5 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Secrets of the East 🕌

Said Haschemi

11 Mar 2024

Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover magnificent mosques, ancient palaces, and breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the city where East meets West.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Mosques, Bridges, and Tower: Istanbul's Architectural Gems

$100

$ 8

Union Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

12 - 15 min

Directions

Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$68

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

No time set

•

$32

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

No time set

•

Free

Day 2Emirgan Korusu, Ortaköy Mosque, and Dolmabahçe Palace: Nature and Royalty

$48

$ 5

Union Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

Directions

Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$48

Day 3Yıldız Park, Sultanahmet Square, and Grand Bazaar: Serenity and Shopping

$ 4

Union Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Suleymaniye Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace: Timeless Treasures

$54

$ 4

Union Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$54

Day 5VIALAND Tema Park: Thrills and Entertainment

$110

$ 3

Union Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

33 - 40 min

Directions

Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$110

Budget breakdown: $332 In total

Activities & Food:$312

Transport:$20