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Discover the Magic of Istanbul: A 5-Day Adventure

Goran Cako

Goran Cako

22 Oct 2023

Embark on a thrilling 5-day journey through the enchanting city of Istanbul. Explore historic landmarks, immerse yourself in vibrant culture, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Day 1
+

$0

·

$ 4

Bosphorus
Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
45 - 54 min

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Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
Day 2
+

$123

·

$ 5

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$25
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Fatih Mosque
Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$48
16 - 24 min

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Directions

Çiçek Pasajı
Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$50
Day 3
+

$54

Büyükada
Quaint island offering sweeping views, walking trails & a variety of historic residences.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$54
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Architecturally significant Ottoman mosque completed in 1755, featuring a huge dome & many windows.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
Day 4
+

$50

·

$ 2

Hurrem Sultan Hammam
16th-century, Ottoman-style hammam offering traditional baths & massages, plus on-site restaurant.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$50
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Rustem Pasha Mosque
Ottoman mosque from the 16th century decorated with a wide range of floral & geometric tile designs.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
Day 5
+

$25

·

$ 2

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Free
6 - 9 min

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Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Free
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Column of Constantine
Recently restored column atop a stone pedestal built by the ancient Romans as a monument.
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Beyazit Square
Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Free
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Free
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Free
20 - 30 min

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Directions

Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi
This historic lodge of a religious order features culture exhibits & whirling dance ceremonies.
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
$25
15 - 18 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.
5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $262 In total

Activities & Food:$252
Transport:$10