Discover why Istanbul is a city like no other with this carefully crafted 5-day Istanbul itinerary. Explore the city’s architectural wonders and shop in its bazaars.
Attend a performance by the whirling dervishes and go underground in Basilica Cistern. But don’t forget to visit some of the most impressive mosques in the world either.
With my Istanbul itinerary you won’t miss out on any of Istanbul’s landmarks. So start planning that city trip to Turkey’s capital right now.
Istanbul Itinerary Planning Essentials
After day 5 of this Istanbul itinerary you’ll find a map and lots of practical information. But you can already find a summary of handy resources right here if you’re planning your trip to Istanbul kinda last-minute.
Where to stay in Istanbul
- The Bank Hotel (luxury)
- Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Old City (mid-range)
- Ikiz Konak Boutique Hotel (mid-range/budget)
Make dinner reservations
Best Tours
- Get the Istanbul e-pass
- Skip-the-line entrance for Hagia Sophia
- Skip-the-line tour Topkapi Palace & Harem
Get an eSIM to stay connected
Buy and install an Airalo esim card for Turkey
Get Travel Insurance
Compare quotes from Safetywing, Heymondo and World Nomads
Getting to Istanbul from the airport (IST)
Take the Havaist bus or jump on the brand new metro line. Or, book a private transfer to arrive at your hotel in style!
With that list of Istanbul essentials ticked off let’s start with how to plan your itinerary in Istanbul.
Day 1 | Essential Istanbul
On the first day of this Istanbul itinerary you’re visiting some of the essential sights of the city.
Basilica Cistern
Start your day early by descending into the eerie, but enchanting Basilica Cistern. This large underground cavern once stored water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I.
As you explore, look out for the mysterious Medusa head columns and enjoy the cool, serene atmosphere. Because this underground water basin gets really busy throughout the day visit first thing in the morning for best pictures.
Back outside stop by at Poiká Breakfast & Coffee if you haven’t had breakfast yet and afterwards make your way to the Blue Mosque.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built early 17th century when Sultan Ahmed I ruled. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its stunning blue iznik tiles that adorn its interior. Take a moment to really appreciate the mosque’s interior before you start taking photos, because it’s truly breathtaking.
Speaking of breathtaking, the architect of the Blue Mosque literally almost lost his breath. Apparently there were some lost in translation moments between the sultan and the architect. This resulted in the construction of the six minarets for the Blue Mosque.
However, this was unheard of, since the only mosque with six minarets was the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Because the architect explained he had misunderstood the instructions, the sultan forgave him. Simultaneously he ordered the construction of a seventh minaret to the Mecca Grand Mosque. Problem solved.
All done at the Blue Mosque, then continue your Istanbul itinerary to the Column of Constantine. From there pass the Nuruosmaniye Mosque before you enter the Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. You will find over 4,000 shops here! It’s a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from handmade carpets and leather goods to spices and jewelry.
Embrace the fact that you’re going to get lost here in this maze of streets, alleys and passageways. To be honest getting lost is part of the fun. But with so many stalls and products on offer it’s also the perfect place to practice your bargaining skills. And to put your tastebuds to work by trying out some aromatic teas and Turkish delight.
If all that shopping made you hungry for lunch, then take a seat with a view at Roof Mezze 360.
Hagia Sophia
After your mezze join a tour to explore the Hagia Sophia. Or use your Istanbul e-pass to gain skip-the-line entrance after their ‘outer explanation guided tour’. This iconic Byzantine masterpiece used to be a church that was converted into a mosque and later a museum.
In 2020 the building became an active mosque again, where entrance fee is now also charged to tourists. On top of that you can only visit the top floor of the building nowadays. The interior is truly stunning though with detailed mosaics and many other details. The Hagia Sophia is one Istanbul attraction that you cannot miss on your Istanbul itinerary.
Whirling Dervishes
Finally, conclude your day with a performance by the Whirling Dervishes. This spiritual dance that’s rooted in Sufi tradition, involves dancers spinning in a trance-like state to live music.
We visited the 1-hour long music and dance performance at Kizlarağa Medresesi that’s part of the Istanbul e-pass. Rread my review of the Istanbul E-pass to find how this city pass can benefit you.
We felt like it was an authentic experience that gave insight into Turkey’s cultural and religious heritage. Other venues include more ‘touristy’ shows, such as at Hodjapasha, or a full-on authentic 3-hour immersion.
Afterwards, finish your day with köfte at the popular Sultanahmet Köftecisi just off Sultanahmet square.
Day 2 | Istanbul along the Bosphorus
Today the Bosphorus will play a big role in the attractions and activities on your Istanbul itinerary.
