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![5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Istanbul](https://storage.googleapis.com/bd-app-dev-375714.appspot.com/itineraries/018d30be-b2e5-7106-807f-b58cedb94d79/location896.jpg)
5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Istanbul Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Iconic Landmarks and Bosphorus Delights
Morning
Begin your Istanbul adventure with a sumptuous breakfast at Karaköy Lokantası, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the city's history with a visit to the majestic Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). Explore the palace grounds and the Harem with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy, where you can savor a variety of Anatolian dishes. Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Kadıköy Market and Moda Neighborhood and soak in the local atmosphere.
Evening
As the sun sets, embark on the Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table. Enjoy a delectable dinner with live entertainment while cruising along the Bosphorus, witnessing the city's illuminated skyline. It's a perfect way to conclude your first day in Istanbul.
Bedtime
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![Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/59/40.jpg)
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
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![Visit Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/59/40.jpg)
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
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![Visit Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
4.61Kadıköy Market and Moda Neighborhood
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![Visit Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
Kadıköy Market and Moda Neighborhood
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/d45f40745dc8d18a1e48967b1a23508f4fb79653120313b26bf7b6d03fb21424.png/21.jpg)
4.78Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/d45f40745dc8d18a1e48967b1a23508f4fb79653120313b26bf7b6d03fb21424.png/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
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Historic Wonders and Culinary Delights
Morning
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Asitane Restaurant, known for its Ottoman cuisine. After breakfast, visit the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) and the neighboring Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Explore these architectural marvels with a small-group tour that provides insights into their rich history.
Afternoon
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, located near the Spice Bazaar. Post-lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of the Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). Take your time to browse through the wide array of spices, sweets, and local products.
Evening
Experience the mystical Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show at a historic venue in Istanbul. The mesmerizing performance is accompanied by traditional music and offers a glimpse into the Sufi culture. After the show, savor a dinner with panoramic views at Sunset Grill & Bar, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.
Bedtime
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![Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/15.jpg)
4.67Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
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![Visit Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/5a/15.jpg)
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
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![Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/63/16.jpg)
4.68Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
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![Visit Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/63/16.jpg)
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
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![Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/a4.jpg)
4.69Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
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![Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/a4.jpg)
Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
4.34Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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![Visit Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/8d4efa03c571cffc992620aeb4f362db76a66242e61a347bf5154cb14d714480.jpg/21.jpg)
Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
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Artisan Workshops and Cultural Treasures
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, located on a unique islet in the Bosphorus. Post-breakfast, participate in a hands-on Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop to learn the art of creating traditional mosaic lamps. Take your masterpiece as a memorable souvenir.
Afternoon
Head to the historic Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) and explore the underground wonder with a skip-the-line entry and audio guide. For lunch, indulge in the flavors of the sea at Balıkçı Sabahattin, known for its fresh seafood and elegant ambiance.
Evening
Witness the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul at Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani). Explore the surrounding area, known for its diverse dining and entertainment options. For dinner, try the innovative dishes at Mikla, a renowned restaurant with a stunning city view.
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5f357874822769de138024287088fb92ccfe4567a220c0a42296ef3faf0550bf.jpg/21.jpg)
4.94Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
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![Visit Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/5f357874822769de138024287088fb92ccfe4567a220c0a42296ef3faf0550bf.jpg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
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![Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/1a.jpg)
4.73Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
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![Visit Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/54/1a.jpg)
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
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![Visit Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/84/ec.jpg)
4.74Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)
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![Visit Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/84/ec.jpg)
Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani)
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Culinary Journey and Asian Side Exploration
Morning
Start your day with a breakfast at Dürümzade, a popular spot for Turkish street food. After breakfast, take the Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side. Enjoy the scenic cruise and disembark on the Asian side to explore the charming neighborhood and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea at a local cafe.
Afternoon
Have a delightful lunch at Bebek Balıkçısı, a restaurant known for its seafood and serene Bosphorus view. Post-lunch, visit the historic Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) on the Asian side. Explore the palace and its lush gardens with a guided tour.
Evening
Conclude your Asian side experience with a visit to the lively Ortaköy. Enjoy the local street food and browse through the vibrant market stalls. For dinner, head to 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar and enjoy a panoramic view of the city while savoring a fusion of flavors from the East and the West.
Bedtime
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/648d947e1f278.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.83Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side
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![Visit Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/648d947e1f278.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side
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![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
4.52Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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![Visit Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/86/f7.jpg)
Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)
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![Visit Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
4.61Ortaköy
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![Visit Ortaköy in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/87/e4.jpg)
Ortaköy
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Majestic Views and Cultural Insights
Morning
Begin your final day with a hearty breakfast at Kanaat Lokantası - Sultanahmet Köftecisi, a local favorite known for its köfte (meatballs). After breakfast, visit the iconic Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası and enjoy a variety of mezes and fresh fish. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari), a historic fortress that offers insights into Istanbul's military past.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a memorable Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks. Relax on the yacht, enjoy the audio guide, and witness the city's skyline as the sun sets. Savor the included snacks and beverages as you reflect on your enriching journey through Istanbul.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Istanbul.
![Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/8b.jpg)
4.74Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
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![Visit Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/56/8b.jpg)
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
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![Visit Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/83/09.jpg)
4.49Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)
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![Visit Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) in Istanbul](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-content--1x-1/0b/27/83/09.jpg)
Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari)
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![Visit Istanbul Small-Group Sunset or Day Yacht Cruise with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/43152da2944b426fd392b372f655a736905323cc92d1887f4ac65560e2f95c42.jpeg/21.jpg)
4.93Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
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![Visit Istanbul Small-Group Sunset or Day Yacht Cruise with Snacks in Istanbul](https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour/43152da2944b426fd392b372f655a736905323cc92d1887f4ac65560e2f95c42.jpeg/21.jpg)
Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
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