Istanbul Itinerary 7 Days

7 Days in Istanbul - Perfect 1 Week Guide

Istanbul is shared by two continents – Europe and Asia, while the blue streamer called the Bosphorus Strait separates the city into two distinct parts. The city was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century and has since then be influenced by an array of cultures. With hundreds of out-of-this-world attractions, luxe baths, grand bazaars, splendid pavilions, mouth-watering food flavors, and a fantastic history, Istanbul will dazzle you to the very core.

This 7-day Istanbul itinerary will you explore the city as a slow pace. While days one to four are reserved to explore the secret of the city, the next three days will take you out of the city.

What to see in Istanbul in 7 days?

Day 1 to Day 4: City Exploration

On the morning of day 1, visit the Sultanahmet district to discover some of the best sites in the city. This district is the heart of historic Old Istanbul and has many historical places, museums, and restaurants. Some of the attractions that you can visit here are Topkapı Palace, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Obelisk of Theodosius, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), the Byzantine Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Saray), and Binbirdirek Cistern. While here you can also stop at one of its cafes for a cup of coffee. The following day, explore the many markets of Istanbul. Visit the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market before heading to Mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent. Get your self a map because there are many lesser known attractions here that you do not want to miss. Later, head to the Chora Church to see its many Byzantine mosaics. End your day at the Galata Bridge by soaking in some of the most amazing views of the waters.
Start the day 3 of your 7-day Istanbul by heading to the New District or the New Town. We suggest you embark on a self-guided walking tour on this day. You will pass through many beautiful palaces, grand shopping avenues, and bustling back streets. Start your journey at the Galata Bridge, and go all the way to the Taksim Square. Here you will encounter many interesting sites like Old Galata Walls – Azapkapı, The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews, Pera Müzesi, The Museum of Innocence, Madame Tussauds Istanbul, and Dolmabahçe Palace. Spend the day 4 back in the Old Istanbul. Tour through places like Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Hagia Irene before you head to Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı for a traditional Turkish bath. After lunch, take a Bosphorus River Cruise ride that would take you to see some of city’s best homes, palaces, and Medieval fortresses. In the evening, you can stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a nice ice-cream.

Day 5: Vialand

Let this day begin with a bit of an adventure. Vialand is one of Turkey’s best theme parks and is located 14 kilometers north of the city in the Golden Horn region. The park is open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM and is perfect for kids and families. The Game World, Legends World, and Adventure World are the three themes of this park and features rides like Adventurer, Viking, 360, Crazy River, King Kong, Safari Tunnel, Dungeon, and Jet Ski. Apart from the many rides, there are many shopping avenues and a variety of eating options. There are buses that run from the city center of Istanbul to Vialand.

Day 6: Princes’ Island

After being on your toes for 5 days, you might want to escape to a faraway land where you can just relax. The Princes’ Islands (also called the Kızıl Adalar or just Adalar) are a series of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara. Since all motorized vehicles are banned here, the only sound you will hear is the sound of silence. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage or rent a bicycle to tour the island. You can even choose to walk, but if you plan on covering more than one island, we suggest you pace up! Wondering how to reach these islands? There are regular ferries that start from Kabataş. The only tip, start as early as possible.

Day 7: Asian Tour

This day is going to be pretty exciting. Get in your cars and cross the Bosphorus Bridge to reach the continent of Asia! Start your Asian tour by first visiting the Beylerbeyi Palace. The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, this palace is absolutely exquisite. Later in the afternoon, head to the Çamlıca Hill. The highest point in the city, this place will offer you sweeping views of the European side of Istanbul. Before heading back to the city center, visit Anadolu Kavağı - a traditional Asian fishing village.