7 day itinerary
Istanbul
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceGood food and not too expensiveTravel just by public transportI stay in the district sisliI fly from the sabiha gökcen airport
Itinerary
Istanbul is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. With your preferences in mind, here’s a relaxed 7-day itinerary that allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace while enjoying some great local cuisine. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring
- Morning: Arrive at . Take the Havatas shuttle bus to (it’s comfortable and affordable). From Taksim, you can hop on the metro to .
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and freshen up. Head out to explore the district. Visit the for a casual lunch at one of the food courts. Try some local kebabs or a döner sandwich.
- Evening: Stroll through for a relaxing walk. For dinner, check out for some delicious baklava and Turkish tea.
Day 2: Sultanahmet and Historical Sites
- Morning: Take the metro from to Taksim, then catch the funicular to Kabataş and hop on the tram to Sultanahmet. Start your day at the (entry is free now!).
- Afternoon: Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) right next door. For lunch, try for some tasty meatballs. After lunch, explore the .
- Evening: Head to for a leisurely stroll. For dinner, try for some great views and delicious kebabs.
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side
- Morning: Take a ferry from to on the Asian side. Enjoy the scenic views of the Bosphorus.
- Afternoon: Explore and visit the . For lunch, try a local eatery like for some gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and tea.
- Evening: Head to and explore the vibrant market area. For dinner, try for a taste of regional Turkish dishes. After dinner, take the ferry back to the European side.
Day 4: Art and Culture
- Morning: Visit the (take the tram to Karaköy). Enjoy the contemporary art exhibits.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at the museum café or nearby at for some delicious meze. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the and visit the (climb to the top for stunning views).
- Evening: Head back to and enjoy dinner at for some famous İskender kebab.
Day 5: Spice Bazaar and
- Morning: Start your day at the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) in . Sample some Turkish delight and spices.
- Afternoon: Walk to the and get lost in its maze of shops. For lunch, try a local spot like inside the bazaar for some traditional dishes.
- Evening: After shopping, head back to . For dinner, try for some delicious dürüm (wraps).
Day 6: Princes' Islands
- Morning: Take a ferry from Kabataş to , the largest of the Princes' Islands. Enjoy the scenic ride.
- Afternoon: Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the island. Have lunch at a seaside café, trying some fresh fish or seafood.
- Evening: Return to Istanbul and enjoy a relaxed dinner at in for a variety of small plates.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
- Morning: Spend your last day at . Take the tram to Kabataş and walk to the palace. Explore the beautiful gardens and opulent interiors.
- Afternoon: For lunch, try for a lovely view of the Bosphorus and some fresh fish.
- Evening: Head back to for some last-minute shopping or a relaxing coffee at a local café. For your final dinner, treat yourself to a meal at for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
Departure
- On your departure day, take the Havatas shuttle back to . Make sure to leave with plenty of time to spare!
I hope this itinerary helps you enjoy a wonderful week in Istanbul! Each day is packed with culture, history, and, of course, amazing food, all at a relaxed pace. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️🍽️