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

Beyza oeren

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Istanbul's rich history and vibrant culture. From awe-inspiring mosques to fascinating museums, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable adventure.

Trip to Istanbul

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Discovering Miniaturk and the Panorama 1453 History Museum

$46

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$16

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

Day 2Immersing in the Beauty of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Kariye Mosque, and More

$12

$ 3

Imposing, 16th-century mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan, with 4 corner towers & tall minaret.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Museum of religious art on the site of a church that was first built here in the 6th century A.D.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

6 - 8 min

Directions

Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George

Principal Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Istanbul, with religious relics, mosaics & public hours.

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

•

Day 3Unveiling the Fascinating Exhibits at Rahmi M. Koç Museum

$30

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$30

Day 4Exploring the Majestic Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern

$86

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$54

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$32

Day 5Admiring Modern Art at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Climbing Galata Tower

$90

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$22

15 - 22 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

$68

6 - 8 min

Directions

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

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

•

Free

Day 6Delving into History at Istanbul Archaeological Museums

$26

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$26

Day 7Discovering the Rich Heritage of Sadberk Hanım Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, and More

$36

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$16

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$16

Day 8Immerse Yourself in Art at Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum and Great Palace Mosaics Museum

$24

$ 2

Museum in a 1925 mansion with temporary & permanent exhibits, plus Islamic calligraphy & sculptures.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

33 - 40 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$16

Day 9Unleashing the Sights and Scents of the Grand Bazaar and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

$22

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$22

Day 10Reliving Childhood Memories at Istanbul Toy Museum and Exploring Dolmabahçe Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Little Hagia Sophia

$66

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$18

26 - 32 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$48

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Landmark domed mosque in a former 6th century Byzantine church with an Ottoman-style interior.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $449 In total

Activities & Food:$438

Transport:$11