5 Days of Music and Culture in Istanbul Itinerary

Start your second day with a visit to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi). This museum showcases contemporary Turkish art and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus. Enjoy breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its delicious baklava.

Next, make your way to the historic district of Balat for the Istanbul Fener Balat Half-day Guided Walking Tour. This tour will take you through one of Istanbul's oldest neighborhoods, known for its colorful houses and rich history. For lunch, try some local dishes at Forno Balat, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Turkish cuisine.

Conclude your day with an evening visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), one of Istanbul's largest mosques. Its hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the city at sunset. Afterward, dine at Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine Restaurant for an authentic Ottoman dining experience.

Begin your third day by exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can shop for everything from spices to jewelry. Have breakfast at Pandeli, located within the bazaar itself.

After shopping, head over to Eminönü Square for some sightseeing before joining an afternoon session of the popular activity:  Istanbul Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets. This tour will introduce you to some of Istanbul's best street food vendors. For lunch, sample various street foods as part of this guided tour.

End your day with a visit to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi), one of Istanbul's most famous avenues known for its vibrant nightlife. Here you can enjoy dinner at 360 Istanbul, which offers panoramic views from its terrace along with modern Turkish cuisine.

Start your fourth day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). This historic palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Explore its opulent rooms, courtyards, and gardens while learning about the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. For breakfast, enjoy a meal at Lale Restaurant, located near the palace.

After your morning at Topkapi Palace, head over to join the Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop. This hands-on activity allows you to create your own beautiful mosaic lamp, a perfect souvenir from your trip. For lunch, visit Ciya Sofrasi, known for its diverse menu of traditional Turkish dishes.

In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant Arasta Bazaar (Arasta Çarşısı), located near the Blue Mosque. This market is less crowded than the Grand Bazaar and offers a variety of unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Conclude your day with dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, which offers delicious kebabs and stunning views of the Golden Horn.

Begin your final day in Istanbul with a visit to Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi). Take a cable car ride up to this scenic hilltop for panoramic views of Istanbul and enjoy breakfast at Pierre Loti Cafe, which offers a charming atmosphere and stunning vistas.

Next, explore Ortaköy, a lively neighborhood located along the Bosphorus. Stroll through its bustling streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Don't miss trying some kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) from one of the many street vendors for lunch. Afterward, join an afternoon session of Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide, where you can relax on a luxury yacht while taking in breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline.

For your final evening in Istanbul, visit Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), known as the heart of modern Istanbul. Here you can enjoy dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree, which offers an array of delicious mezes (small dishes) perfect for sharing. End your night with drinks at 360 Istanbul, revisiting this rooftop bar for one last look at Istanbul's stunning nightscape.