5 Days of History, Food, Shopping in Istanbul Itinerary

Begin your day with a tour of Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). This grand palace was once the residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum showcasing imperial collections. Don't miss the Harem section for an insight into royal life.

After exploring Topkapi Palace, make your way to the bustling Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi). One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, it's perfect for shopping for souvenirs, jewelry, spices, and more. For lunch, try some delicious kebabs at Beyti Restaurant, located nearby.

In the evening, visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), another vibrant market where you can find an array of spices, sweets, teas, and dried fruits. Finish your day with dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, famous for its succulent steaks.

Start your morning with a visit to Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi). Explore contemporary Turkish art exhibits in this modern museum located by the Bosphorus.

Take a leisurely walk along the Bosphorus shore before heading to lunch at Neolokal, which offers innovative dishes inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine. After lunch, visit Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), an opulent palace that showcases European-style architecture blended with Ottoman luxury.

In the evening, take in panoramic views from Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). The tower offers stunning vistas over Istanbul's skyline. For dinner with a view, dine at Mikla Restaurant, renowned for its rooftop setting and modern Anatolian cuisine.

Begin your day exploring historical artifacts at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri). The museum complex houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts from various civilizations.

Afterward, head to Taksim Square via Istiklal Street. Enjoy shopping along this bustling avenue before having lunch at one of Istanbul's top restaurants: 360 Istanbul (360 Istanbul). In addition to great food it offers stunning views over Beyoglu district.

Conclude your day by visiting lively Ortaköy (Ortaköy). Wander through charming streets filled with cafes/boutiques or simply relax by waterfront while enjoying local delicacies like kumpir or waffles! End evening dining upscale Ulus 29 (Ulus 29) offering amazing Bosphorus views & refined Turkish/International dishes.

Start your day with a visit to Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi). This hill offers a serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at the café located on the hilltop.

After soaking in the views, head to Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi), also known as the Chora Church. This museum is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Nicole, which offers contemporary Turkish cuisine in a historic setting.

In the evening, take a stroll along Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü). The bridge is a great spot to watch the sunset and see local fishermen at work. For dinner, head to Zuma Istanbul, known for its modern Japanese cuisine and stylish ambiance.