📍 Türkiye

ISTANBUL DEEP DIVE: SULTANS, BAZAARS AND BOSPHORUS SECRETS

Minarets piercing dawn sky, bazaar spices scenting ancient lanes, ferry horns echoing across straits. Istanbul, a thousand cities in one.

≈ 29
Days
48
Km
29
Stops
📖 16 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Sultanahmet between domes and mosaics, then lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar and its endless passages. Cross to Kadıköy to feel the other shore, explore Balat and its colorful facades, then sail the Bosphorus in evening light. Istanbul is lived neighborhood by neighborhood, with a density of stories at every corner.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Sultanahmet Camii

blue mosque six minarets iznik tiles

Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 1Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 2Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 3Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 4Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 5Sultanahmet Camii - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – interior with 20,000 Iznik tiles
🎯

Activities

→
Tour of the hippodrome square (obelisk, Wilhelm II fountain)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.4 km
Travel time: 1min
2
Day

Hagia Sophia

byzantine dome ottoman minarets history layers

Hagia Sophia - Photo 1Hagia Sophia - Photo 2Hagia Sophia - Photo 3Hagia Sophia - Photo 4Hagia Sophia - Photo 5Hagia Sophia - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – imperial basilica turned mosque
🎯

Activities

→
Exterior route: ablution fountain and views of Ayasofya square
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.5 km
Travel time: 1min
3
Day

Topkapi Palace

sultan harem bosphorus views treasury jewels

Topkapi Palace - Photo 1Topkapi Palace - Photo 2Topkapi Palace - Photo 3Topkapi Palace - Photo 4Topkapi Palace - Photo 5Topkapi Palace - Photo 6Topkapi Palace - Photo 7Topkapi Palace - Photo 8Topkapi Palace - Photo 9Topkapi Palace - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Topkapi Palace – courtyards, kiosks and treasures
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the adjacent Gülhane gardens
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.2 km
Travel time:
4
Day

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

ancient civilizations alexander sarcophagus cuneiform tablets

Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 1Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 2Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 3Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 4Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 5Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Istanbul Archaeological Museum – sarcophagi and antiquities
🎯

Activities

→
Overview of the three wings (Archaeology, Ancient Orient, Ceramics)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.3 km
Travel time: 1min
5
Day

Basilica Cistern

underground columns medusa heads atmospheric depths

Basilica Cistern - Photo 1Basilica Cistern - Photo 2Basilica Cistern - Photo 3Basilica Cistern - Photo 4Basilica Cistern - Photo 5Basilica Cistern - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Basilica Cistern – underground columns and Medusa heads
🎯

Activities

→
Walking on walkways with sound and light
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.4 km
Travel time: 3min
6
Day

Kapalicarsi

grand bazaar four thousand shops labyrinth

Kapalicarsi - Photo 1Kapalicarsi - Photo 2Kapalicarsi - Photo 3Kapalicarsi - Photo 4Kapalicarsi - Photo 5Kapalicarsi - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) – 66 streets, 4,000 shops
🎯

Activities

→
Thematic browsing (copper, carpets, jewelry) without rushed purchases
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.1 km
Travel time: 2min
7
Day

Spice Bazaar

egyptian bazaar saffron lokum aromatic aisles

Spice Bazaar - Photo 1Spice Bazaar - Photo 2Spice Bazaar - Photo 3Spice Bazaar - Photo 4Spice Bazaar - Photo 5Spice Bazaar - Photo 6Spice Bazaar - Photo 7Spice Bazaar - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) – spices, Turkish delights, teas
🎯

Activities

→
Strolling to the nearby New Mosque (Yeni Cami)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.9 km
Travel time: 4min
8
Day

Taksim Republic Monument

modern istanbul heart istiklal avenue beginning

Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 1Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 2Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 3Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 4Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 5Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 6Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 7Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 8Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 9Taksim Republic Monument - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Republic Monument (Taksim Square) – starting point of Istiklal
🎯

Activities

→
Walking down Istiklal Caddesi on foot (historical landmarks)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.3 km
Travel time: 1min
9
Day

Hagia Triada

greek orthodox church beyoglu neighborhood worship

Hagia Triada - Photo 1Hagia Triada - Photo 2Hagia Triada - Photo 3Hagia Triada - Photo 4Hagia Triada - Photo 5Hagia Triada - Photo 6Hagia Triada - Photo 7Hagia Triada - Photo 8Hagia Triada - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church – dome and iconostasis
🎯

Activities

→
Exterior tower and forecourt on Taksim Square
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.5 km
Travel time: 1min
10
Day

