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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Galata Bridge. This bascule bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 33,633 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.

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

Experience a symphony of flavors at Calipso Fish in Istanbul by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Calipso Fish delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious seafood cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Sankai by Nagaya, acclaimed for its delectable japanese contemporary specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Arkestra, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for fusion cuisine in the city.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rock Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Celebrate the start of your 9-day city break in Istanbul with a toast!

As day 2 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 7 nights left, the possibilities for discovery are endless.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. This minor basilica is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 129,265 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Basilica Cistern. This palace has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 71,523 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Grand Bazaar. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 150,014 visitors.

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 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.

Savor the flavors at Divella Bistro Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at BrusQ Bar & Hookah Lounge, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Savor the memories of an amazing 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!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Suleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 53,090 visitors.

When you’re finished at Suleymaniye Mosque, head to Rustem Pasha Mosque. This one-of-a-kind tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,319 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Egyptian Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,628 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Yeni Cami Mosque. This mosque is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,468 visitors.

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.

You have plenty of options for restaurants and bars in Istanbul. So when you’re hungry or need a break from exploring, all you have to do is take your pick.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mivan Restaurant & Cafe, a top-rated dining destination in Istanbul.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Rounder's Irish Pub after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

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.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 97,459 visitors. Topkapi Palace Museum welcomes around 1,932,726 visitors every year.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,931 visitors.

Gülhane Park is also highly recommended by travelers. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 visitors.

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.

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.

Dine in style at Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, a top recommendation for dinner tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Karga Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your vacation in Istanbul. With 4 nights left, you'll have ample time to explore and savor all Istanbul has to offer.

Drop by the renowned Galata Tower. This popular tower has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 172,160 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Pera Museum. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,960 visitors, this art museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Turkey that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Istanbul has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at By Ferro Fish & Kebab Restaurant, a top-rated dining spot in Istanbul.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Just Bar, known for its lively atmosphere.

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

On day 6 of your fun city break in Istanbul, you’ll experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city. You now have 3 nights left in Istanbul.

Make The Blue Mosque one of your first sightseeing stops in Istanbul. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 95,369 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Sultanahmet Square is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 31,594 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. This museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,315 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 10,834 previous visitors.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Ulus 29, a top-rated dining destination 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.

Kick off the day at Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This mosque is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 59,048 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Pierre Loti Hill. Pierre Loti Hill is a tea house with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 31,469 reviews.

Kariye Mosque is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This mosque is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,771 visitors.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Çağrı Restaurant & Cafe Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Istanbul.

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

Get ready for another exciting day in Istanbul on day 8 of your city break! From historical sites to modern attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With 1 night ahead, make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories in Istanbul.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 77,834 visitors.

Dolmabahçe Clock Tower is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,106 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

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 it’s time for dinner, try one of the most popular restaurants in Istanbul. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, as the best restaurants fill up quickly.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Resto Han, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner.

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

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 would rather go for some last-minute sightseeing, the remarkable Beyazit Square is an attraction you could visit today. This square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25,152 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!