5 Days trip in Turkey

Day 1

1. Grand Bazaar

   180 minutes

   Explore the world's biggest covered market with over 4,000 shops selling various items such as antiques, jewelry, rugs, ceramics, spices, and more. Don't forget to bargain!

2. Galata Bridge

   60 minutes

   Walk across the iconic bridge that spans the Golden Horn, connecting the Old City with the modern parts of Istanbul. Enjoy the view of the skyline, fishing boats, and seagulls.

3. Karaköy Gümrük Han

   120 minutes

   Discover the renovated historic building that houses a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving local and international cuisine. Try the traditional meze dishes and seafood with raki or wine.

Day 2

1. Hagia Sophia

   120 minutes

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. Admire the impressive dome, the Byzantine mosaics, and the Islamic calligraphy. Buy an audio guide for a detailed explanation.

2. Spice Bazaar

   90 minutes

   Stroll through the colorful and aromatic market that offers a variety of herbs, teas, nuts, sweets, and spices such as saffron, cinnamon, and sumac. Taste the Turkish delight and buy some as souvenirs.

3. Taksim Square

   180 minutes

   Join the locals and tourists in the busy square that has numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Try the famous street food such as simit, roasted chestnuts, and corn. Enjoy the live music and performances.

Day 3

1. Dolmabahçe Palace

   120 minutes

   Enter the opulent palace that was the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the republican presidents. Admire the European-style interior decor, furniture, and chandeliers. Buy a guided tour for a better understanding.

2. Beyoğlu

   120 minutes

   Explore the trendy and lively neighborhood that has many boutiques, vintage shops, bookstores, and art galleries. Buy local designer clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. Take a break at one of the cafes or pubs.

3. Kadıköy

   150 minutes

   Cross the Bosporus by ferry to the Asian side and reach the cosmopolitan district that has a street food market, seafood restaurants, and cafes with live music. Try the Turkish pizza, grilled fish, and baklava. Enjoy the sea view.

Day 4

1. Topkapi Palace

   150 minutes

   Enter the historic complex that served as the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans. See the luxurious rooms, courtyards, and gardens, as well as the museum exhibits of the imperial collections. Buy a Harem ticket if interested.

2. Ortaköy

   90 minutes

   Enjoy the seaside and the view of the Bosphorus Bridge from the charming neighborhood that has a mosque, a pier, and a square. Taste the local delicacies such as kumpir (stuffed baked potato), waffle with various toppings, and Turkish tea.

3. Karaköy

   180 minutes

   Dine at one of the fancy restaurants that serve Turkish cuisine with a modern twist, such as lamb shank, eggplant kebab, and pistachio dessert. Sip on the signature cocktails and enjoy the view of the Golden Horn.

Day 5

1. Blue Mosque

   90 minutes

   Admire the beauty and elegance of the historic mosque that has six minarets, a blue interior, and a huge courtyard. Respect the prayer times and dress modestly. Use the free scarf and bag provided at the entrance.

2. Üsküdar

   90 minutes

   Cross the Bosporus by ferry to the Asian side and reach the local and authentic district that has a bazaar, a mosque, and a park. Taste the traditional Turkish breakfast with various kinds of cheese, olives, bread, and tea. Visit the historic cemetery of the Ottoman soldiers.

3. İstiklal Avenue

   120 minutes

   Wander along the pedestrian street that stretches from Taksim Square to Galatasaray Square and offers a variety of shops, cafes, cinemas, and street performers. Buy souvenirs, clothes, or books, and try the street food or the desserts.