Istanbul – Planning a 12-Day Trip
If you’re planning to visit Istanbul, the vibrant city that spans both Europe and Asia, and you have twelve days to spare, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we’ve put together an itinerary sample that covers some of the most iconic and hidden gems that Istanbul has to offer. From historic landmarks to local markets, this itinerary will guide you through the best attractions to visit, the most delicious foods to try, and the most exciting activities to do in Istanbul.
Exploring Istanbul Like a Local
So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore Istanbul like a local! With our sample itinerary, you’ll discover the city’s most unique and authentic experiences, from savoring traditional Turkish coffee to strolling through the colorful neighborhoods of Balat and Fener. Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul, our itinerary has got you covered. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Uncovering Istanbul: A Sample Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and settling in
- Private transfer from Istanbul Airport to a hotel in Sultanahmet. Or take M11 Gayrettepe–Istanbul Airport Metro Line to Kağıthane station. From Kağıthane Metro station you can go to other places in Istanbul. You can also use Havaist Airport Buses to go to
- Settle in, rest, and explore the local area around the hotel.
- Try one of the restaurants near your hotel for dinner, such as Albura Kathisma or Asitane. Try traditional Turkish cuisine.
Day 2: Sultanahmet Area
- Start the day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia Museum and its beautiful architecture.
- Visit the Blue Mosque and admire its magnificent interior.
- Explore the Hippodrome (a historical square that was once the site of chariot races) and its ancient monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
- Walk to the Topkapi Palace and Museum to learn about the Ottoman Empire.
- Have a Turkish coffee or tea break at one of the local cafes near Topkapi Palace.
- After that, head to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage system that dates back to the Byzantine era.
In the evening have dinner at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area, like Mivan Restaurant & Cafe, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, etc.
Day 3: Bosphorus Tour
- Take a Bosphorus boat tour and admire the views of Istanbul from the water.
- Visit the Rumeli Fortress and its history.
- Take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul.
- Visit the Maiden Tower (temporarily closed when writing this post) and its history.
- Enjoy some traditional Turkish street food.
Day 4: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
- Start the day by visiting the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
- Browse through the various shops and purchase some Turkish souvenirs.
- Visit the nearby Spice Bazaar and explore the various herbs, spices, and teas.
- Enjoy traditional Turkish tea at a local tea house.
Day 5: Princes’ Islands
- Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a chain of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara.
- Enjoy a relaxing day of exploring and bicycling around the car-free islands.
- Visit the historic Monastery of St. George and enjoy the scenic views.
- For dinner, try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Taksim Square and Istiklal Street
- Take the tram to Taksim Square and walk along Istiklal Street, a bustling shopping and dining area.
- Visit the Galata Tower and its panoramic views of the city.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Dolmabahce Palace
- Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
- Learn about the palace’s history and see the beautiful chandeliers and furnishings.
- Take a walk along the Bebek neighborhood and enjoy the scenic views of the Bosphorus.
- For dinner, try some street food or a local meyhane (Turkish tavern) near the hotel.
Day 8: Chora Church and Fener-Balat
- Start the day with a Turkish breakfast at a local cafe like Van Kahvalti Evi or Fes Cafe.
- Visit the Chora Church and admire its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
- Explore the Fener-Balat neighborhood, a historic area of Istanbul known for its colorful houses and narrow streets.
- Visit the Jewish Museum of Turkey and learn about the history of Jewish people in Turkey.
- Return to Sultan Ahmet and have dinner at a local restaurant like Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta or Hafiz Mustafa.
Day 9: Turkish Bath and Whirling Dervishes Show
- Visit a traditional Turkish bath and hammam experience to rejuvenate and enjoy a relaxing experience.
- Attend a Whirling Dervishes Show, a cultural dance performance that is unique to Turkey.
- or consider a day trip to Bursa (as mentioned below).
Day 10: Suleymaniye Mosque and Istanbul Modern Museum
- Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most beautiful and important mosques.
- Explore the Istanbul Modern Museum and its collection of modern and contemporary art from Turkey and around the world.
- Take a walk through the historic neighborhood of Fener and visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
- Have lunch at a local restaurant in Balat, a colorful and vibrant neighborhood with a diverse culinary scene.
- In the evening, catch a performance at the Istanbul Opera and Ballet.
Day 11: Uskudar and Camlica Hill
- Take a ferry to Uskudar and explore the charming neighborhood and its beautiful mosques.
- Take a bus to Camlica Hill and enjoy the panoramic views of Istanbul from the highest point in the city.
- Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and history.
- Return to Sultan Ahmet and have dinner at a local restaurant like Lale Restaurant or Olive Anatolian Restaurant.
Additional itinerary and places of interest for changes and replacements, if need be
Bursa Day Trip
- Take a day trip to Bursa, a city known for its thermal baths, historical sites, and silk production.
- Visit the Green Mosque and Tomb, the Great Mosque, and the Silk Market.
- For lunch, try the famous Iskender kebab at one of the local restaurants.
Visiting Cihangir
Day 12: Departure
- Check out of the hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for departure.
As your trip to Istanbul draws to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to this incredible city. We hope that our itinerary has provided you with an enjoyable and memorable experience, allowing you to discover the best of what Istanbul has to offer. From the bustling streets of Taksim Square to the serene Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul has something for everyone.
As you prepare to leave your hotel in the Sultanahmet area or wherever you may be staying, we recommend taking a taxi or private transfer to Istanbul International Airport, depending on your preference and the location of your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take the Metro line to Istanbul International Airport through Kağıthane Metro Station. To reach Kağıthane, you can take the tram or a taxi, depending on your location.
We hope that you have a wonderful time in Istanbul and wish you safe and pleasant travels.
Istanbul Tour Packages
Don’t miss out on Istanbul tour packages: Discover the top Istanbul attractions with Skip The Ticket Line. With these tour passes, not only can you skip the ticket line, but you may also save a lot on entry tickets to most of the Istanbul tourist attractions.
Istanbul | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica
