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Cultural and Culinary Delights of Istanbul in 5 Days

Cultural and Culinary Delights of Istanbul in 5 Days Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Iconic Istanbul: Mosques, Palaces, and Bazaars

Morning
Begin your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite near the Sultanahmet Square. After breakfast, visit the magnificent Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) and marvel at its stunning architecture and the intricate blue tiles that give it its name.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Hünkar Restaurant - Topkapı Palace Hotel Istanbul and savor the flavors of Ottoman cuisine. Afterward, explore the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and don't miss the Harem section.
Evening
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Enjoy dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its authentic Anatolian dishes.
Bedtime
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Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

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Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

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Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)

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Bosphorus Beauty: Cruises and Castles

Morning
Enjoy a scenic breakfast at Bebek Balıkçısı on the Bosphorus waterfront. Then, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side to see the city's iconic landmarks from the water, including the Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi).
Afternoon
For lunch, try the fresh seafood at Balikci Sabahattin. Afterward, visit the Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari), a fortress built by the Ottomans to control the Bosphorus.
Evening
End your day with a delightful dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Consider booking a Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht for a memorable evening on the water.
Bedtime
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Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

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Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)

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Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)

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Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

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Cultural Treasures: Museums and Workshops

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a church and a mosque. Afterward, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee at Lokma Balıkçısı.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Asitane Restaurant near the Chora Church. Afterward, explore the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi), an underground reservoir that once supplied water to the Great Palace.
Evening
Experience the art of Turkish mosaic lamps with a workshop at Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop. For dinner, indulge in the flavors of the Ottoman Empire at Hamdi Restaurant.
Bedtime
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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

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Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

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Sultanahmet Splendor: Mosques and Mevlevi Mysticism

Morning
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Sultanahmet Koftecisi before visiting the Sultanahmet District, home to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) and the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya).
Afternoon
For lunch, try the famous meatballs at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi. Afterward, explore the spiritual side of Istanbul with a visit to the Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show.
Evening
Enjoy a mystical evening with the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. For dinner, savor the flavors of the Ottoman court at Asitane Restaurant.
Bedtime
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Sultanahmet District

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Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

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Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

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Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

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Istanbul Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema

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Modern Istanbul: Towers, Taksim, and Tastings

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, have breakfast at Durumzade, known for its delicious Turkish wraps.
Afternoon
Explore the vibrant Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) and the bustling Istiklal Street. For lunch, try the mezes at Karakoy Lokantasi. Afterward, visit the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), one of the largest mosques in Istanbul.
Evening
End your trip with a dinner at Mikla, a renowned restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with a view. Consider a Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table for a memorable farewell to Istanbul.
Bedtime
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Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

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Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)

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Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

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Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

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