The five days at a glance
| Day | Theme | Main stops |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sultanahmet | Topkapı, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern |
| 2 | Bazaars and Galata | Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower, İstiklal |
| 3 | Bosphorus | Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy, Üsküdar, Kadıköy |
| 4 | Golden Horn | Chora, Balat, Fener, Eyüp, Pierre Loti hill |
| 5 | Princes' Islands | Ferry, Büyükada, Heybeliada |
Closures that decide the order: Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesday, the Grand Bazaar on Sunday, Dolmabahçe Palace on Monday. Day 5 has no fixed closure but depends on the weather: if it rains or there is fog, swap it with day 4 or with the museum day below.
Days 1 to 4
The detail of days 1 to 3 is in Istanbul in 3 days, and that of day 4 in Istanbul in 4 days. In short:
- Day 1: Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.
- Day 2: the Grand Bazaar, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Galata Tower.
- Day 3: Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy, Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
- Day 4: the Chora Church, Balat and Fener, Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill.
Day 5: the Princes' Islands
The Princes' Islands, south-east of the city in the Sea of Marmara, are the classic ferry excursion from Istanbul: no private cars, wooden houses, pine woods and walks on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage. The full practical page is Princes' Islands.
Morning, the ferry. Ferries leave from the city's piers (Kabataş, Eminönü) and from Kadıköy; fares are paid with the Istanbulkart, explained in the guide to transport in Istanbul. Leave early: there are more sailings in the morning and the day goes better if you arrive before the crowds. Check the day's timetable, which varies with the season.
Day, Büyükada. The largest island is the choice of visitors who have only one day. Allow for the climb to St George's Monastery, on foot or by carriage, and a fish lunch at the harbour. For the quieter Heybeliada, see the page mentioned above.
Evening. On the way back, the ferry gives a view of the old city skyline at dusk. Have dinner in Karaköy or Kadıköy: our guides to Galata and Karaköy and Kadıköy give addresses.
Alternative: a museum day
If day 5 falls on a day of bad weather, replace the islands with an indoor day: the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or, more modern, Istanbul Modern and the Museum of Innocence. Our guide what to do in Istanbul when it rains suggests more. Check each museum's weekly closing day on its page.
Other ideas if you want to slow down
- A hammam at the end of the day, after the walking.
- An evening of whirling dervishes.
- A half-day of shopping and souvenirs.
- The nightlife of Beyoğlu.
Going further
With one more day, our guide Istanbul in one week adds a museum day, an excursion and free time. To sleep, read where to stay in Istanbul; for the budget, budget for a trip to Istanbul.