Topkapi Palace & Hagia Irene
Start your second day by exploring the magnificent Topkapi Palace. On site you will also visit the Hagia Irene church. Visiting both the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene will take up a good portion of your morning. With its beautiful courtyards, lush gardens, and priceless treasures, it’s quite easy to spend 3 hours exploring.
Enter the Topkapi Palace grounds through the entrance at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. From there dive right into Hagia Irene, an ancient Byzantine church that even predates Hagia Sophia.
Continue through the next gates of the Topkapi Palace grounds. Topkapi Palace was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II who was the conqueror of Constantinople.
The palace served as the main residence and also administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. And it did so for about 400 years between the 15th to the 19th century. During the 19th century these functions were moved to the Dolmabahce Palace.
Nowadays the palace is a museum and also a pilgrimage site for muslims, because the museum houses the cloak and sword of the Prophet Muhammad.
There’s plenty to see in the palace, but you can get an extra ticket to visit the colourful tiled rooms in the harem section. Also don’t forget to check out the magnificent views of the Bosphorus from the palace’s terraces.
Sülemaniye Mosque
Continue this Istanbul itinerary to the Sülimaniye Mosque. Before you enter though, have lunch with a view at view at La Vista Bosphorus.
Sülemaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that was designed by the famed architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills and offers breathtaking views of the city.
When you’re done visiting the mosque take a look at some of the art galleries on Mimar Sinan street. And then make your way down the hill again to the Galata Bridge.
Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi)
Check what the catch of the day is with the fishermen on the bridge and continue to Karaköy. This neighbourhood is a modern addition to Istanbul where we come back to later on in this Istanbul itinerary. But for now this is where you take ferry to Kiz Kulesi, or the Maiden’s Tower.
The recently renovated tower is located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, close to the Asian side of Istanbul. Over the centuries this tower has served as a watchtower and a lighthouse. It’s a great boat trip with the tower granting you 360 views.
Istanbul Modern Museum
After your visit to the Maiden’s Tower, the Kiz Kulesi ferry returns you safe and sound to Karaköy. From there make your way along the quay to the Istanbul Modern. If you still have time you can visit the museum’s modern and contemporary Turkish art collection.
Not enough time? Then take a seat for dinner at the museum’s restaurant, which is one of Istanbul’s finest. The views from Restoran Modern over the Bosphurus are amazing and so is the Turkish food on the menu.
Day 3 | Modern Istanbul
Today, start your Istanbul itinerary back at the Bosphorus waterfront and continue to the newer areas of Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace
Begin your third day with a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace. This grand palace that was built in the 19th century, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
As you explore the rooms, you’ll get a sense of the empire’s wealth and sophistication. Don’t miss the stunning Bosphorus views from the palace gardens.
Just like the Topkapi Palace you easily spend up to 3 hours exploring the palace, harem and grounds. For lunch alongside the Bosphorus take a seat at Dolmabahce Cafes.
Taksim Square
Next, head up the hill to reach the bustling heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square. This lively area is a hub of activity, known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Additionally, it’s a significant location for public events and celebrations. Or protests against Erdogan’s government.
Istiklal Street
Following Taksim Square, stroll down Istiklal Street, one of the city’s most famous avenues. This street is lined with historic buildings, boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
Consequently, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some shopping, people-watching, and perhaps a taste of delicious Turkish ice cream. You can also jump on board the nostalgic red tram that runs along the street. But don’t forget to enter the stunning church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Towards the end of Istiklal Street you can climb to the top of the Galata Tower. Expect some unobstructed city views. The streets around the tower are home to some of our favourite shops. Make sure to step into El Dorado, a vintage store that you will never forget once you’ve been. Next door you can also visit the Cat Museum.
Karaköy
After exploring Istiklal Street, make your way to the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy. Known for its mix of old and new, Karaköy boasts a vibrant arts scene, chic cafes, and eclectic shops. An interesting building is the recently renovated former Post Office building. Here you can shop and view an exposition on the top floor.
Finished shopping and exploring, then take a seat for dinner at Lokanatasi Karaköy. Their menu features delicious mezze and other Turkish dishes served in their new location inside the Novotel Hotel.
Rooftop Drinks
Istanbul is full of rooftop bars and restaurants as you may have already noticed in this Istanbul itinerary. Our favourite rooftop bar, inside the Bank Hotel, did not seem to be so popular yet. But seriously deserves a visit! Enjoy the vibe and the views, either before or after your dinner. Or before and after your dinner.
Day 4 | Asian Istanbul in Kadiköy
Today, spend your time on the Asian side of Istanbul, which is just a short ferry ride away from Eminönü or Karaköy.
Shop for fresh food, vinyl records and books
First, start your exploration with a visit to the bustling Kadiköy Fresh Food Market. Here, you can wander through stalls overflowing with colourful fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices. This market is not only a feast for the eyes but also a great place to sample some of the finest local produce.