St Antoine Padoue

catholic basilica istiklal avenue italian heritage

St Antoine Padoue - Photo 1St Antoine Padoue - Photo 2St Antoine Padoue - Photo 3St Antoine Padoue - Photo 4St Antoine Padoue - Photo 5St Antoine Padoue - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Saint Anthony of Padua Basilica (Beyoğlu) – neo-Gothic style
🎯

Activities

→
Stop at the historic Çiçek Pasajı passage (architectural heritage)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1 km
Travel time: 2min
11
Day

Galata Tower

genoese tower panoramic views golden horn

Galata Tower - Photo 1Galata Tower - Photo 2Galata Tower - Photo 3Galata Tower - Photo 4Galata Tower - Photo 5Galata Tower - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Galata Tower – panorama over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus
🎯

Activities

→
Route through steep alleys toward Karaköy
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.1 km
Travel time: 2min
12
Day

Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu

ferry crossing two continents waterfront palaces

Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 1Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 2Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 3Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 4Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 5Bosphorus Cruise Eminonu - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Bosphorus cruise (departure/return Eminönü, City Lines)
🎯

Activities

→
Choice of short (2 h) or long (to Anadolu Kavağı) depending on season
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.1 km
Travel time: 2min
13
Day

Suleymaniye

sinan masterpiece hilltop mosque panoramic grandeur

Suleymaniye - Photo 1Suleymaniye - Photo 2Suleymaniye - Photo 3Suleymaniye - Photo 4Suleymaniye - Photo 5Suleymaniye - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Süleymaniye Mosque – masterpiece by Sinan
🎯

Activities

→
Terraced gardens with view over the Golden Horn
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.1 km
Travel time: 6min
14
Day

Kadikoy

Kadikoy - Photo 1Kadikoy - Photo 2Kadikoy - Photo 3Kadikoy - Photo 4Kadikoy - Photo 5Kadikoy - Photo 6Kadikoy - Photo 7Kadikoy - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Kadıköy – lively center on the Asian side (markets, pedestrian streets)
🎯

Activities

→
Walk to the fish market (Kadıköy Çarşısı)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.1 km
Travel time:
15
Day

Bull Statue

kadikoy landmark meeting point bronze statue

Bull Statue - Photo 1Bull Statue - Photo 2Bull Statue - Photo 3Bull Statue - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Bull Statue (Kadıköy) – Bahariye landmark
🎯

Activities

→
Art Nouveau landmarks along Bahariye Caddesi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 12min
16
Day

Fenerbahce Park

seaside promenade asian shore sunset views

Fenerbahce Park - Photo 1Fenerbahce Park - Photo 2Fenerbahce Park - Photo 3Fenerbahce Park - Photo 4Fenerbahce Park - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 16
🔍

Discover

1
Fenerbahçe Park – green peninsula and coastal walkways
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal loop walk to the viewpoints
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 20min
17
Day

Maidens Tower

bosphorus lighthouse island legend romantic sunset

Maidens Tower - Photo 1Maidens Tower - Photo 2Maidens Tower - Photo 3Maidens Tower - Photo 4Maidens Tower - Photo 5Maidens Tower - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 17
🔍

Discover

1
Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) – Bosphorus icon
🎯

Activities

→
Recommended viewpoint from Salacak (Üsküdar)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 25min
18
Day

Kariye Mosque

chora church byzantine mosaics frescoes masterpiece

Kariye Mosque - Photo 1Kariye Mosque - Photo 2Kariye Mosque - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 18
🔍

Discover

1
Chora Mosque (Kariye) – Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
🎯

Activities

→
Tour of the nearby land walls
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 2 km
Travel time: 4min
19
Day

Balat Historic Houses

colorful facades jewish quarter instagram streets

Balat Historic Houses - Photo 1Balat Historic Houses - Photo 2Balat Historic Houses - Photo 3Balat Historic Houses - Photo 4Balat Historic Houses - Photo 5Balat Historic Houses - Photo 6Balat Historic Houses - Photo 7Balat Historic Houses - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 19
🔍

Discover

1
Historic houses of Balat – colorful facades (Çoban Çeşmesi Sk.)
🎯

Activities

→
Photo scouting in the sloping alleyways
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.7 km
Travel time: 1min
20
Day

Fener Patriarchate

ecumenical patriarchate orthodox christianity spiritual center

Fener Patriarchate - Photo 1Fener Patriarchate - Photo 2Fener Patriarchate - Photo 3Fener Patriarchate - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 20
🔍

Discover

1
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and Saint George Church (Fener)
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the interior and relics depending on opening hours
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.4 km
Travel time: 1min
21
Day

Fener Mahallesi Square

greek quarter red brick school historic

Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 1Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 2Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 3Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 4Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 5Fener Mahallesi Square - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 21
🔍

Discover

1
Fener Mahallesi – small squares and lanes between Yıldırım and Vodina
🎯

Activities

→
Urban route towards the historic Greek schools
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.1 km
Travel time: 6min
22
Day

Bulgar Iron Church

cast iron prefab golden horn unique

Bulgar Iron Church - Photo 1Bulgar Iron Church - Photo 2Bulgar Iron Church - Photo 3Bulgar Iron Church - Photo 4Bulgar Iron Church - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 22
🔍

Discover

1
Saint Stephen Iron Church – entirely metallic structure
🎯

Activities

→
View of the Golden Horn from the shore
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 4.7 km
Travel time: 18min
23
Day

Hagia Irene

first byzantine church topkapi courtyard concerts

Hagia Irene - Photo 1Hagia Irene - Photo 2Hagia Irene - Photo 3Hagia Irene - Photo 4Hagia Irene - Photo 5Hagia Irene - Photo 6Hagia Irene - Photo 7Hagia Irene - Photo 8Hagia Irene - Photo 9Hagia Irene - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 23
🔍

Discover

1
Hagia Irene – first courtyard of Topkapi (remarkable acoustics)
🎯

Activities

→
Exterior tour within the imperial complex
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.2 km
Travel time:
24
Day

Tiled Kiosk

ottoman pavilion ceramic museum gulhane beauty

Tiled Kiosk - Photo 1Tiled Kiosk - Photo 2Tiled Kiosk - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 24
🔍

Discover

1
Tiled Pavilion (Çinili Köşk) – Seljuk and Ottoman earthenware
🎯

Activities

→
Ceramic showcase tour (Archaeological Museums)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 0.2 km
Travel time:
25
Day

Science Tech Islam Museum

islamic golden age astronomy mathematics inventions

Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 1Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 2Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 3Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 4Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 5Science Tech Islam Museum - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 25
🔍

Discover

1
Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam (Gülhane)
🎯

Activities

→
Astronomical and mechanical instruments from the 9th to 16th century
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1.3 km
Travel time: 3min
26
Day

Eminonu District

ferry terminal fish sandwiches galata bridge

Eminonu District - Photo 1Eminonu District - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 26
🔍

Discover

1
Eminönü – shores of the Golden Horn, quays and squares
🎯

Activities

→
Great Post Office Museum (PTT Müzesi) on Ankara Caddesi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 2.1 km
Travel time: 4min
27
Day

Haydarpasa Station

beaux-arts terminus asian shore grand architecture

Haydarpasa Station - Photo 1Haydarpasa Station - Photo 2Haydarpasa Station - Photo 3Haydarpasa Station - Photo 4Haydarpasa Station - Photo 5Haydarpasa Station - Photo 6Haydarpasa Station - Photo 7Haydarpasa Station - Photo 8Haydarpasa Station - Photo 9Haydarpasa Station - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 27
🔍

Discover

1
Haydarpaşa Station – neoclassical facade
🎯

Activities

→
Tour of the square and quays depending on construction work
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 1 km
Travel time: 2min
28
Day

Sureyya Opera

art deco opera house kadikoy culture

Sureyya Opera - Photo 1Sureyya Opera - Photo 2Sureyya Opera - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 28
🔍

Discover

1
Süreyya Opera (Kadıköy) – historic Art Deco hall
🎯

Activities

→
Architectural stroll through adjacent streets
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.3 km
Travel time: 12min
29
Day

Istanbul Illusions Museum

optical tricks interactive exhibits family fun

Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 1Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 2Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 3Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 4Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 5Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 6Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 7Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 8Istanbul Illusions Museum - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 29
🔍

Discover

1
Museum of Illusions (Istiklal) – playful visual experiences
🎯

Activities

→
Adjacent galleries on Istiklal Street

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🛡️ Travel advice - Türkiye

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, and excellent conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal regions.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures after summer heat with stable weather and fewer crowds. Perfect for all regions, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures.

Summer (June-August): Hot temperatures (25-40°C) with peak tourist season and crowded attractions. Excellent for Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, challenging for inland areas.

Winter (December-February): Cool temperatures (5-15°C) with occasional snow but lowest prices and authentic experiences. Good for Istanbul and covered attractions, limited beach activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 23 and 35 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Türkiye?

Cultural bridge between Europe and Asia with ancient heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions. Experience Byzantine and Ottoman treasures, incredible cuisine, and authentic Turkish hospitality. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and historical significance. Turkey provides transformative cultural experiences with natural wonders and culinary excellence. ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Generally safe but avoid areas near Syrian border due to conflict spillover and terrorism risks. Exercise caution regarding petty crime in tourist areas, political tensions occasionally, and earthquake risks. Monitor current political situation and regional developments.