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10 Days in Istanbul: A Journey Through History and Delight

Ahmed Majeed

Ahmed Majeed

22 Nov 2023

Experience the enchantment of Istanbul as you immerse yourself in its rich history and savor its culinary delights. From majestic palaces to vibrant bazaars, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1Unveiling the Hidden Wonders
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$104

·

$ 4

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$32
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
$48
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$16
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Çınaraltı Cafe
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$2
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Cafe
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$6
Day 2The Heartbeat of Istanbul
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$90

·

$ 3

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
$68
31 - 38 min

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Directions

Kennedy Lodge
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
$14
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Rumeli Fortress
Hilltop 15th-century fortress with multiple towers, walking paths & water views.
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
$4
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Zoom Rumelihisarı
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$4
Day 3Mosques and Marvels
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$16

·

$ 3

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Free
15 - 22 min

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Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Pizano Pizzeria
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$8
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Bizce Kuru
Türk mutfağının vazgeçilmez lezzeti kuru fasulye maharetli ustalarımızın elinde efsaneye dönüşüyor. Dünyaca meşhur fasulyemizi daha denemediniz mi?
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$8
Day 4Parks and Madame Tussauds
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$28

·

$ 2

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Madame Tussauds Istanbul
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$16
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.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$2
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Corner Irish Pub
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$10
Day 5History and Flavors
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$52

·

$ 3

Panorama 1453 History Museum
Historical center featuring a large panoramic painting of the conquest of Constantinople.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$30
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Fatih Mosque
Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Beyazit Square
Large public square featuring the main gate to Istanbul University, a big mosque & street vendors.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Tarihi Temiz Köftecisi
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$14
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Egyptian Bazaar
Covered, 17th-century market known as the Egyptian Bazaar, with spice, food & textile shops.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$8
Day 6Palaces and Serenity
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$82

·

$ 2

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$54
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Gülhane Park
Venerable, tranquil forested park featuring gardens, paths, a creek & a science museum.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
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
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Çayistanbul Kitap&Kafe
Türkiye'nin en keyifli Kitap Kafesi. Açık ve kapalı bahçemiz 73 çeşit çayımız ile Eyüp ve Fatih'deyiz.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$14
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Heybe Kafe
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$14
Day 7Museums and Börek
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$36

Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Neoclassical museum showing the country's rich archaeological heritage within landscaped gardens.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$26
7 - 10 min

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Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$8
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$2
Day 8Miniatures and Emirgan
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$38

·

$ 3

Miniaturk
Park with Turkish landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, depicted in miniature format.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$16
25 - 30 min

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Directions

İBB Emirgan Korusu
Lush public park featuring an array of plants, 2 ponds, jogging paths & play equipment for kids.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
12 - 17 min

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Directions

Color. Full. Bakery
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$12
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Emek Mantı Evi
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$10
Day 9Museums and Traditional Delights
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$42

Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum on transportation, industry & communications with a car collection & some hands-on exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$30
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
$10
17 - 26 min

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Directions

Meşhur Fetih İşkembe
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$2
Day 10Thrills and Local Delicacies
+

$130

·

$ 2

VIALAND Tema Park
Theme park featuring amusement rides for all ages & a shopping center with dining & entertainment.
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$110
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Sani Usta Küçükköy
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$10
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Lokma Lokka
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$10

Budget breakdown: $633 In total

Activities & Food:$618
Transport:$15