10 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the City's Hidden Gems

ekta patwa

18 Dec 2023

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring mosques to intriguing museums, this itinerary is a perfect blend of ancient marvels and modern delights. Get ready to be captivated by the charm of Istanbul!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Miniaturk and Panorama 1453 History Museum

$46

$ 2

Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$16

15 - 18 min

Directions

Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

Day 2Discover the Fascinating Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$30

Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

Day 3Explore Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pera Museum, The Museum of Innocence, and Madame Tussauds Istanbul

$40

$ 2

A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

8 - 12 min

Directions

19th-century home displaying everyday objects featured in the eponymous novel by Orhan Pamuk.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$18

9 - 14 min

Directions

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$16

Day 4Immerse Yourself in the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Basilica Cistern, and Egyptian Bazaar

$48

$ 2

Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$16

7 - 10 min

Directions

Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$32

7 - 9 min

Directions

Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Unearth the Treasures of Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$26

Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$26

Day 6Marvel at the Magnificent Hagia Sophia, Get Lost in the Grand Bazaar, and Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

$ 2

Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Delve into Turkish and Islamic Arts at the Museum and Discover the Splendors of Topkapi Palace

$76

Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

12 - 18 min

Directions

Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$54

Day 8Experience Nostalgia at Istanbul Toy Museum, Admire the Beauty of Tiled Pavilion Museum, and Relax in Gülhane Park

$40

$ 2

Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$18

34 - 41 min

Directions

Palace pavilion from 1472 & museum for Islamic art with Greek & Persian architectural elements.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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$22

8 - 11 min

Directions

Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 9Climb the Galata Tower, Appreciate Contemporary Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and Step into Beylerbeyi Palace

$106

$ 2

Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

$68

12 - 17 min

Directions

Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.

9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

•

$22

25 - 30 min

Directions

This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$16

Day 10Uncover the Rich Heritage of Sadberk Hanım Museum and Explore the Naval Museum

$20

$ 2

European-style mansions home to a vast private collection of ancient & Ottoman-era artifacts & more.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

32 - 39 min

Directions

Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$16

Budget breakdown: $440 In total

Activities & Food:$432

Transport:$8