3-day walking tour program in Istanbul that covers some of the city's most iconic sights
3-day walking tour program in Istanbul that covers some of the city’s most iconic sights:
Day 1: Sultanahmet
On your first day, you’ll explore the historic district of Sultanahmet, home to many of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
9:00 AM – Start your day with breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, a popular breakfast spot near Sultanahmet Square.
10:00 AM – Head to Sultanahmet Square and visit the Blue Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
11:00 AM – Visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that dates back to the 6th century.
12:30 PM – Have lunch at Hafiz Mustafa 1864, a famous Turkish dessert shop serving delicious savoury dishes.
2:00 PM – Visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and explore its stunning courtyards and exhibits.
4:00 PM – Take a break and enjoy Turkish tea or coffee at one of the many cafes in Sultanahmet.
5:00 PM – Visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir from the 6th century.
6:30 PM – Watch the sunset from the rooftop terrace of Seven Hills Hotel, which offers stunning views of the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus.
8:00 PM – Have dinner at Matbah Restaurant, which serves traditional Ottoman cuisine in a beautiful historic setting.
Day 2: Beyoglu and Galata
On your second day, you’ll explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Beyoglu and Galata, which are known for their eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
9:00 AM – Start your day with breakfast at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a famous bakery specializing in baklava.
10:00 AM – Take a walk down Istiklal Street, the main shopping street in Beyoglu, and explore its many shops and boutiques.
11:30 AM – Visit the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that offers stunning city views.
12:30 PM – Have lunch at Ficcin, a cosy restaurant that serves traditional Turkish food.
2:00 PM – Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which showcases the work of contemporary Turkish artists.
4:00 PM – Stroll down the historic Galata Bridge, which offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
5:00 PM – Visit the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest and largest covered markets.
6:30 PM – Take a ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadikoy, a vibrant neighbourhood on the Asian side of the city.
8:00 PM – Have dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, a popular traditional Turkish restaurant.
Day 3: Asian Side and Princes’ Islands
On your third day, you’ll explore the Asian side of Istanbul and take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara.
9:00 AM – Start your day with breakfast at Forno Istanbul, a famous bakery that serves delicious pastries and coffee.
10:00 AM – Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands and spend the day exploring the island of Buyukada, which is known for its beautiful beaches and historic houses.
12:30 PM – Have lunch at Ada Cafe, a cosy restaurant that serves fresh seafood and other Turkish dishes.
2:00 PM – Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Buyukada to explore the island further and enjoy the scenic views.
4:00 PM – Return to Istanbul and head to the neighbourhood of Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city. Explore the lively streets, cafes, and markets of this district.
6:00 PM – Stroll along the Kadikoy waterfront and enjoy the stunning views of the Bosphorus.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at Ciya Kebap, a popular restaurant that specializes in Turkish grilled meats.
9:00 PM – End your day by relaxing in Moda Park, which offers beautiful city and sea views.
That concludes your 3-day walking tour program in Istanbul! Of course, there are many other sights and experiences to explore in this fantastic city, but this itinerary should give you a good taste of what Istanbul offers.
3-day alternative Istanbul program that takes you off the beaten path to explore some of the city's lesser-known sights:
3-day alternative Istanbul program that takes you off the beaten path to explore some of the city’s lesser-known sights:
Day 1: Fener and Balat
9:00 AM – Meet your licensed tour guide at your hotel and start your day with a visit to the Fener Patriarchate, the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul.
10:00 AM – Explore the colourful streets and traditional houses of the historic neighbourhood of Balat, known for its Jewish heritage.
11:30 AM – Visit the Chora Church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that dates back to the 11th century.
1:00 PM – Have lunch at Asitane Restaurant, which serves traditional Ottoman cuisine in a beautiful historic setting.
2:30 PM – Visit the Istanbul Toy Museum, which showcases a collection of toys from Turkey and worldwide.
4:00 PM – Take a walk along the Golden Horn and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
5:30 PM – Have a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at the famous Pierre Loti Cafe, which offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at Balkon Restaurant, which offers delicious Turkish dishes in a cosy setting with a beautiful city view.
Day 2: Kadikoy and Uskudar
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul to explore the neighbourhoods of Kadikoy and Uskudar.
10:00 AM – Visit the historic Haydarpasa Train Station, which dates back to the 19th century and is known for its beautiful architecture.
11:00 AM – Explore Kadikoy’s colourful streets and local markets, known for its vibrant food scene.
