Istanbul Itinerary 6 Days

6 Days in Istanbul Vacation Guide

Istanbul is a Turkish city rich in culture and heritage. Adorned with many architectural achievements, this place is a must visit for the connoisseurs of architecture. With a plethora of places to visit, Istanbul can keep a tourist occupied for days together. In addition to many must-visit attractions, it has many fine restaurants that let you enjoy the delicious Turkish food. If you are planning to spend 6 days in Istanbul, then here is an itinerary for you to refer. Take a look and you will know how you can thoroughly explore the beautiful city of Istanbul.

What to see in Istanbul in 6 days?

Day 1 In Istanbul

Have a hefty Turkish breakfast and let the first stop of your day be Topkapi Palace. This is a 15th-century royal palace and exhibits the Ottoman style of architecture. While it used to be the residence of Sultans some 400 years ago, it now serves as a museum. Then make your way towards Hagia Sophia. This historical structure has served as a cathedral, a mosque and now a museum. It is considered to be one of the best building exhibiting Byzantine architecture. Then have a quick lunch and head towards the Blue Mosque - one of the prime attractions in Istanbul. It is also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque and was built in between 1609 and 1616. After spending considerable time admiring the spectacular structure, head towards the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. This is a complex of three museums, namely the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Orient, and Museum of Islamic Art. Exploring this museum will certainly occupy the rest of your day. End your day by having a delicious dinner at a fine restaurant.

Day 2 In Istanbul

Let your second day be occupied by the Hippodrome Square or Sultanahmet Square. This square is surrounded with many historical and significant buildings. These include Egyptian Obelisk from the 4th century AD, Basilica Cistern, Serpentine Column from 479 BC, and German Fountain of Emperor Wilhelm II. Since all these places are located close to each other, you can explore the area on foot. The square also has many good cafes and restaurants where you can have a good lunch. After wandering in the area, if time permits and you still have energy, then head towards the Grand Bazaar to shop to your heart’s content. This is the place in Istanbul where you will find a variety of items ranging from leather bags to clothes.

Day 3 In Istanbul

Start off your third day in Istanbul by visiting The Byzantine City Walls of Constantinople. Dating back to the 4th and 5th century, this is a series of defensive walls, now partly in ruins. Then make your way towards the famous Spice Bazaar of Istanbul. This market dates back to the 17th century and is the right place to get food, textile, and spices. You may have lunch at Spice Bazaar and then take a Bosphorus Cruise. Discover the beautiful villas on either side of Bosphorus and the Rumeli Castle. After the cruise, make your way towards the Beylerbeyi Palace. Built in 1861, this is an Imperial Ottoman summer residence. End your day by hiking up the Camlica Hill to enjoy the panoramic vistas of Istanbul at night.

Day 4 In Istanbul

Let your fourth day in Istanbul be all about exploring the Taksim district. This area has many historical buildings, galleries, stores, and restaurants to keep you occupied for long hours. A few of the must-visit places in the district include Dolmabahçe Palace, St. Antoine Church, Embassy Buildings, and Galata Tower. You should also make time to visit the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. This is a riverfront museum and houses an extensive collection of Turkish and international modern art.

Day 5 In Istanbul

On your 5th day in Istanbul, take a tour of the Princess Islands. Visiting this cluster of 9 islands is the best way to enjoy a day relaxing. Amongst all, the best island is Büyükada. Here you can spend time unwinding at the beaches or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful pine trees. At the end of the tour, return back to Istanbul.

Day 6 In Istanbul

Let your last day in Istanbul be reserved to embark on a gastronomic journey. Opt for a food tour which would take you to places offering mouth-watering Turkish cuisines. You may also set out on a shopping spree. A few streets that are best to go shopping include İstiklal Caddesi, Çukurcuma Caddesi, Serdar-ı Ekrem, and Abdi Ipekci Avenue.

Pocket this 6 day Istanbul itinerary and be assured that you will be able to make the most of all your days.