9 Days in Istanbul: Unveiling the Magic of the East ✨

Rabia Ty

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul, where ancient wonders meet modern delights. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and tantalizing flavors of this enchanting city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable adventure through Istanbul's captivating tapestry.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serene Parks and a Tower of Legends

$34

$ 4

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

43 - 52 min

Directions

Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

33 - 40 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$34

Day 2Palaces, Parks, and a Majestic Mosque

$48

$ 5

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$48

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Treasure Hunting in Bazaars and Crossing Bridges

$ 2

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Majestic Squares, Byzantine Marvels, and Secret Undergrounds

$32

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

$32

Day 5Awe-Inspiring Views from Galata Tower and Ancient Artifacts

$94

$ 3

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

$68

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

$26

Day 6Exploring Miniaturized Turkey, Sacred Mosques, and Historical Squares

$16

$ 4

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$16

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Dive into the Mysteries of the Deep at Istanbul Aquarium

$46

$ 3

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

27 - 33 min

Directions

Big aquarium complex with around 1,700 species in many large tanks, plus a gift shop & eateries.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$46

Day 8Discovering the Legacy of a Visionary and the Opulence of a Palace

$84

$ 3

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$54

Day 9A Farewell to Istanbul's Charms

Rast Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

Budget breakdown: $372 In total

Activities & Food:$354

Transport:$18