5-Day Turkey city break in Istanbul

Your exciting city break begins as soon as you arrive in the beautiful city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 4 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Gülhane Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 59,778 reviews.

When the afternoon arrives, make your way to the hotel of your choice in downtown Istanbul. Check-in at hotels in Turkey normally starts around 2 to 3 PM. Each accommodation option in Istanbul offers a unique blend of comfort and style in addition to prime access to the city’s top attractions.

Exploring can easily make you lose track of time. Make sure to grab something to eat and use this opportunity to learn more about Istanbul's food culture.

Reserve your spot at Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, a popular local restaurant in Istanbul. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 5,898 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Mivan Restaurant & Cafe during your stay in Istanbul. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, by 3,913 discerning guests.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Arch Bistro, claiming it’s one of the best in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 798 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Harab'be Cafe. It is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Celebrate the start of your 5-day city break in Istanbul with a toast!

Wake up to day 2 of your exciting city break in Istanbul. You still have 3 nights left in Istanbul, and we recommend that you spend this day relaxing, sightseeing, and dining at the most wonderful places the city has to offer. Here's how you can make the most of today!

Start your day with a visit to The Blue Mosque. This extraordinary mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,956 visitors.

Next, make your way to Sultanahmet Square. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Mısır Çarşısı. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,946 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Yeni Cami Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,149 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Turkey is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, an acclaimed dining establishment in Istanbul. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,112 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Divella Bistro Restaurant while experiencing the best of Istanbul. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,711 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Turkish Cuisine, an elegant culinary destination in Istanbul. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,399 previous guests.

Raise a toast and celebrate another memorable day in Istanbul, Turkey!

Get ready for another exciting day in Istanbul on day 3 of your city break! From historical sites to modern attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With 2 nights ahead, make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories in Istanbul.

Journey into the unknown at Galata Tower, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Galata Bridge is a recommended place to visit. This bascule bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,650 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Istanbul is Suleymaniye Mosque. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 51,661 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Istanbul offers an experience you will remember.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Istanbul. This mosque promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.8 out of 5 stars in 58,057 reviews.

If you’re keen to experience more memorable moments in Istanbul, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Istanbul below.

Exploring the most popular attractions in Turkey can make you lose track of time. Be sure to grab something to eat at one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant while you’re in Istanbul. Famous for its lovely menu and delectable dishes, it has captivated around 1,220 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Istanbul is Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 1,078 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the region, Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,963 customers.

Reflect on the adventures of the day as you unwind in the comfort of your hotel in Istanbul. Tomorrow holds new possibilities and discoveries!

On day 4 of your city break, you will set out to discover Istanbul, including some of the most amazing things to see and do in the city. You’ll stay 1 night in Istanbul and enjoy plenty of time for exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Topkapi Palace Museum. This extraordinary palace has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 95,040 visitors. Each year, around 1,932,726 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 127,439 reviews.

While in Istanbul, we also recommend a visit to Basilica Cistern. This palace has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 68,033 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Laleli Mosque. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,669 travelers, this mosque is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Istanbul.

You can learn more about Istanbul today by going on a tour. Istanbul offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

When you’re ready to eat, treat yourself to a nice meal at a top-rated restaurant in the region.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Lacivert. This famous bar in Istanbul has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,960 customers.

This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance.

As the day draws to a close, bask in the tranquility of Istanbul by night. With memories made and adventures ahead, rest well and embrace the journey anew tomorrow.

Your city break in Istanbul is coming to an end, and it's soon time to say goodbye to the city. Before you leave, make sure to capture a few last moments to cherish your rejuvenating vacation in Turkey.

Depending on how much time you have to spare on your departure day, you may want to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Downtown Istanbul offers excellent shopping opportunities and is the perfect place to browse for souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Take a walk and discover unique items you can purchase to remind you of your city break in Istanbul.

If you can catch a later flight today, we recommend visiting some of the attractions you may not yet have had the time to explore. This extra time will let you discover more iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Istanbul.

Beyazit Square is an attraction you could visit on your last day in Istanbul. This square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,941 visitors.

Before you conclude your city break in Istanbul, drop by a top-rated restaurant for your last chance at a memorable dining experience in the city. Savor the destination's vibrant atmosphere over a delicious meal.

As your city break in Istanbul draws to a close, cherish the memories you've made. With your travel plans in place, you're all set for a safe journey home. Until next time, take care and safe travels!