5 Days Exploring Istanbul Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), once home to Ottoman sultans. The palace's rich history and beautiful gardens make it a must-see. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Rumist, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries.

After exploring Topkapi Palace, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can shop for everything from jewelry to textiles. For lunch, try some traditional Turkish dishes at Nusr-Et Steakhouse Sandal Bedesteni. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), an architectural marvel.

In the evening, take a relaxing walk along the historic Galata Bridge (Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü)), which spans the Golden Horn. Enjoy dinner at Balikci Sabahattin, famous for its fresh seafood dishes.

Start your day with some modern art at the renowned Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi). Afterward, have breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, known for its delectable baklava.

Spend your afternoon exploring Istiklal Street (Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi)), a bustling avenue filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Stop for lunch at Mikla Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of Istanbul along with innovative cuisine. Continue your exploration by visiting Taksim Square (Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)).

In the evening, take in panoramic views from Galata Tower (Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)). For dinner, head to Meze by Lemon Tree where you can enjoy an array of delicious mezes.

Begin your day with a visit to Balat (Balat), one of Istanbul's oldest neighborhoods known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. Have breakfast at Café Naftalin K, which offers charming decor and tasty treats.

In the afternoon, explore more cultural treasures by visiting Küçüksu Palace (Küçüksu Palace (Küçüksu Kasri)) on Istanbul's Asian side. For lunch near Küçüksu Palace try local delicacies atIskele Restaurant. Afterward take in more sights like Haydarpasa Railway Station (Haydarpasa Railway Station (Haydarpasa Gari)) or Maiden’s Tower (Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)).

Conclude your day by visiting Ortaköy (Ortaköy[9059]) where you can enjoy dinner atFeriye Lokantasi while taking in stunning Bosphorus views.