8 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of Rich History and Breathtaking Beauty

Ibrahim Maymouni

22 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Istanbul, Turkey. Discover ancient marvels, indulge in authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this enchanting city. Join me as I explore the iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local treasures that Istanbul has to offer.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serene Parks, Majestic Mosques, and Royal Palaces

$24

$ 2

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

•

$24

Day 2Strolling through Lush Gardens and Soaring above the City

$34

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

•

$34

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

Day 3A Glimpse into the Past: Mosques, Bazaars, and Historical Wonders

$16

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$16

Day 4Unveiling the Secrets of Istanbul's Archaeological Treasures

$13

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5A Royal Affair: Palaces, Markets, and Spiritual Serenity

$27

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$27

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 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 6From Sacred Mosques to Miniature Marvels

$ 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

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Delving into the Fascinating World of Science and Technology

$15

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

Day 8A Farewell to Istanbul: Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey

Budget breakdown: $141 In total

Activities & Food:$137

Transport:$4