Exploring Istanbul in 9 Days Itinerary

Begin your day at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri). This complex of three museums houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various civilizations that have shaped Istanbul's history. Spend about 2 hours exploring these treasures.

Next, visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans. Allocate around 3 hours to tour its opulent rooms, courtyards, and gardens. For lunch, dine at Konyali Lokantasi, located within the palace grounds, offering traditional Ottoman cuisine.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk across the Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü), which connects Old Istanbul with modern Beyoglu district. Enjoy views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn as you cross over. For dinner, try seafood specialties at Balikci Sabahattin, located near Sultanahmet.

Start your day with a visit to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi). This museum showcases contemporary Turkish art alongside international works. Spend around 2 hours exploring its exhibits.

Afterward, head to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi), one of Istanbul's most famous avenues filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Take your time strolling down this lively street for about 1 hour before stopping for lunch at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and panoramic views.

Conclude your day by visiting Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), located at one end of Istiklal Street. This bustling square is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Spend some time people-watching or enjoying street performances before heading to dinner at 360 Istanbul, offering innovative dishes and stunning city views.

Begin your day by exploring the charming neighborhood of Balat. Known for its colorful houses and narrow streets lined with cafes and antique shops, Balat offers a glimpse into local life in Istanbul. Spend around 2 hours wandering through this picturesque area.

Next up is a visit to the historic district of Eyup where you can take a cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Hill (Pierre Loti Tepesi)). Enjoy panoramic views over Golden Horn while sipping on Turkish tea or coffee at Pierre Loti Café - allocate about an hour here before having lunch nearby at Eyüp Sultan Konagi restaurant which serves delicious traditional dishes.

In evening head towards Ortaköy (Ortaköy), another vibrant neighborhood situated along Bosphorus shore famous for street food especially kumpir baked potatoes & waffles also there are many cozy cafes & bars spend good time here soaking up lively atmosphere then have dinner by water side restaurant Feriye Palace serving exquisite Ottoman inspired menu.

Start your day with a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii). This grand mosque, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, is one of Istanbul's most beautiful structures. Spend around 1.5 hours exploring its stunning interiors and tranquil gardens.

Next, head to the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. This vibrant market is filled with stalls selling spices, sweets, dried fruits, and more. Allocate about 2 hours to wander through the bazaar and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. For lunch, enjoy traditional Turkish dishes at Pandeli Restaurant, located within the bazaar.

In the evening, visit the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). Climb to the top for panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and Bosphorus. Spend around 1 hour here before heading to dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree, known for its delicious mezes and cozy atmosphere.

Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Meydani): Begin your day at this historic square which was once a chariot-racing track during Byzantine times. Spend about an hour exploring its monuments including Obelisk of Theodosius (Obelisk of Theodosius).

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici): Head underground to explore this ancient cistern built in 6th century providing water filtration system for Great Palace spend approximately an hour here then have lunch nearby at House of Medusa offering delightful Turkish cuisine.

Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage): End your day by visiting this historic arcade filled with restaurants & cafes perfect place for dinner try local delicacies at Seviç Restaurant while enjoying lively ambiance.

Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi): Start your day with a tour of this opulent palace which served as administrative center during late Ottoman period spend around two hours exploring lavish rooms & gardens.

Bosphorus Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise along Bosphorus Strait offering stunning views over city’s skyline & landmarks like Rumeli Fortress spend approximately two hours on boat then have lunch onboard or nearby restaurant Karaköy Lokantası serving delicious seafood dishes.

Ortaköy Mosque: Visit this beautiful mosque situated right beside Bosphorus shore perfect spot for sunset photos after that enjoy dinner at one of many waterfront restaurants such as Feriye Palace offering exquisite Ottoman inspired menu.

Haydarpasa Railway Station (Haydarpasa Gari): Begin your exploration on Asian side visiting historic railway station built during Ottoman era spend about an hour here admiring architecture then take ferry ride across Bosphorus towards Kadikoy district.

Kadikoy Market: Wander through bustling market filled with fresh produce stalls cafes shops allocate around two hours soaking up lively atmosphere have lunch nearby at Çiya Sofrası renowned for regional Anatolian dishes.

Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi): End your day by visiting iconic tower located small islet off coast Üsküdar district take short boat ride reach there enjoy panoramic views over city dine restaurant inside tower offering romantic setting delicious food.

Start your last day in Istanbul with a visit to the Kariye Museum (Kariye Müzesi). This former church, now a museum, is renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Spend around 1.5 hours exploring its intricate artwork and learning about its history.

Head over to the Rahmi M. Koc Museum (Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi), a unique museum dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications. Allocate about 2 hours to explore its fascinating exhibits. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Halat Restaurant, located within the museum complex and offering delicious Turkish cuisine.

Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening at Aga Turkish Bath (Aga Hamami). Experience traditional Turkish bathing rituals and unwind after days of exploration. Spend around 2 hours here before heading to dinner at Asitane Restaurant, known for its Ottoman palace cuisine and elegant ambiance.