7 day itinerary for Istanbul

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 Şişli

• Morning: Arrive at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Take the Havatas shuttle bus to Taksim Square (it’s comfortable and affordable). From Taksim, you can hop on the metro to Şişli.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and freshen up. Head out to explore the Şişli district. Visit the Cevahir Shopping Mall for a casual lunch at one of the food courts. Try some local kebabs or a döner sandwich.
• Evening: Stroll through Macka Park for a relaxing walk. For dinner, check out Karaköy Güllüoğlu for some delicious baklava and Turkish tea.

## Day 2: Sultanahmet and Historical Sites

• Morning: Take the metro from Şişli to Taksim, then catch the funicular to Kabataş and hop on the tram to Sultanahmet. Start your day at the Hagia Sophia (entry is free now!).
• Afternoon: Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) right next door. For lunch, try Sultanahmet Köftecisi for some tasty meatballs. After lunch, explore the Basilica Cistern.
• Evening: Head to Gülhane Park for a leisurely stroll. For dinner, try Hamdi Restaurant for some great views and delicious kebabs.

## Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side

• Morning: Take a ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar on the Asian side. Enjoy the scenic views of the Bosphorus.
• Afternoon: Explore Üsküdar and visit the Maiden’s Tower. For lunch, try a local eatery like Çınaraltı for some gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and tea.
• Evening: Head to Kadıköy and explore the vibrant market area. For dinner, try Çiya Sofrası 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 Istanbul Modern Art Museum (take the tram to Karaköy). Enjoy the contemporary art exhibits.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at the museum café or nearby at Karaköy Lokantası for some delicious meze. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Galata Bridge and visit the Galata Tower (climb to the top for stunning views).
• Evening: Head back to Şişli and enjoy dinner at Kebapçı İskender for some famous İskender kebab.

## Day 5: Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar

• Morning: Start your day at the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) in Eminönü. Sample some Turkish delight and spices.
• Afternoon: Walk to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in its maze of shops. For lunch, try a local spot like Pandeli Restaurant inside the bazaar for some traditional dishes.
• Evening: After shopping, head back to Şişli. For dinner, try Dürümzade for some delicious dürüm (wraps).

## Day 6: Princes' Islands

• Morning: Take a ferry from Kabataş to Büyükada, 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 Meze by Lemon Tree in Şişli for a variety of small plates.

## Day 7: Relax and Reflect

• Morning: Spend your last day at Dolmabahçe Palace. Take the tram to Kabataş and walk to the palace. Explore the beautiful gardens and opulent interiors.
• Afternoon: For lunch, try Bebek Balıkçısı for a lovely view of the Bosphorus and some fresh fish.
• Evening: Head back to Şişli for some last-minute shopping or a relaxing coffee at a local café. For your final dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Mendel’s for a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Departure

• On your departure day, take the Havatas shuttle back to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. 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! 🌍✈️🍽️