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8 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the City's Timeless Treasures

Naz Çeliktaş

Naz Çeliktaş

12 Jan 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring mosques to ancient museums, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to be captivated by the magic of Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Icons of Istanbul - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower
+

$37

·

$ 1

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
•
$34
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Çiçek Pasajı
Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.
No time set
•
Free
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
No time set
•
$3
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Salt Galata
Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.
No time set
•
Free
Day 2Turkish Delights - Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Gülhane Park
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$9

·

$ 1

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

The Museum of Innocence
19th-century home displaying everyday objects featured in the eponymous novel by Orhan Pamuk.
No time set
•
$9
Day 3Unearthing the Past - Istanbul Archaeological Museums
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$13

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
Day 4Miniaturk - A Tiny World of Wonders
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$0

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
No time set
•
Free
Day 5Spiritual Journey - Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Panorama 1453 History Museum, Suleymaniye Mosque
+

$0

Day 6A Glimpse into the Past - Rahmi M. Koç Museum
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$15

·

$ 1

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$15
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Ataturk Arboretum
Calm, expansive arboretum with collections of plants & trees, popular for nature walks & photos.
No time set
•
Free
Day 7Sensory Delights - Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar
+

$0

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 8Palatial Splendors - Topkapi Palace Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace
+

$35

·

$ 1

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$27
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8

Budget breakdown: $112 In total

Activities & Food:$109
Transport:$3