Istanbul is a city of layers—Byzantine basilicas becoming Ottoman mosques, sultans’ palaces gazing at glass towers, fishermen casting lines beneath the Galata Bridge while ferries crisscross continents.

Beyond the headline sights, Istanbul is a culinary quest: simit at sunrise, smoky eggplant meze, Black Sea anchovies in season, baklava by the tray, and third-wave coffee to fuel the next museum. The Bosphorus is your compass—gleaming in the afternoon, mystical at sunset, and lined with wooden yalı mansions.

Practical notes: Most major sights accept cards, but carry some lira for taxis and small shops. Dress modestly for mosques (scarves provided for women if needed). Topkapı Palace is typically closed Tuesdays; the Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays; check times around religious holidays. Public transport runs on the Istanbulkart, a tap card usable on trams, metros, buses, and ferries.

Istanbul

From the Old City’s Sultanahmet Square to the art-forward banks of Karaköy and the café-lined streets of Kadıköy, Istanbul rewards curiosity. It’s easy to spend mornings in museums, afternoons on the water, and evenings hopping meyhanes (traditional taverns) for raki and meze.

• Top sights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower (panoramic views), Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the colorful streets of Balat & Fener.
• Signature experiences: Bosphorus cruise at golden hour, hammam scrub, ferry to the Asian side, live jazz near Galata, and pastry stops that become traditions.
• Where to stay: Sultanahmet for first-time proximity to sights; Karaköy/Galata for dining and nightlife; Bosphorus-side Beşiktaş-Ortaköy-Arnavutköy for views and quieter nights.

Getting in: Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Compare fares and routes on Omio. Expect ~45–75 minutes by taxi from IST to Sultanahmet depending on traffic; Havaist airport buses and the M11 metro connect to the city center.

Where to book stays: Browse entire homes and apartments on VRBO Istanbul or compare hotels on Hotels.com Istanbul.

• Luxury Bosphorus icons: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
• Boutique & location-perfect: Sirkeci Mansion (walk to the Old City), plus handsome Bosphorus mansions in Arnavutköy like Ajia Hotel and Fuat Paşa Yalısı.
• Budget/hostel: Cheers Hostel (friendly social vibe, near Sultanahmet).

Day 1: Arrival, Sultanahmet Stroll, and First Flavors

Afternoon: Land, check in, and take a gentle orientation walk in Sultanahmet. Circle Hippodrome Square to see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column, then admire the exterior of the Blue Mosque. For a quick pick‑me‑up, order a strong Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz (thick, velvety foam) or grab a sesame simit from a street cart.

Evening: Dinner at Karaköy Lokantası (cerulean tiles, classic meze like fava purée, stuffed vine leaves, and grilled octopus) or Giritli (Aegean seafood set menus with olive‑oil meze in a leafy courtyard). Cap the night with baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu—try pistachio havuç dilimi—and a leisurely stroll along the Galata Bridge to watch anglers and city lights on the Golden Horn.

Day 2: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, and the Bazaars (Old City Highlights)

Morning: Beat the queues with this skip-the-line guided blend of icons—ideal for making the most of your time:

Istanbul Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern with Tickets

Stand beneath Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome, explore Topkapı’s courtyards and treasury, and descend into the otherworldly Basilica Cistern. Dress modestly for mosque interiors and note that Topkapı is typically closed Tuesdays.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pandeli (above the Spice Bazaar; turquoise tiles and Ottoman recipes like lamb in quince sauce) or sample börek and pide at a simple bakery nearby. Wander the Spice Bazaar for pul biber (chili flakes), sumac, lokum (Turkish delight), and dried figs. Continue to the Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays) to browse carpets, copperware, and ceramics; bargain with a smile.

Evening: Tram up to Karaköy for third‑wave coffee at Coffee Sapiens or a pour‑over at Petra Roasting. Dinner at Asmali Cavit (convivial meyhane—order the atom yogurt, grilled liver, and seasonal fish) or book Neolokal for a contemporary Anatolian tasting menu in a historic building. Live jazz at Nardis Jazz Club by Galata Tower wraps the day on a high note.

Day 3: Eat Across Two Continents + Kadıköy and Moda

Today is deliciously dedicated to breakfast, market culture, and Asian‑side bites with a local guide:

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

Begin with a full Turkish breakfast (cheeses, olives, menemen eggs, honey with clotted cream), then ferry to Kadıköy to graze through pickles, meze shops, and dessert counters. You’ll learn what to buy (and where locals shop) and how to order like a pro.

