Istanbul Itinerary 7 Days

Istanbul is a unique city on the world stage. It straddles two continents and is the only metropolis in the world to do so. Its bridges, bazaars, palaces, and mosques are some of the most iconic sights in the world. It’s a city that is steeped in history, one that has been the center of empires for thousands of years. The city has seen many visitors, from traders and travelers to conquerors and emperors. For tourists, it’s a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience the grandeur of its ancient monuments and palaces or just want to explore the vibrant street life of its many neighborhoods, Istanbul has something to offer.

For those planning a visit to Istanbul, a seven-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore the city and see all that it has to offer. From its stunning architecture to its bustling markets and lively nightlife, this itinerary will take you through the very best of Istanbul.

Day 1: Ancient Istanbul

Start your seven-day tour of Istanbul by exploring the city’s ancient sites. Begin by visiting Hagia Sophia, the grand Byzantine cathedral that served as an imperial church for centuries until its conversion into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. After exploring its grand interior, head to Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Admire its elaborate architecture and learn about its fascinating history while exploring its four courtyards, numerous chambers, and sprawling gardens.

Next, take a trip to Pierre Loti Hill, named after the 19th-century French novelist who was captivated by Istanbul’s beauty and wrote about it in his works. Take in the views from the top of the hill before heading back down to explore the nearby Galata Tower, an iconic symbol of Istanbul. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and its many mosques, churches, and minarets.

Day 2: Old Istanbul

On day two, delve into Istanbul’s rich history by exploring its old city. Start by visiting the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue-tiled interior. After exploring its grandeur, head to the nearby Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Spend some time browsing the myriad stalls and shops before heading to the nearby Spice Bazaar, another bustling market with a variety of spices and other goods.

Next, make your way over to Yerebatan Cistern, an ancient underground cistern that was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century CE. Explore this incredible feat of engineering before heading to Taksim Square, an iconic public square that is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Grab a bite to eat or have a drink at one of the many cafes before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Day 3: The Princes’ Islands

On day three, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands, a chain of nine islands located in the Sea of Marmara just off the coast of Istanbul. Take a ferry from Kabataş pier to Büyükada (the largest island), where you can explore its 19th-century mansions, horse-drawn carriages, and tranquil beaches.

In addition to visiting Büyükada, you can also take trips to the other islands such as Kınalıada (the closest island) or Heybeliada (the second largest island). Each island has its own unique character and charm, so spend some time exploring each one and taking in the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise

On day four, take a cruise down the Bosphorus strait between Europe and Asia. This cruise will take you past some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Galata Bridge, Topkapı Palace, and more. This is a great way to get up close and personal with some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks while enjoying views of both sides of the city from a unique perspective.

Day 5: Asian Side

On day five, explore Istanbul’s Asian side by taking a ferry from Karaköy pier over to Üsküdar. This vibrant area is home to several landmarks such as Küçüksu Palace and Maiden’s Tower, as well as numerous mosques and bazaars. Take some time to explore its narrow streets and discover its hidden gems before heading back across the Bosphorus for dinner on the European side.

Day 6: Shopping & Entertainment

On day six spend some time shopping at Istanbul’s contemporary malls and boutiques. Start by visiting Istinye Park mall in Sarıyer district which offers a variety of luxury stores and high-end brands as well as numerous cafes and restaurants. Then head over to Akmerkez mall in Etiler district which is home to more than 200 stores ranging from major international brands to local boutiques.

In the evening, head over to Beyoğlu district for some entertainment. This area is renowned for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs scattered across its cobblestone streets. Start your night with dinner at one of Beyoğlu’s many restaurants before dancing the night away at one of its bustling clubs or bars.

Day 7: Cultural Experiences

On your last day in Istanbul spend some time exploring its cultural side. Begin by visiting Pera Museum which houses numerous permanent collections such as Ottoman-era paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles as well as rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary art from around the world. After exploring its vast collections head over to SALT Galata which is an independent platform for knowledge and culture that hosts events such as lectures, workshops, screenings, performances, and more.

Finish off your seven-day tour of Istanbul by taking a trip to Pierre Loti Hill for one last look at this stunning city before heading back home with memories that will last a lifetime.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring the city on your own there are also numerous tours available in Istanbul that allow you to experience some of its most popular attractions in a more organized manner. Here are two popular tours that you may want to consider booking during your stay in Istanbul:

Full-Day Tours

Full-day tours are an excellent way to get an introduction to all that Istanbul has to offer while also allowing you to see some of its most iconic sights in a single day. Popular full-day tours include visits to Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace as well as boat trips down the Bosphorus strait where you can get up close with some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Galata Bridge, and more. Book a full-day tour here.

Night Tours

Night tours are perfect for those who want to experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife without having to worry about navigating its streets after dark. Popular night tours include visits to some of Istanbul’s most popular nightclubs and bars as well as live music concerts or theatrical performances at venues such as Taksim Square or Beyoğlu district. Book a night tour here.