of the city and the water.
- After the cruise, visit the , a stunning palace that was built in the 19th century. It's a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and is definitely worth a visit.
- End your day by visiting the , a bustling area with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 3:
- Take a ferry to the , a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. They're a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and are known for their beautiful beaches and historic buildings.
- Explore the islands by bike or horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- End your day by watching the sunset over the sea.
Day 4: and
- Start your day by visiting the , a beautiful church that's known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes.
- Next, visit the , one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century and is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
- End your day by visiting the , a medieval tower that offers stunning views of the city.
Day 5: and
- Start your day by visiting the , which are home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
- Next, visit the , a colorful market that's filled with spices, teas, and sweets.
- End your day by taking a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.
Day 6: Beyoglu and
- Start your day by visiting the Galata Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Golden Horn.
- Next, explore the , which is known for its trendy cafes, bars, and shops.
- Walk down , a bustling pedestrian street that's lined with shops and restaurants.
- End your day by visiting the , a contemporary art museum that's located on the Bosphorus.
Day 7: Hamams and Turkish Baths
- Start your day by visiting a traditional Turkish bath, also known as a hamam. There are many hamams in Istanbul, but some of the most popular ones include the Cagaloglu Hamam and the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
- After your hamam experience, visit the , an ancient underground water reservoir that's known for its beautiful columns and lighting.
- End your day by visiting the , which is known for its beautiful mosque and waterfront cafes.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul!