5 days in Istanbul
5 Days in Istanbul: Complete Itinerary + Asian Side (2026)
Five days in Istanbul covers Sultanahmet’s imperial monuments, Beyoğlu’s contemporary energy, the Asian side via Bosphorus ferry, Princes’ Islands day-trip, and proper meze culture.
Day 1: Sultanahmet imperial core
Morning
Pre-8am Hagia Sophia (free, working mosque). Walk to Blue Mosque (free, closed during prayer).
Afternoon
Topkapi Palace + Harem (650 + 280 lira, closed Tuesday). 3-4 hour visit.
Evening
Sunset at Galata Bridge — fishermen + mosques + skyline. Dinner at Hocapasha Sokak food alley.
Day 2: Grand Bazaar + Suleymaniye + meze
Morning
Grand Bazaar (closed Sunday) — 4,000 shops. Negotiate (start 30-40% of asked price).
Afternoon
Spice Bazaar + Suleymaniye Mosque (free; Sinan’s masterpiece; terrace view).
Evening
Meze dinner at Karaköy Lokantası or Lokanta Maya. Raki + 6-8 mezes shared.
Day 3: Bosphorus ferry to Asian side
Morning
Ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Kadıköy (20 min, 27 lira). Lunch at Çiya Sofrası (Anatolian regional).
Afternoon
Walk Moda waterfront + Kadıköy market. Coffee at Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası.
Evening
Sunset ferry back. Dinner at Karaköy Lokantası or Hamdi (Ottoman classics, Eminönü).
Day 4: Beyoğlu + Galata + hammam
Morning
Walk Istiklal Caddesi from Taksim to Galata (1.4km pedestrian boulevard). Pera Museum.
Afternoon
Cemberlitas Hamami (1584) — traditional Turkish bath (1,500-2,500 lira). 2 hours.
Evening
Galata Tower at blue hour (650 lira). Dinner in Karaköy at Karaköy Güllüoğlu (baklava capital).
Day 5: Princes’ Islands + departure
Morning
Ferry from Eminönü to Buyukada (1.5 hours, 27 lira). Car-free island — rent bicycle.
Afternoon
Lunch at Princes’ Islands seafood. Beach swim if summer.
Evening
Return to Istanbul. Final dinner — Anemon Galata rooftop or sunset Bosphorus dinner.