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4 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Culinary Delights

Muhammed Rameez

Muhammed Rameez

27 Nov 2023

Join me on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient marvels and mouthwatering cuisine await. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, this itinerary is packed with excitement and discovery. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and flavors of this captivating city!

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1Ottoman Delights and Breathtaking Views
+

$130

·

$ 6

Matbah Restaurant
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$14
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$16
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Mr. Cook
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$17
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Tarihi Eminönü Balıkçısı - Alaettin Aktuğ'un Yeri
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$21
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
No time set
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
No time set
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
No time set
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Fatih Mosque
Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.
No time set
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Beyazit Square
Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.
No time set
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
No time set
•
$24
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
No time set
•
$15
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
No time set
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
No time set
•
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
No time set
•
Free
45 - 54 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Aquarium
Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.
No time set
•
$23
Day 2From Bazaars to Mosques - Unveiling Istanbul's Treasures
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$123

·

$ 3

Gedikpaşa Balıkçısı
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$14
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
•
$34
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Aheste
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
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$22
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Eleos
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$18
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Architecturally significant Ottoman mosque completed in 1755, featuring a huge dome & many windows.
No time set
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Yeni Cami Mosque
Prominent mosque dating from the 17th century, featuring iconic domes & a dramatic interior.
No time set
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Cistern of Theodosius
This historical cistern, built 1600 years ago, offers beautiful columns, brick domes and arches.
No time set
•
$11
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Çiçek Pasajı
Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.
No time set
•
Free
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
No time set
•
$11
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Column of Constantine
Recently restored column atop a stone pedestal built by the ancient Romans as a monument.
No time set
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
No time set
•
$13
Day 3Palaces, Spices, and Savory Seafood
+

$170

·

$ 1

Sarnıç Restaurant
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$14
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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$27
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Tarihi Eminönü Balıkçısı - Alaettin Aktuğ'un Yeri
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$21
16 - 23 min

~

Directions

Nusr-et Steakhouse
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$20
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Cağaloğlu Hamam
Impressive Ottoman-empire hammam, finished in 1741, with domes supported by arches and columns.
No time set
•
$64
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Hagia Irene
Byzantine, former Orthodox church dating from the 4th century, open as a museum.
No time set
•
$13
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.
No time set
•
$11
14 - 21 min

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Directions

Beyazıt Mosque
Imperial mosque complex built in the early 1500's including a school, baths & a soup kitchen.
No time set
•
Free
Day 4Miniature Wonders and Tranquil Mosques
+

$57

·

$ 2

Rumeli Küftecisi
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
•
$12
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Suzy’S Café Du Levant
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$18
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Halat By Divan
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$19

Budget breakdown: $491 In total

Activities & Food:$480
Transport:$11