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, including the top 10 things to do:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

• Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel
• Head to the Old City and visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul
• Explore the Blue Mosque, which is located right across from the Hagia Sophia
• Visit the Topkapi Palace, which was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans
• End the day with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace

• Take a Bosphorus cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the water
• Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, which was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire
• Explore the Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, which are known for their vibrant nightlife and shopping

Day 3: Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower

• Visit the Spice Bazaar, which is a colorful and aromatic market that sells spices, sweets, and souvenirs
• Take a stroll through the Eminonu district and visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque
• Head to the Galata Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city
• End the day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Day 4: Princes' Islands and Maiden's Tower

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands, which are a group of nine islands located in the Sea of Marmara
• Explore the islands by bike or horse-drawn carriage
• Visit the Maiden's Tower, which is located on a small islet in the Bosphorus Strait
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the island's many restaurants

Day 5: Chora Church and Suleymaniye Mosque

• Visit the Chora Church, which is known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes
• Explore the Fener and Balat districts, which are known for their colorful houses and historic churches
• Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul

Day 6: Asian Side and Camlica Hill

• Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the Kadikoy district
• Visit the Uskudar district and explore the historic mosques and markets
• Head to Camlica Hill, which offers stunning views of the city from the Asian side

Day 7: Hamams and Turkish Cuisine

• Visit a traditional Turkish hamam and enjoy a relaxing bath and massage
• Explore the Beyoglu district and visit the Pera Museum
• End the day with a traditional Turkish dinner, which includes dishes like kebabs, meze, and baklava

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul!