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10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of Culture and Cuisine

Dragana Zavodja

Dragana Zavodja

24 Oct 2023

Experience the vibrant city of Istanbul through its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Join me on this 10-day adventure as we explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and indulge in delicious Turkish dishes.

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1
+

$91

·

$ 3

Saade Kahvaltı
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$10
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$54
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Yedikule Dungeons Museum
7-tower fortress from 1458, known for its royal dungeon that imprisoned many well-known people.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$25
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Big Badaboom Shisha Lounge
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$2
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
No time set
•
Free
Day 2
+

$41

·

$ 4

Zoom Rumelihisarı
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$2
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Anadoluhisarı
At the narrowest part of the Bosphurus, this imposing fort gives its name to the surrounding area.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$25
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Pizano Pizzeria
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$14
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$39

·

$ 3

Mola Restaurant
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$6
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Bosphorus
Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
34 - 41 min

~

Directions

Küçüksu Kasrı (Milli Saraylar)
This Neo-Baroque waterfront palace built as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans offers tours.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$25
20 - 29 min

~

Directions

Borsa Restaurant
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$8
Day 4
+

$52

·

$ 2

Ara Cafe
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$2
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Çiçek Pasajı
Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$48
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Tarihi Temiz Köftecisi
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$2
Day 5
+

$120

·

$ 3

Black Cup Coffee
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$6
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$50
25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Maiden's Tower
Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$25
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$14
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$25
Day 6
+

$18

·

$ 2

Hamur İşi Cafe & Pastane
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$4
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Golden Horn
Horn-shaped estuary, the primary inlet on the Bosporus, featuring a bustling commercial hub & parks.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Rejon Kebap House
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$14
Day 7
+

$60

·

$ 3

Sablé Bakery
Ekşi maya ekmek ile nefis kahvaltı tabaklarımız, günlük çıkardığımız porsiyon tatlılarımız ve taze kahve ve çayımızla sizleri bekliyoruz.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$2
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Aquarium
Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$50
28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Çayistanbul Kitap&Kafe
Türkiye'nin en keyifli Kitap Kafesi. Açık ve kapalı bahçemiz 73 çeşit çayımız ile Eyüp ve Fatih'deyiz.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$8
Day 8
+

$16

·

$ 3

Bonyvex Villa
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$4
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Ataturk Arboretum
Calm, expansive arboretum with collections of plants & trees, popular for nature walks & photos.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
44 - 53 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
•
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
•
$12
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
•
Free
Day 9
+

$18

·

$ 3

Tarihi Bilice Börekçisi
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$8
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Belgrade Forest
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
56 - 68 min

~

Directions

The Aqueduct of Valens
Remains of a monumental aqueduct built by the Romans in the 4th century & spanning a busy boulevard.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Vefa Bozacısı
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$10
Day 10
+

$68

Day Day Pastanesi
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$8
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Cağaloğlu Hamam
Impressive Ottoman-empire hammam, finished in 1741, with domes supported by arches and columns.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$50
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Saade Kahvaltı
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$10

Budget breakdown: $541 In total

Activities & Food:$523
Transport:$18