Istanbul
Where East meets West across the Bosphorus
Days
Places
/day avg
Day 1: Day 1 — Sultanahmet & Byzantine Treasures
🍜 Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi
Epic traditional Turkish breakfast spread: olives, cheeses, honey, menemen, unlimited çay. Arrive hungry.
🏛️ Hagia Sophia
1,500-year-old architectural wonder. Church, mosque, museum, mosque again. Breathtaking Byzantine mosaics.
🏛️ Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque with six minarets and 20,000 blue İznik tiles. Still an active place of worship.
🍜 Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Istanbul's most famous köfte (meatballs) since 1920. Simple, delicious, iconic. Always packed.
🏛️ Basilica Cistern
Underground Byzantine water reservoir with 336 marble columns. Ethereal lighting and Medusa head columns.
🍜 Sunset at Seven Hills rooftop
Rooftop terrace with the best view: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Sea of Marmara. Turkish tea and nargile.
🍜 Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin
Classic meyhane with meze platters and fresh Aegean fish. Ottoman house setting. Reserve ahead.
Day 2: Day 2 — Bazaars & Bosphorus
🛍️ Grand Bazaar exploration
4,000 shops under one roof since 1461. Carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices. Haggle respectfully. Get lost intentionally.
🛍️ Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Sensory explosion: saffron, Turkish delight, dried fruits, nuts, teas. More compact than Grand Bazaar.
🍜 Balık ekmek lunch at Eminönü
Iconic fish sandwich from rocking boats. Grilled mackerel in crusty bread with onions. Very Istanbul.
🌿 Bosphorus cruise
Long ferry ride (2 hours) up the straits. European side, Asian side, waterfront palaces, fortresses. Bring çay.
🌿 Sunset tea at Çamlıca Hill
Highest point in Istanbul. Panoramic views over two continents. Perfect for sunset with Turkish tea and simit.
🍜 Dinner at Çiya Sofrası
Legendary Anatolian restaurant in Kadıköy. Regional dishes you won't find elsewhere. Daily changing menu.
Day 3: Day 3 — Palaces & Hammam
🏛️ Topkapı Palace
Opulent Ottoman palace for 400 years. Harem, treasury, imperial kitchens, Bosphorus views. Allow 3 hours minimum.
🍜 Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant
Multi-floor restaurant near Spice Bazaar. Kebabs, views, and traditional southeastern Turkish cuisine.
🏛️ Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan's masterpiece, less touristy than Blue Mosque. Serene courtyard, stunning tile work, graveyard with views.
♨️ Traditional Turkish hammam
Cağaloğlu Hammam (1741). Full experience: steam, scrub, foam massage. Luxurious and authentic.
🏛️ İstiklal Avenue stroll
Beyoğlu's grand pedestrian street. Tram, shops, street musicians, art galleries, nostalgic architecture.
🌙 Rooftop drinks at Mikla
Stunning panoramic rooftop bar atop Marmara Pera Hotel. Creative cocktails and Bosphorus views.
Day 4: Day 4 — Asian Side & Farewell
🚄 Ferry to Kadıköy
Morning commute across the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia. Mix with locals, sip çay, watch seagulls.
🍜 Kadıköy market breakfast
Wander the bustling produce and fish markets. Grab börek, gözleme, and fresh pomegranate juice from stalls.
🏛️ Moda neighborhood walk
Charming seaside district with vintage shops, cafés, and Moda Pier. Very local, very chill.
🍜 Lunch at Çiya Kebap
Sister restaurant to Çiya Sofrası, focusing on kebabs. Try Adana and Urfa versions. Fantastic yogurt dishes.
🏛️ Dolmabahçe Palace
Lavish 19th-century palace where Atatürk died. Crystal chandeliers, gold ceilings, Bosphorus waterfront location.
🍜 Farewell dinner at Neolokal
Modern Turkish fine dining on SALT Galata's top floor. Creative takes on Anatolian ingredients. Stunning views.
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