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

Emirhan Alğan

4 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring mosques to opulent palaces, immerse yourself in the city's architectural wonders. Discover fascinating museums, stroll through picturesque parks, and get lost in the bustling markets. Join us as we unravel the secrets of Istanbul, one day at a time.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Past at Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Eyüp Sultan Mosque

$15

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2A Glimpse into History at Panorama 1453 History Museum, Miniaturk, and Pera Museum

$26

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 3Art and Culture Extravaganza at Salt Galata, Galata Tower, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and Madame Tussauds Istanbul

$53

$ 1

Art space in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a cafe & a library with free Wi-Fi.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

$34

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM

•

$11

8 - 10 min

Directions

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

•

Day 4Serenity and Splendor at İBB Emirgan Korusu, Beylerbeyi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Gülhane Park

$32

$ 2

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

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$24

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Delving into Heritage at Sadberk Hanım Museum, Naval Museum, and Basilica Cistern

$26

$ 2

European-style mansions home to a vast private collection of ancient & Ottoman-era artifacts & more.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

31 - 38 min

Directions

Museum tracing Turkish naval history with artifacts such as Ottoman-era ships & early diving gear.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$16

Day 6Architectural Marvels and Oriental Delights at Suleymaniye Mosque, Egyptian Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and Hagia Sophia

$11

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$11

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Ancient Treasures and Shopping Spree at Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Serpent Column, and Grand Bazaar

Museum featuring Byzantine-period mosaics from the Great Palace of Constantinople.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

5 - 8 min

Directions

Ancient Greek bronze column with missing serpent heads, made to commemorate a historic battle.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Journey through Time at Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Hagia Irene, and Column of Constantine

$26

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

6 - 9 min

Directions

Byzantine, former Orthodox church dating from the 4th century, open as a museum.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 9Nostalgia and Royalty at Istanbul Toy Museum, Topkapi Palace Museum, and Tiled Pavilion Museum

$47

$ 1

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

37 - 45 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$27

5 - 8 min

Directions

Palace pavilion from 1472 & museum for Islamic art with Greek & Persian architectural elements.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$11

Day 10(To be filled)

Budget breakdown: $250 In total

Activities & Food:$244

Transport:$6