Tip: Get some of those fleshy purple olives, so you can snack on them later.
For those who love shopping, Kadiköy is a paradise for vinyl records and books. The best place to do so is at the Akmar Pasaji. Enter the passage via the unassuming entrances on Mühürdar or Neset Ömer Street. Explore the ground floor and take stairs up and down to discover more and more.
Continue exploring Kadiköy by heading south to the Moda Pier, walking along the quay. Or take the circle tram, which is a little touristy, but super fun to go around the neighbourhood.
Street Art & Coffee
Use the afternoon to explore the northern side of Kusidili Street which is called Kadiköy Yeldegirmeni. Here you can find stunning murals created by graffiti artists and a vibrant cafe scene. But first pass the bull statue and have lunch at Lahmacum Dükkani with a crispy Turkish pizza.
Tip: To see the most of Kadiköy Yeldegirmeni you can follow this street art and graffiti walking route on google maps.
This route takes you to the best murals around the neighbourhoud. And at the same time you pass some of the best third wave coffee places on this Istanbul itinerary.
If you still have time make your way to Üsküdar for more shops and coffee and take the ferry to Ortaköy Square. Alternatively, take the ferry to Kabatas where your Bosphorus dinner cruise departs. Or skip this part altogether and head back to your hotel in time for your dinner cruise pick-up.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
One of the most popular activities in Istanbul is to go on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish dance performances. The Elite Dinner Cruise was included in our e-pass and I have to say it’s a fun ride, but don’t expect a romantic night out.
There’s plenty of entertainment from belly dancers and whirling dervishes on board. But don’t come here expecting any authenticity though. Most people were however dancing and having a blast towards the end of the evening. Don’t forget to occasionally head outside to see some of Istanbul’s most beautiful sights illuminated.
Day 5 | Bye bye Istanbul
You’ve reached the final day of this 5-day Istanbul itinerary, but still there’s a lot more to see and do.
Archaeological Museum
Begin the final day on this Istanbul itinerary with a visit to the Archaeological Museum. The museum was established in 1891 and houses over one million ancient artifacts and objects that span millennia.
One of the most important sights inside the main building is the famed Alexander Sarcophagus. But also expect to see ancient sculptures, and relics from various civilisations that have influenced the region. Next to the main building you can admire the Tiled Pavillion (which however currently is being renovated).
Back outside continue to the Spice Bazaar, making your way through Gulhäne Park. If it’s time for lunch, then take a seat at Olden 1772. And afterwards don’t forget to pass by the New (Yeni) Mosque.
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar is an aromatic market that dates back to the 17th century. Even more so that the Grand Bazaar it offers a feast for the senses.
You can find colourful displays of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delight at the Spice Bazaar. So, because it’s your final day in Istanbul stock up on anything you want bring home as a souvenir. There’s plenty of tasty treats!
Balat & Fener walking tour
Spend the afternoon on a walking tour of Balat and Fener. Most of these walking tours depart from the Spice Bazaar, so what a coincidence that you’re already there. All joking aside though, Balat and Fener are two historic neighbourhoods with colourful houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
As you stroll through these charming areas, you’ll encounter a mix of old churches, synagogues, and mosques. Don’t miss the chance to explore local cafes, antique shops, and vibrant street art. Let yourself be guided through this wonderful part of the city.
Turkish Hammam
After 5 days of excitement there’s no better way of finishing your 5-day Istanbul itinerary than with a visit to a Turkish Hammam. The Sultan Süleyman Hamam is kind of institutionalised in Istanbul, so you can’t go wrong visiting this traditional hamman. Enjoy a series of treatments, including a steam bath, a thorough scrubbing, and a massage in beautiful marble surroundings.
Istanbul Itinerary | Map
For your convenience I’ve created a handy map on wanderlog. Use it to get an idea of the size of the city and to find where stuff is located.
I’ve highlighted each day of this Istanbul itinerary as a route with a different colour. And then there’s my suggested hotels, restaurants and other tips.
Practical Information to Plan Your Istanbul Itinerary
Where to stay in Istanbul
It’s quite easy to get around the city, but the most lively neighbourhoods are Karaköy and Beyoglu. These are also some of the most expensive areas of the city to stay. We conveniently stayed a little cheaper along the T1 tramline close to Aksaray metro station.
Another lovely area to stay is Kadiköy, although I would suggest this area only for longer stays. Or if you’ve been to Istanbul before. With that being said, find out my suggested hotels below.
- The Peninsula | For the epitome in luxury stay at The Peninsula Istanbul. Located on the quays of Karaköy expect to be completely pampered.
- Bank Hotel | Close to all the action and with the best rooftop bar in the city. The Bank Hotel is the perfect place to use as a base for your Istanbul itinerary.
