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Discover the Magic of Istanbul: An 11-Day Adventure

Amina Alaraimi

Amina Alaraimi

29 Sep 2023

Embark on a thrilling 11-day journey through Istanbul, Turkey. Explore magnificent mosques, stunning palaces, and fascinating museums. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting city.

Day 1
+

$0

·

$ 3

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
28 - 41 min

~

Directions

15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge
Connecting Europe & Asia, this long suspension bridge completed in 1973 offers scenic water views.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Anadoluhisarı
At the narrowest part of the Bosphurus, this imposing fort gives its name to the surrounding area.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Day 2
+

$50

·

$ 3

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$50
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Day 3
+

$100

·

$ 5

Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
This bridge over the Bosporus strait for rail & motor vehicle transit is one of the world's tallest.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Free
46 - 56 min

~

Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$100
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

German Fountain
Elaborately decorated fountain built in 1898 & adorned with mirrors & floral motifs.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 4
+

$100

·

$ 3

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam
Traditional bathing, exfoliation & massage services offered in a restored, dome-topped landmark.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$100
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Yeni Cami Mosque
Prominent mosque dating from the 17th century, featuring iconic domes & a dramatic interior.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Day 5
+

$100

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$50
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Salt Galata
Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$50
Day 6
+

$50

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$50
Day 7
+

$50

·

$ 3

Zeyrek Mosque
Mosque dating from the 12th century, representing a fine example of medieval Byzantine architecture.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Cistern of Theodosius
This historical cistern, built 1600 years ago, offers beautiful columns, brick domes and arches.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$50
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 8
+

$50

·

$ 3

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$50
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Imposing, 16th-century mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan, with 4 corner towers & tall minaret.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Day 9
+

$100

·

$ 5

Pelit Chocolate Museum
Exhibition of hundreds of historical figures, artworks & landmarks intricately carved in chocolate.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$50
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$50
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Serpent Column
Ancient Greek bronze column with missing serpent heads, made to commemorate a historic battle.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
Day 10
+

$100

·

$ 3

The Aqueduct of Valens
Remains of a monumental aqueduct built by the Romans in the 4th century & spanning a busy boulevard.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$100
Day 11
+

$0

Budget breakdown: $721 In total

Activities & Food:$700
Transport:$21