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9 Days in Istanbul: A Journey of Art, History, and Culinary Delights

Khansae El-Achabi

Khansae El-Achabi

25 Nov 2023

Embark on a captivating adventure through Istanbul, where ancient marvels, vibrant art scenes, and mouthwatering cuisine await. Immerse yourself in the rich history at museums like Pera Museum and Rahmi M. Koç Museum. Indulge in delectable Turkish delicacies at Tershane Restaurant and Lale Lokantası. Discover hidden gems like the Istanbul Toy Museum and Çengelköy Börekçisi. This itinerary is your passport to an unforgettable experience in the heart of Turkey.

Day 1Artistic Wonders and Thai Delights
+

$186

Pera Museum
Art museum in an ornate former hotel with paintings, ceramics & rotating shows of modern masters.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$18
8 - 12 min

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Directions

The Museum of Innocence
19th-century home displaying everyday objects featured in the eponymous novel by Orhan Pamuk.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
$54
9 - 14 min

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Directions

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Riverside museum with Turkish & international modern & contemporary art collections, plus a cinema.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$66
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Dükkan Galata
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$6
12 - 18 min

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Directions

Az Çok Thai
Az Çok Thai brings a new concept to Istanbul dining, serving authentic Thai food in a warm, friendly and stylish café setting in delightful Cihangir, where we look forward to serving you at lunch and dinner.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$42
Day 2Bazaars, Spices, and Ottoman Cuisine
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$54

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Salt Galata
Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Tershane Restaurant
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$42
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Mahkeme Lokantası
Tarihi Lokanta, Meyhane
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$12
Day 3Miniatures and Naval Adventures
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$144

·

$ 4

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$48
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Naval Museum
Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$48
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Yedi Sekiz Hasanpaşa Fırını
Tarihi dokusunun bozulmadığı, çeşit çeşit kurabiyelere ev sahipliği yapan bir fırındır.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$24
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Yalla Falafel
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$24
Day 4Innovative Museums and Traditional Fare
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$126

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$90
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Lale Lokantası
50 yıldır tamamen hijyenik mutfağımızda hazırlanan zengin Türk mutfağına ait ev yemeklerimizi deneyimli personelimizle sizlerin beğenisine sunmaktayız.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$6
17 - 26 min

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Directions

Meşhur Fetih İşkembe
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$30
Day 5Museums Galore and Thai Temptations
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$186

·

$ 7

Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$24
37 - 45 min

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Directions

Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$48
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
$48
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Az Çok Thai
Az Çok Thai brings a new concept to Istanbul dining, serving authentic Thai food in a warm, friendly and stylish café setting in delightful Cihangir, where we look forward to serving you at lunch and dinner.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$42
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Corner Irish Pub
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$24
Day 6Archaeological Marvels and Ottoman Flavors
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$162

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$78
7 - 10 min

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Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$42
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$42
Day 7Toys, Islamic Art, and Historical Panoramas
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$240

·

$ 10

Istanbul Toy Museum
Former toy shop-turned-museum showcasing old-fashioned toys & miniatures dating back 200 years.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$54
28 - 34 min

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Directions

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Palace museum of Islamic & Turkish art, opened in 1983 & displaying ceramics, carpets & glassware.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
$66
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$90
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Konak Et Lokantasi
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$24
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Game Of Burger
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$6
Day 8Aquatic Marvels and Sweet Treats
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$204

·

$ 7

Istanbul Aquarium
Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$138
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Sablé Bakery
Ekşi maya ekmek ile nefis kahvaltı tabaklarımız, günlük çıkardığımız porsiyon tatlılarımız ve taze kahve ve çayımızla sizleri bekliyoruz.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$36
5 - 6 min

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Directions

Rose Garden Florya
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$30
Day 9
+

$0

Budget breakdown: $1327 In total

Activities & Food:$1302
Transport:$25