- Hampton by Hilton Old City | Conveniently located next to the T1 tram, Havaist bus stop, and metro. The Hampton by Hilton is new, clean, safe and includes breakfast.
- Ikiz Konak Boutique Hotel | Stay more budget friendly on the Asian side of Istanbul at recently restored Ikiz Konak Boutique Hotel. Short walk to Kadiköy centre and Moda.
Best time to visit Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October. During the summer months of July and August the city can get overrun with holiday makers.
The winter months are also good to visit, but Istanbul can get cold and rainy. Also keep in mind that days are shorter and so are opening times of many of the city’s attractions.
Even during Ramadan the city feels alive. Do keep in mind though that opening times might suddenly change, or restaurants can be closed during the day. Overall though, when we visited during Ramadan we never had any real trouble doing what we wanted to do.
How many days do you need to visit Istanbul
The ideal time to visit Istanbul is between 3 and 5 days. This way you can explore most of the city’s highlights. With more days you can explore even further such as with a day trip to Bursa, or take it slower.
3 days in Istanbul
With 3 days in Istanbul you can visit the first 3 days of the Istanbul itinerary in this article. It will be a whirlwind tour along all of the city’s landmark attractions. But if 3 days is all you have, then you’ll have a perfect introduction to this historic city.
4 days in Istanbul
With 4 days you can follow day 1, 2 and 3 and then pick either day 4 or day 5. Whatever takes your fancy really. But I really loved the easygoing vibe of Kadiköy and highly recommend you to visit too.
5 days in Istanbul
With 5 days you can see and do everything on this Istanbul itinerary. But forget about seeing everything in the city. You’ll have fallen in love and will certainly come back to explore even more.
6 days or more in Istanbul
With 6 or more days you can discover more areas of the city. But you can also include a day trip to Bursa, or even a multi-day trip to Cappadocia.
Getting There
By plane | Istanbul is connected to the rest of the world with two airports. The new Istanbul (IST) airport and the old Istanbul (SAW) airport called Sabiha Gökcen. The new airport is located on the European side of the city. And the old airport is on the Asian side.
From the airport to the city | You can take the Havaist airport bus to reach the city from both airports. Alternatively, from the new airport you can now (as of 2024) take the metro, line M11, to the city. Get the Istanbulkart to travel on the city’s public transportation system.
Getting Around in Istanbul
Istanbul is a large city. These shortcuts will help you make the best use of the time you have in city:
- Istanbulkart | It’s quite easy to get around the city using public transportation. Simply buy an Istanbulkart from the machines. You can find these machines at every metro station and tram and ferry stop. You can use the card during your whole stay, but you have to top it up.
- Tram | T1 connects pretty much all of the main attractions of the city. Such as Dolmabahce, Karaköy, Sultan Ahmet Square and the Grand Bazaar. T5 is another handy line that connects to Balat. We mostly used T1 during our stay in Istanbul.
- Metro | The network of metro lines is really good, although we only used the metro once. Check out the Istanbul public transportation map right here.
- Ferry | Istanbul has an extensive network of ferry lines. Most important ones you will use on this Istanbul itinerary are the ferry terminals of Eminönü, Karaköy and Kadiköy. And you may also use Üsküdar, Kabatas and Ortaköy.
Get Travel Insurance for Istanbul
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Honestly, it might sound cliché, but I firmly believe it’s true. Travel insurance gives me peace of mind, because if something happens I don’t have to worry about expensive bills.
I always have travel insurance, 365 days a year, because I travel quite a lot. And it usually turns out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each trip. Find my recommendations for travel insurance below.
- Under 50 years old | My recommendation is to check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance. It covers all your trips for a year up to 60 days per trip. You can also get insurance through Heymondo for trips with specific travel dates. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance.
- Over 50 years old | Older than 49 and travel a lot? Then you want to check out World Nomads travel insurance. They also offer annual travel insurance, or you can insure trips with specific travel dates.
- Digital Nomad | If you’re always on the move then I recommend checking out the Nomad Insurance of SafetyWing. This insurance company offers subscription based insurance. That means it renews every month until you cancel. But you can also insure specific travel dates.
Staying Connected with an eSIM
Before you travel to Istanbul check whether your phone and data provider also got you covered in Turkey. If not then you can install a Saily eSIM in your phone. You only ever need to install their eSIM once and then top it up with country plans.
Tip: If you rely on Google Maps to get around, then download the map before your visit to save data.
Final Thoughts on this Istanbul Itinerary
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You will not be bored, because there are so many things to see and do. With this Istanbul itinerary you have enough time to see all of the city’s highlights.
Have you been to Istanbul, or do you have any questions? Then leave a comment, or reach out to me on Instagram. And sign up to my newsletter for new itineraries and city guides.
Planning your trip to Istanbul? Then continue planning with my Turkey Travel Guide, or read the latest articles:
