Are you planning a trip to Istanbul? Look no further. Here you will find a complete itinerary of things to do in Istanbul for a 5-day trip. Istanbul is a truly cosmopolitan city and a bridge between West and East. The hospitality of its people and the beautiful architecture will make you want to pack your life and move here.
However, if you only have a few days in this city, let’s make the best out of them! I included some of the most instagrammable places in Istanbul, and all of them are a must-see.
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5-Day Itinerary – Things To Do In Istanbul
Istanbul is divided by the narrow waterway known as the Bosphorus. The city embraces its combination of European and Asian cultures, and it is easy to perceive the contrasts.
If this is not your first time in the city, you may want to check out non-touristy things to do in Istanbul.
Here you will find suggestions for a 5-day itinerary carefully selected so you can see all the must-visit attractions, plus other less known (but equally mind-blowing) locations. Prepare to fall in love with the city of two continents!
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PRO TIP: You may want to check out the Istanbul Tourist Pass before starting to explore the city. It includes skip-the-line entrances to some of the main attractions, airport transfer, unlimited internet access, a dinner cruise in the Bosphorus, a boat tour, and even support through whatsapp! Plus a bunch of other bonuses like a Whirling Dervish evening show, hop-on hop-off bus tour, and an Istanbulkart (it’s the card needed here to use public transportation), etc.
You can choose between a 3-day and a 7-day pass. I think it is really worth the money, and you end up saving tons on entrance fees, transportation, guided tours, shows and internet! You can get it here.
Travel Itinerary for Istanbul – Day 1: Visit the Old City
Let’s start by going to the most famous places and main historical sites. Every place mentioned here is within walking distance. Remember, these are tourist attractions that may require you to stand in line, so it’s better to start at 9 am, the opening hour.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Take a quick stroll through the former Hippodrome. Built in AD 203, when Istanbul was part of the Roman Empire, the Hippodrome was later expanded for chariot races and was able to hold 60 000 visitors. Currently, there are three monuments worth seeing:
- The Obelisk of Theodosius
- The Serpentine Column
- The Constantine Obelisk
Price: Free
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
Next to the Hippodrome, you will find one of the most photogenic buildings I’ve ever been to.
The Blue Mosque acquired its name from the beautiful blue tiles that decorate its interior. It was built in time of Ahmet I, between 1606 and 1616.
It is currently an active mosque, so it closes for tourists during prayer times for 90 minutes and 2 hours on Fridays at noon. The exact time varies each month, so be sure to plan accordingly. Check the current prayer times from this official site.
Keep in mind that this is a religious temple, so you will be asked to dress moderately. In any case, they provide scarves, long skirts and plastic bags for your shoes at the entrance (all free of charge).
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9 am – sunset. Opens every day.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia museum was recently turned into a mosque. It still is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. This mosque will give you an interesting view of religious history like no other. With a heritage of more than 900 years being a Christian church and more than 400 years being a mosque, Christian and Islamic symbols share the same roof.
It was a museum for 86 years, but in July 2020, the Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque. As a tourist, the main differences are that now you can enter for free (as a museum, the fee was 100 TL), and you need to organize your day, so you don’t go during prayer time.
The worship hours vary a lot, so it is better to check in advance by just googling “Istanbul prayer times”. The Hagia Sophia closes its doors to foreigners about an hour before the prayer time and opens them again about 30 minutes after the prayer time. So, if, for example, the prayer time is at 1:30 pm, it will close at 12:30 pm and open again at 2 pm.
The same applies to the Blue Mosque when it comes to visiting hours.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Opens every day. Closed to non-muslims during prayer time and on Fridays in the morning until 2:30 pm.
Basilic Cistern
It is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul. Its main function was to serve as a water reserve for the Great Palace and the surroundings.
This underground cistern was constructed using 336 columns. Many of them have typical roman decorations.
Walk till the end to see the two Medusa heads. It is still a mystery why one was placed on its side and the other one upside down.
Price:
09.00-18.30 | Ticket: 900 TL
19.30-23.50 | Ticket: 1.400 TL
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 23:50, every day of the week.
Explore the Neighborhood
The number of little alleys and cute streets in the Old City is countless. There are many restaurants and shops of all kinds. You can walk around ottoman-style houses like the ones in Soğukçeşme Street or the colourful Tavukhane Street.
If you want to buy Turkish souvenirs but have a limited budget, you won’t find many budget-friendly shops around here. Although, the beauty and quality are almost always amazing! If you are looking for cheaper options, head to the neighbourhoods of Kadiköy or Eminönü (yes, they are included later in this itinerary!).
Tip: You may encounter some sellers who approach you in front of the main sites and offer to take a photo of you. Then, they invite you to their store. Don’t feel like you owe them a favour, and kindly decline the invitation if that’s what you want. Sometimes, they may say the mosque is closed because it is prayer time, so instead, you can spend time at their store. Again, you are under no obligation of this, and it is always better to check the schedule on your own.
Travel Itinerary for Istanbul – Day 2: Old City and Ortaköy
That’s right, we are not completely done with the Old City yet. You will not want to miss what’s coming.
Topkapı Palace
The largest and oldest Palace in Istanbul. It can take around 4 hours to explore this place, but you will love every minute. Going to Topkapi is one of the best things to do in Istanbul on your first visit.
Why is it so important? It was the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans and their wives between the 15th and 19th centuries. It will give you a wide understanding of the history of the Ottoman Empire and of the Islamic religion. It’s a must in your 5-day itinerary in Istanbul!
The palace has many chambers and rooms that now serve as galleries. You can see collections of many diverse things, but one element is common to all: luxury. And I mean a lot.
The visit to the Harem area is optional, but I highly recommend it too. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Price: 1700 Turkish Liras. This all-inclusive ticket includes indoor and outdoor areas in the 4 courtyards of the palace, the Harem Rooms and the Hagia Irene Church.
Opening Hours: Between 9 am and 5:30 pm.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Ortaköy
Take the tram to Kabataş Station. From there, you can either take a taxi or a bus to Ortaköy.
Even though this place is not mentioned in many Istanbul guides, I promise you, it’s extraordinary!
Take a moment to embrace the beautiful view of the Bosphorus and then enter the Ortaköy Mosque. The official name is Büyük Mecidiye Camii, and you will probably fall in love with its huge chandeliers and pastel colours.
While outside, try the traditional kumpır or maybe a waffle if you are in for a treat!
The Grand Bazaar
Go back to the Old City and visit one of its main attractions: The Grand Bazaar. This marketplace is one of the oldest and biggest in the world. You will find more than 3000 shops offering a wide variety of beautiful products. Believe me, you will want to save some budget for this place.
Tip: Remember to bargain! Especially if you are taking several things from a store, you can always agree on a better price. Say something like “yabanci değilim” (I’m not a foreigner), or “turk fiyat, lütfen” (Turkish price, please). Sellers will probably appreciate the effort (or secretly make fun of you) and save you a few liras!
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Looking for a place to store your suitcase while exploring the city’s attractions? LuggageHero is a convenient and reliable luggage storage service that allows you to drop off your bags at various locations throughout the city, including Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. With LuggageHero, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your belongings are stored safely and securely in case you have a late check-in or early check-out.
Travel Itinerary for Istanbul – Day 3: Modern Town
Get ready for another day of visiting historical gems, except that you will also see a more modern and hipster side of Istanbul this time.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The last six Sultans resided here after centuries of living at the Topkapı Palace. The Dolmabahçe Palace became the administrative centre of the late Ottoman Empire.
The internal halls are so impressive. The Dolmabahçe Palace leaves you with quite an impression of the sultans’ lifestyle.
We highly recommend including this palace when thinking about what to do in Istanbul. However, if your time or budget is limited, you may have to choose between the Topkapı and the Dolmahaçe. In that case, probably the Topkapı would be your best choice, but both palaces are very different so try to visit both!
Price:
Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum Admission: 1200 TL
Previously, individual tickets were available for each section of Dolmabahce Palace up to May 2022. There was also an option for a combined ticket that granted access to all areas. From May 1st onward, this all-inclusive ticket is now the sole option available.
Essentially, this ticket allows you to explore the primary sections of the palace, namely the Selamlık (Reception area) and the Harem quarters. Additionally, it includes entry to the Palace Collections Museum, which showcases exquisite artworks by royal artists.
Upon collecting your ticket, you’ll encounter the turnstiles at the palace entrance. Before you proceed through them, you can pick up a complimentary audio guide from the office located to the left.
Tickets for Dolmabahce Palace can be purchased online through its official website.
Opening hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm.
Closed on Mondays.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue
Taksim Square is considered the heart of Modern Istanbul and lives up to it.
You will find a vast number of restaurants, bars, and even churches and mosques in its surroundings. It’s also a place for political meetings and protests.
Continue your way through Istiklal Avenue, an interesting pedestrian street. It is always crowded with many people from all over the world. The street is full of stores and restaurants. At night, a lot of parties take place here. Whatever your preference is, a small pub or a glamorous club, you can find it.
Check out some points of interest like the Çiçek Pasajı or the Church of St. Anthony of Padua.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower has origins back to the year AD 507 when it was built as a wooden tower. It was later expanded and used for different purposes, such as an observatory for fires in the city.
From the outside, it gives a special touch to Istanbul’s skyline. You can also climb up the tower to have an amazing 360º view! Don’t worry, a lift takes you through 7 floors, and you only have to walk up two more floors. There are a restaurant and a cafe at the top, but you don’t necessarily have to enter those.
Price: 30 euros
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 11 pm. Opens every day.
Explore Karaköy
Do you want to explore the hippest neighbourhood in Istanbul? Head to the ferry dock on the eastern side of the Galata Bridge and then walk around the corner to the left. If you want to try baklava the right way, here is one of the most famous places for that: Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
If you feel like eating something more substantial or having some drinks, there are plenty of restaurants and bars around the area. Dive into these narrow streets with hipster vibes and lots of street art. Most places are located between the streets of Ali Paşa Değirmeni and Kemankeş.
Travel Itinerary for Istanbul – Day 4: Chora Church and Eminönü
Today is all about Byzantine memories and mingling with the locals. Eminönü’s district will give you a more local feel, but it still has plenty of tourist sights. Get lost in the chaos of the streets and broaden your understanding of Turkish customs.
Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
The Chora Church or Kariye Museum displays jaw-dropping mosaics and frescoes of Byzantine art.
Most of the mosaics depict the lives of Jesus and the Virgin Mary according to the Orthodox tradition. After the conquest of Constantinople, ottomans converted the church into a mosque and ordered the covering of these images. Ironically, this action helped the preservation of the art that we can enjoy now.
Price: 20 euros
Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm. Closed on Fridays.
Süleymaniye Mosque
After visiting Chora Church, walk to Fevzi Paşa Street and take a taxi or a bus (which leaves you a few blocks away) to Süleymaniye Mosque.
You will love this imperial Ottoman mosque. Built by Mimar Sinan (the greatest Ottoman architect) exhibits a stunning combination of Islamic and Byzantine architectural styles. It resembles the Blue Mosque, but the interior is a bit soberer, and the crowds are non-existent. Definitely worth a visit!
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm. Closed during prayer times. Opens every day.
Eminönü Port and Galata Bridge
Walk down, heading to the sea. You will pass numerous alleys and stores from the Eminönü market. There are many souvenirs at a lower price than at the Grand Bazaar.
If you continue walking, you will arrive at the port. Take in the beautiful view of the Bosphorus, the bridges, and the colourful “balık ekmek” boats.
Cross the Galata Bridge and watch the sun go down while the fishermen catch the last fish of the day. Don’t miss trying a fish sandwich at one of the restaurants below the bridge while enjoying the view.
Travel Itinerary for Istanbul – Day 5: Asian Side
A lot of tourists skip visiting the Asian side, but I honestly think no Istanbul itinerary is complete without visiting here. Istanbul is one-half in Europe and one-half in Asia, so it’s only logical to see what both continents offer.
The Asian side will give you spectacular views and another glimpse into modern local life.
Maiden’s Tower
Take a ferry to Üsküdar station. It is faster than crossing the bridge by car, and you will love watching the seagulls flying around the ferry. Once in Üsküdar, walk to your right a few blocks, and you will see the Maiden’s Tower in a small islet in the Bosphorus.
Take a seat in front of the tower and enjoy one of the most iconic images of Istanbul, with a cup of tea and a simit. You can also take a small motorboat that will take you to the tower.
Kadiköy, Moda and Fenerbahçe Neighborhoods
Kadiköy is a very diverse district with lots of pubs, vintage shops, and fish restaurants.
If you walk near the seaside, you will be able to have a great view of big ferries and lots of seagulls being fed by the locals.
Get lost in the neighbourhood and enjoy the street art scene created by local and foreign artists. Or you can have tea and börek in one of the many tea gardens of Moda. And speaking of Moda’s tea gardens, they have an incredible view of the Marmara Sea, the Fenerbahçe lighthouse on one side and Prince Islands on the other.
One of the things to do in Istanbul by locals on a normal day is to walk down the waterside walk. It is a wide pedestrian path from Kadiköy to Bostancı. On the way, you will see swimmers, runners, rollerbladers, couples, etc. Plus, you’ll get a beautiful view of the sea, where many yacht owners leave their sailboats.
At night, head to Kadife Street, mostly known as “Bars Street”, where most of Kadiköy’s lively bars and pubs are located. One of the recommended things to do in Istanbul is to experience at least one Turkish bohemian night.
Bağdat Avenue
Finally, on our itinerary of things to do in Istanbul is Bağdat Avenue.
This avenue is so famous that it is commonly called “the street” (Cadde). It is 9 km for shopping from exclusive brands, dining from local and international cuisine restaurants and cafes, and socializing.
Just so you have an idea, research made by a French market-consulting company established Bağdat Street as the 4th best shopping street in the world! That’s a position way before 5th Avenue in New York.
Happy travels!
Tell me, what are your favourite things to do in Istanbul?
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Merhaba!! We lived in Turkey over 20 years ago and I love this country! Please tell me you experienced the Turkish bath house! It was one of the top 10 things I have ever done.
Hi! Wow 20 years! We both love it 🙂 I like hamams but honestly, I only went to 1 in Istanbul and I didn’t like that one much. If you have a recommendation for a place, I’d love to know because I want to give it another try 🙂
That plan is perfect! I am going to Istanbul in November for 5 days and would probably use your itinerary. Most of the things I want to see and do are already there. Thank you so much for this great post!
That’s great to hear!! (or read) Hope you have a wonderful trip. Feel free to write me if you need any help while here 🙂
Am planning 7 days in Turkey (I know it’s too little) but Cappadocia and Pamukkale are one my list and the remaining days in Istanbul … how many days would u suggest in each place and can u plz give me in order of preference places to visit in Istanbul … thx
Hi. Me and my wife are planning to visit turkey for 7 days. We want to go to cappadocia as well. Can you guide us how much time should we spend on cappadocia and on istanbul?we are visiting first time. Thanks