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

Jack Chabowski

19 Dec 2023

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Embark on a captivating journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient marvels, immerse yourself in the bustling markets, and indulge in mouthwatering Turkish cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Turkey!

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Secrets Beneath the Surface

+

$58

Basilica Cistern

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$32

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$26

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Gülhane Park

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2From Mosques to Markets

+

$22

Suleymaniye Mosque

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$22

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia

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

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Toy Tales and Palace Treasures

+

$156

·

$ 5

Istanbul Toy Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$18

25 - 30 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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$16

29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$54

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Egyptian Bazaar

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galata Tower

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

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

•

$68

Day 4Unveiling the City's Heritage

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$58

·

$ 5

Panorama 1453 History Museum

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

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$30

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Kariye Mosque

Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

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$6

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

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

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Miniaturk

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

12:15 PM - 2:15 PM

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$16

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Pera Museum

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

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

•

$6

Day 5Museums and Palaces

+

$100

·

$ 3

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$30

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$22

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace

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

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$48

Budget breakdown: $405 In total

Activities & Food:$394

Transport:$11