9-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 8 nights.

Journey into the unknown at Beyazit Square, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24,941 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.

After a long day of sightseeing, try one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

Make sure to book a table at Hanzade Terrace Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Istanbul. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of food lovers. Its commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 5,898 satisfied guests.

Do not miss the opportunity to dine at Mivan Restaurant & Cafe during your stay in Istanbul. This popular dining spot boasts a tantalizing menu, earning a remarkable rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, esteemed by 3,913 satisfied 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.

This is the time to raise a toast for your 9-day city break in Istanbul! Savor the moment and look forward to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning sights, and local delicacies of the city for the next few days to come!

Wake up to day 2 of your vacation in Istanbul. With 7 nights left, you'll have ample time to explore and savor all Istanbul has to offer.

Make Hagia Sophia one of your first sightseeing stops in Istanbul. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 127,439 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Basilica Cistern is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This palace is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 68,033 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Grand Bazaar. This bazaar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Laleli Mosque. A trip to this popular mosque is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 10,669 previous visitors.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Istanbul on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House while you’re in Istanbul. Famous for its lovely menu and delectable dishes, it has captivated around 2,112 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Harab'be Cafe, claiming it’s one of the best in the region. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 2,610 customers.

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

Wake up to day 3 of your exciting city break in Istanbul. You still have 6 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!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Suleymaniye Mosque. This much-appreciated mosque is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars in 51,661 reviews.

Next up is Rustem Pasha Mosque. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,051 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Mısır Çarşısı. This bazaar has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 164,946 reviews.

Yeni Cami Mosque is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This mosque has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,149 reviews.

Your discoveries in Istanbul do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Istanbul on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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.

Make a reservation at Divella Bistro Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Istanbul. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 1,711 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Turkish Cuisine while indulging in the charm of Istanbul. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, cherished by 1,399 discerning connoisseurs.

Savor the memories of an amazing day in Istanbul, Turkey!

Get ready for another exciting day in Istanbul on day 4 of your city break! From historical sites to modern attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With 5 nights ahead, make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories in Istanbul.

Journey into the unknown at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable art museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7,374 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Salt Galata is a recommended place to visit. This art gallery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,183 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Istanbul is Galata Tower. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 169,479 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Istanbul offers an experience you will remember.

Pera Museum is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Istanbul. This art museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,787 reviews. Each year, approximately 10,000 people travel to visit Pera Museum.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

When it’s time to eat, Istanbul has restaurants and bars to suit all budgets.

Book a table at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant, a famous dining establishment in Istanbul. This culinary hotspot and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 1,220 satisfied diners.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant. This famous bar in Istanbul has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,647 customers.

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

Raise your glass and relax after another amazing day in Istanbul, Turkey.

Rise and shine for day 5 of your city break in Istanbul! Today, delve deeper into the city's offerings, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems. With 4 nights remaining, there's ample time to explore and uncover the heart of Istanbul.

Start your day with a visit to Little Hagia Sophia. This extraordinary church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,399 visitors.

Next, make your way to Topkapi Palace Museum. This top attraction is a palace with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 95,040 visitors. Topkapi Palace Museum welcomes 1,932,726 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Istanbul Archaeological Museums. This museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,404 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Gülhane Park. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 59,778 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 to eat, treat yourself to a nice meal at a top-rated restaurant in the region.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Gulhane Sark Sofrasi, a distinguished dining establishment in Istanbul. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 1,078 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant, a top-notch spot in the region scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant has charmed many with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 1,963 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Lacivert, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Lacivert captures hearts with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 1,960 merry-makers.

No matter where in Istanbul you end up, an amazing evening of relaxation and enjoyment is guaranteed.

As day 6 dawns in Istanbul, embark on another day of exploration and adventure. Discover the city's vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and captivating sights at your own pace. With 3 nights left, the possibilities for discovery are endless.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Galata Bridge. This bascule bridge is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,650 visitors.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,214 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Serpent Column. Visitors have rated this sculpture an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 616 reviews.

Sultanahmet Square is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 30,938 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic The Blue Mosque, perhaps the most famous mosque in Istanbul. This attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,956 travelers.

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.

After a full day of exploring, we recommend you try one of the best places to eat in Istanbul. Enjoy the local flavors, unwind, and reflect on the day's adventures.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Istanbul.

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 7 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 2 nights in Istanbul and enjoy plenty of time for exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kasım Çavuş Camii. This mosque is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 308 visitors.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque is another popular attraction you could visit today. This mosque has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 58,057 visitors.

Zal Mahmud Pasha Mosque is also highly recommended by travelers. This congregational mosque has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 953 visitors.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,437 reviews.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

After or in between exploring, treat yourself to a delicious meal at a nice restaurant in the region. Unwind and enjoy the local flavors and culinary delights while reflecting on the day's adventures.

Get some rest at your hotel in preparation for another wonderful day in Istanbul to come!

On day 8 of your fun city break in Istanbul, you’ll experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city. You now have 1 night left in Istanbul.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Golden Horn, a remarkable ria where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,150 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. This church has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,256 travelers.

Ismail Aga Mosque is another must-visit attraction. This renowned mosque offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,633 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Kariye Mosque. This well-loved mosque boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 6,186 reviews.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Istanbul has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Istanbul offers and add your favorites to your Turkey travel package below.

Before you know it, it’s time to head out for dinner. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at a nice restaurant in Istanbul.

Wind down and recharge for tomorrow's escapades in Istanbul, Turkey. With each day comes new experiences to cherish and enjoy.

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.

Ahırkapı Fog Horn and Lighthouse is an attraction you could visit on your last day in Istanbul. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 531 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!