Evening: Linger on the Asian side: aperitivo at Arap Cami Sokak’s wine bars, then dinner at Çiya Sofrası (regional recipes from across Anatolia—try lamb with sour cherries, stuffed zucchini flowers, and seasonal stews). For dessert, pistachio ice cream at Baylan or flaky katmer at a Gaziantep-style spot. Sail back at dusk for skyline views of minarets and palaces.

Day 4: Bosphorus Villages, Hammam Ritual, and Sunset on the Water

Morning: Head north along the strait. Start with a waterfront walk in Bebek and a flat white at EspressoLab or a Turkish breakfast spread at a Bosphorus café. Continue to Ortaköy to photograph the mosque framed by the bridge; snack on a loaded kumpir (baked potato) from the square. If you love palaces, budget time for nearby Dolmabahçe’s chandeliered halls.

Afternoon (Hammam): Rejuvenate in a historical bath—steam, scrub, and foam massage included:

Istanbul Gedikpasa Historical Turkish Bath with Privacy Option

Follow with tea and kurabiye (cookies) at a nearby pastane. If you prefer a modern lunch, try Karaköy’s seafood meze counters for calamari, lakerda (salt-cured bonito), and eggplant salad.

Evening (Bosphorus Cruise): Sail at golden hour for the dreamiest city perspective:

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Experience: Istanbul’s Best

Drift past palaces and yalı mansions as the city glows. For a post-cruise dinner, book a waterside fish restaurant in Arnavutköy—think grilled sea bass, seasonal bluefish, and a table filled with meze. If you want to stay nearby, consider a night in a Bosphorus-side mansion like Ajia Hotel or Fuat Paşa Yalısı.

Day 5: Balat Colors, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Explore the photogenic streets of Balat and Fener: rainbow staircases, vine-draped balconies, antique shops, and Greek Orthodox heritage. Brunch at Forno Balat (wood-fired lahmacun and pide) or pastry-and-tea at a neighborhood café. If time allows, pop into the Rahmi M. Koç Museum on the Golden Horn for vintage trams, boats, and industrial-era curiosities.

Afternoon (departure): Pick up edible souvenirs: lokum (rose, pistachio), tahin-pekmez (tahini & grape molasses), or vacuum‑sealed baklava for the flight. Head to the airport (plan buffer time for traffic). If you want a final lunch near the water, detour through Karaköy for fish sandwiches under the Galata Bridge or a last Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz.

Optional/Alternate: Private Old City Deep-Dive

If you prefer a customized pace with hotel pickup, consider a full private day covering the major monuments:

ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks FullDay Private Guided City Tour

Eating & Drinking Shortlist (Save This!)

• Breakfast/coffee: Mandabatmaz (classic Turkish coffee), Petra Roasting and Coffee Sapiens (third-wave), Van Kahvaltı Evi (hearty regional breakfast), simit from street carts.
• Lunch: Pandeli (Ottoman classics), Forno Balat (lahmacun & pide), fish sandwiches under Galata Bridge, döner from Tarihi Karadeniz Pide ve Döner (Beşiktaş).
• Dinner: Karaköy Lokantası (refined meze), Asmalı Cavit (tavern staples), Giritli (Aegean seafood), Neolokal (modern Anatolian), Sur Balık Arnavutköy (Bosphorus fish).
• Sweets: Karaköy Güllüoğlu (baklava), Hafız Mustafa (rice pudding, kunefe), Dondurmacı Ali Usta (ice cream in Moda).
• Nightlife: Nardis Jazz Club (live jazz), Alexandra Cocktail Bar (Bosphorus views), 360 Istanbul (rooftop vistas).

Getting Around & Tips

• Transport: Load an Istanbulkart and ride the T1 tram (Old City–Karaköy), M2 metro (Şişhane–Taksim), funiculars (Karaköy–Tünel, Kabataş–Taksim), and public ferries to Üsküdar or Kadıköy. Taxis are plentiful; insist on the meter.
• Mosque etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered; women cover hair inside. Remove shoes; bags are provided.
• Market savvy: Bargain kindly in the Grand Bazaar; ask to see the “best price.” Verify shipping for carpets/ceramics.
• Timing: Try the Old City early or late to avoid peak crowds; schedule major museum days away from closures.

Ready to book? Compare flights to Istanbul on Omio, then lock in your stay via Hotels.com or browse apartments on VRBO.

In five days, you’ll trace 1,700 years of history, taste across two continents, and watch minarets glow while boats drift on the Bosphorus. Istanbul rewards both planners and wanderers—expect to leave with a favorite café, a trusted ferry route, and a promise to return.