5 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Secrets of the East 🕌

Gábor Rotics

8 Mar 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient marvels, indulge in mouthwatering delicacies, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the city that bridges two continents.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Mystical Bazaars and Architectural Wonders

$ 10

Avrasya Queen Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Architecturally significant Ottoman mosque completed in 1755, featuring a huge dome & many windows.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

•

Free

Day 2Majestic Mosques and Serene Parks

$102

$ 16

Avrasya Queen Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

30 - 36 min

Directions

Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$102

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Recently restored column atop a stone pedestal built by the ancient Romans as a monument.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Royal Palaces and Gastronomic Delights

$366

$ 13

Avrasya Queen Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$162

12 - 15 min

Directions

Historic passageway between 2 streets, featuring ornate architecture, shops & cafes.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

•

$204

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

•

Free

Day 4Iconic Landmarks and Historic Fortresses

$246

$ 16

Avrasya Queen Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Hilltop 15th-century fortress with multiple towers, walking paths & water views.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$12

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$144

7 - 10 min

Directions

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

•

$90

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

•

Free

Day 5Thrilling Adventures and Spiritual Serenity

$330

$ 10

Avrasya Queen Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

38 - 46 min

Directions

Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$330

30 - 36 min

Directions

Prominent mosque dating from the 17th century, featuring iconic domes & a dramatic interior.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1107 In total

Activities & Food:$1044

Transport:$63