7 day itinerary
Istanbul
Personalized with:Things to do 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 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 in Istanbul.
- After that, visit the , which was the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. It's a vast complex with beautiful gardens, courtyards, and museums.
- End your day by exploring the , one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
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 get to see beautiful views of the city and its landmarks from the water.
- After the cruise, visit the , which was the residence of Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a stunning palace with beautiful gardens and interiors.
- End your day by visiting the , which is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to experience the modern side of Istanbul.
Day 3:
- Take a ferry to the , which are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. They're known for their beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
- Once you arrive, rent a bike or a horse-drawn carriage and explore the island. You can also visit the historic monasteries and churches on the island.
- End your day by watching the sunset from one of the island's beaches.
Day 4: and
- Start your day by visiting the , which are a collection of three museums that showcase the city's rich history and culture.
- Next, visit the , which is a beautiful Byzantine church with stunning mosaics and frescoes.
- End your day by visiting the , which is a medieval tower that offers beautiful views of the city.
Day 5: and
- Start your day by visiting the , which is a colorful market that sells spices, sweets, and other goods.
- Next, visit the , which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century and is a great example of Ottoman architecture.
- End your day by visiting the , which is a pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to experience the city's nightlife.
Day 6: and
- Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul, which is less touristy than the European side. You can explore the , which is known for its street art and food scene.
- Next, visit the , which is a small tower located on a small island in the Bosphorus. It's a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
- End your day by visiting the , which is a long street with high-end shops and restaurants.
Day 7: Hamams and Turkish Baths
- End your trip by experiencing a traditional Turkish bath or hamam. There are many hamams in Istanbul, but some of the most popular ones are the Cagaloglu Hamam and the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
- After your hamam experience, visit the , which is known for its beautiful mosque and waterfront cafes.
- End your day by having a farewell dinner at one of Istanbul's rooftop restaurants, which offer stunning views of the city.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul!