Istanbul in 5 Days: A Ready-Made Itinerary

If you only have five days but want to experience both ancient Constantinople and the modern metropolis, save this plan. Each day is dedicated to a specific district, making it easier to immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere.

📍 Day 1 — Historical Center
‣ Sultanahmet Square – obelisks and columns.
‣ Blue Mosque – the symbol of the city.
‣ Hagia Sophia – a cathedral that has changed religions.
‣ Basilica Cistern – an underground reservoir with columns and the Medusa head.
‣ Topkapi Palace – the main palace of the Ottoman Empire + the harem.

🥘 Evening: Dinner on the terrace of Seven Hills restaurant with a stunning view of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus or relax in an old Turkish hammam.

📍 Day 2 — Bazaars and Galata
‣ Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world.
‣ Egyptian Bazaar – spices, sweets, and Turkish tea.
‣ Galata Bridge – a walk with the legendary fish sandwich (balık ekmek) on the go.
‣ Galata Tower – panoramic city views.
‣ Karaköy – streets, graffiti, and the tastiest baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

🕌 Optional: From the Grand Bazaar, head up to the Suleymaniye Mosque, where Suleiman and his beloved wife Hurrem rest.

📍 Day 3 — Modern Istanbul and the Bosphorus
‣ Istiklal Street – a pedestrian street with the famous red tram, shops, and cafes.
‣ Taksim Square – the heart of city life.
‣ Dolmabahçe Palace – the sultans' residence with golden chandeliers and luxurious halls.
‣ Ortaköy – the most photogenic mosque on the waterfront.

🛥️ Evening: A Bosphorus cruise – especially beautiful at sunset.

📍 Day 4 — Balat and Fener
‣ Colorful houses, staircases, and photogenic streets.
‣ Vintage shops, antiques, and atmospheric cafes.
‣ Bulgarian St. Stephen Church with a frame made of metal elements.
‣ Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox School of Fener, resembling a castle.

🚠 Optional: Take a cable car to Pierre Loti Hill for a panoramic view of the Golden Horn.

📍 Day 5 — Asian Side
‣ Üsküdar – Maiden's Tower.
‣ Kuzguncuk – a beautiful "old" district.
‣ Kadıköy – market, street art, and graffiti.
‣ Moda – waterfront, bars, and cafes by the water.

🌅 A perfect end to the trip: dinner at sunset with a view of the Bosphorus.

🚌 Tip: To get around the city, buy an Istanbulkart – it works on the metro, trams, buses, and ferries. It can be purchased and topped up at Biletmatik machines and street kiosks. This will save you time, energy, and help you follow the entire itinerary.

✨ It's impossible to cover all of Istanbul in one visit. But this itinerary will let you feel its spirit: first, the city's iconic landmarks, then its colorful districts, and finally, a stroll on the Asian side. After such a trip, you'll definitely want to return.