12:30 PM – Have lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a traditional Turkish restaurant.
2:00 PM – Visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that dates back to the 16th century.
3:30 PM – Walk along the Uskudar waterfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
5:00 PM – Visit the Sakirin Mosque, a modern mosque known for its beautiful interior design.
6:30 PM – Have dinner at the famous Ciya Kebap restaurant, which serves delicious grilled meats and other Turkish dishes.
Day 3: Suleymaniye and Fatih
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that dates back to the 16th century.
10:30 AM – Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from Turkey and worldwide.
Noon: Have lunch at Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi, a popular restaurant that serves delicious dishes from the Hatay region.
1:30 PM – Visit the Church of St. George, which is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and one of the oldest Christian churches in Istanbul.
3:00 PM – Explore Fatih’s historic district, known for its beautiful mosques and local markets.
5:00 PM – Take a relaxing stroll in the beautiful Gulhane Park, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at the famous Hamdi Restaurant, which offers delicious Turkish dishes in a beautiful rooftop setting with a stunning city view.
That concludes your 3-day alternative Istanbul program! This itinerary should give you a taste of Istanbul’s lesser-known sights and experiences.
3-day alternative Istanbul program that takes you off the beaten path to explore some of the city’s lesser-known sights:
Day 1: Fener and Balat
9:00 AM – Meet your licensed tour guide at your hotel and start your day with a visit to the Fener Patriarchate, the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul.
10:00 AM – Explore the colourful streets and traditional houses of the historic neighbourhood of Balat, known for its Jewish heritage.
11:30 AM – Visit the Chora Church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that dates back to the 11th century.
1:00 PM – Have lunch at Asitane Restaurant, which serves traditional Ottoman cuisine in a beautiful historic setting.
2:30 PM – Visit the Istanbul Toy Museum, which showcases a collection of toys from Turkey and worldwide.
4:00 PM – Take a walk along the Golden Horn and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
5:30 PM – Have a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at the famous Pierre Loti Cafe, which offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at Balkon Restaurant, which offers delicious Turkish dishes in a cosy setting with a beautiful city view.
Day 2: Kadikoy and Uskudar
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul to explore the neighbourhoods of Kadikoy and Uskudar.
10:00 AM – Visit the historic Haydarpasa Train Station, which dates back to the 19th century and is known for its beautiful architecture.
11:00 AM – Explore Kadikoy’s colourful streets and local markets, known for its vibrant food scene.
12:30 PM – Have lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a traditional Turkish restaurant.
2:00 PM – Visit the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that dates back to the 16th century.
3:30 PM – Walk along the Uskudar waterfront and enjoy the beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
5:00 PM – Visit the Sakirin Mosque, a modern mosque known for its beautiful interior design.
6:30 PM – Have dinner at the famous Ciya Kebap restaurant, which serves delicious grilled meats and other Turkish dishes.
Day 3: Suleymaniye and Fatih
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that dates back to the 16th century.
10:30 AM – Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from Turkey and worldwide.
Noon: Have lunch at Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi, a popular restaurant that serves delicious dishes from the Hatay region.
1:30 PM – Visit the Church of St. George, which is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and one of the oldest Christian churches in Istanbul.
3:00 PM – Explore Fatih’s historic district, known for its beautiful mosques and local markets.
5:00 PM – Take a relaxing stroll in the beautiful Gulhane Park, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at the famous Hamdi Restaurant, which offers delicious Turkish dishes in a beautiful rooftop setting with a stunning city view.
That concludes your 3-day alternative Istanbul program! This itinerary should give you a taste of Istanbul’s lesser-known sights and experiences.
3-day itinerary for exploring the old historical centre of Istanbul, with all sights within a 2 km walking distance from the Blue Mosque:
3-day itinerary for exploring the old historical centre of Istanbul, with all sights within a 2 km walking distance from the Blue Mosque:
Day 1: Exploring the Sultanahmet Square
9:00 AM – Start your day at the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul.
10:00 AM – Visit the Hagia Sophia, an ancient church turned mosque turned museum famous for its stunning Byzantine architecture.
Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant around Sultanahmet Square.
1:30 PM – Visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, which houses an extensive collection of historical artefacts.
4:00 PM – Visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century.
6:00 PM – Take a walk through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, and explore the various shops and stalls.
8:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant near the Grand Bazaar.
Day 2: Exploring the Old City Walls
9:00 AM – Start your day at the Yedikule Fortress, a medieval fortress and watchtower near the old city walls.
11:00 AM – Visit the Chora Church, a beautiful Byzantine church known for its impressive frescoes and mosaics.
1:00 PM – Have lunch at a local restaurant near the Chora Church.
2:30 PM – Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts from various periods of Istanbul’s history.
4:30 PM – Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in Istanbul, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from its courtyard.
6:00 PM – Walk through the Spice Bazaar, a colourful market famous for its spices, dried fruits, and sweets.
8:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant near the Spice Bazaar.
Day 3: Exploring the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus Strait
9:00 AM – Walk along the old city walls to the Eminönü Pier, where you can catch a ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul.
10:00 AM – Visit the Maiden’s Tower, a small tower on a tiny islet in the Sea of Marmara.
Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Kadiköy district, famous for its street food and regional markets.
2:00 PM – Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy the scenic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
4:00 PM – Visit the Galata Tower, a medieval tower near the Galata Bridge, which offers panoramic city views.
6:00 PM – Return to Sultanahmet and enjoy a relaxing evening at a local café or restaurant.
Enjoy your time in Istanbul! This itinerary includes all the major attractions within a 2 km walking distance from the Blue Mosque. It combines historical sites, cultural experiences, and scenic views of Istanbul’s landmarks.
Istanbul 7 Days programm with Licensed Tourguide
7-day Istanbul tour program with an experienced certified private tour guide:
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Your private tour guide will meet you at the hotel and provide an introduction to the city.
Day 2: Old City Tour
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul.
10:00 AM – Explore the Hagia Sophia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, and museum.
Noon: Visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans that now houses a museum showcasing Ottoman art and artefacts.
2:00 PM – Have lunch at Hacı Dayı Restaurant, a local favourite that serves delicious Turkish dishes.
3:30 PM – Visit the Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage tank that dates back to the 6th century.
5:00 PM – Take a walk through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant in the historic district of Sultanahmet.
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side Tour
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and take a Bosphorus cruise to explore the city from a different perspective.
11:00 AM – Visit the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market known for its spices, sweets, and other local products.
Noon – Take a ferry to the Asian side of the city and explore the lively neighbourhood of Kadikoy.
2:00 PM – Have lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a popular traditional Turkish restaurant.
3:30 PM – Visit the Moda neighbourhood, known for its beautiful parks and scenic city views.
5:00 PM – Take a ferry back to the European side of the city and enjoy the stunning sunset views of the Bosphorus.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at a local seafood restaurant near the Bosphorus.
Day 4: Byzantine Heritage Tour
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Church of St. Savior in Chora, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
11:00 AM – Visit the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that offers panoramic city views.
Midnight: Explore the lively Istiklal Avenue, a bustling street known for its shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
2:00 PM – Have lunch at a local restaurant in the Galata neighbourhood.
3:30 PM – Visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from Turkey and worldwide.
5:00 PM – Walk through the historic Balat neighbourhood, known for its colourful houses and Jewish heritage.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant in the historic district of Karakoy.
Day 5: Ottoman Heritage Tour
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 19th century.
11:00 AM – Visit the Ortakoy neighbourhood, known for its beautiful Ottoman-style mosque and lively waterfront cafes.
Midnight: Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant in Ortakoy.
2:00 PM – Visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture known for its intricate tile work.
3:30 PM – Visit the Istanbul Modern Museum, which showcases contemporary Turkish art.
5:00 PM – Take a walk through the trendy neighbourhood of Karakoy, known for its street art, cafes, and restaurants.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant in the Karakoy neighbourhood.
Day 6: Princes’ Islands Tour
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara known for their tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
11:00 AM – Explore the island of Buyukada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle.
2:00 PM – Have lunch at a local restaurant in Buyukada.
3:30 PM – Take a swim or relax on the beach on the island of Heybeliada.
5:00 PM – Take a ferry back to Istanbul and enjoy the sunset views of the city from the sea.
7:00 PM – Have dinner at a local restaurant in the trendy neighbourhood of Beyoglu.
Day 7: Street Food Tour and Departure
9:00 AM – Meet your guide and start your day with a street food tour in Kadikoy, known for its delicious food stalls and markets.
Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Kadikoy.
2:00 PM – Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, which showcases contemporary Turkish art.
4:00 PM – Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
This 7-day tour program offers a mix of famous and lesser-known sights in Istanbul and opportunities to explore different neighbourhoods and experience the city’s rich culinary scene. Your experienced certified private tour guide will provide insight and expertise throughout your journey, making it a truly memorable experience.