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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Gülhane Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 59,778 visitors.

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 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.

Indulge in an exquisite luxury dining experience at Calipso Fish. Renowned for its prestigious rating and an array of mouthwatering dishes, Calipso Fish consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional seafood cuisine.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Arch Bistro, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the region. Arch Bistro boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 798 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Flekk, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Flekk has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 576 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Harab'be Cafe. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5-star from 576 customers.

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

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

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to The Blue Mosque. This much-appreciated mosque is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 91,956 reviews.

Next up is Sultanahmet Square. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 30,938 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Grand Bazaar. This bazaar has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 145,525 reviews.

Mısır Çarşısı is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This bazaar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,946 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Yeni Cami Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,149 reviews.

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.

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.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Saltanat Fish & Kebab House, a distinguished dining establishment in Istanbul. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 2,112 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Istanbul is Divella Bistro Restaurant. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 1,711 happy diners.

Turkish Cuisine stands out as a local favorite in Istanbul. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,399 customers.

Wrap up your evening by visiting the renowned Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe, a must-visit hotspot in the region of Istanbul. This bar has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, backed by 2,447 delighted customers.

Alternatively, quench your thirst at the popular Joker No.19, consistently rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Or, for an authentic local recommendation, head over to Corner Irish Pub, one of the top-rated bars in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 satisfied customers.

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 2 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!

Take the opportunity to see Galata Tower. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 visitors.

Galata Bridge is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This bascule bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 33,650 travelers.

Istanbul is also the home of Suleymaniye Mosque. Around 51,661 people have rated this mosque an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Eyüp Sultan Mosque. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 58,057 reviews, a visit to this mosque is a great idea.

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.

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 delightful culinary experience when you dine at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Istanbul boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 1,220 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Istanbul is Byzantion Bistro Restaurant. It has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,165 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Gulhane Sark Sofrasi, in Istanbul. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,078 satisfied customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Istanbul. At Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,647 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at James Joyce Irish Pub, another popular bar in the region. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,184 reviews.

Old English Pub ® Cafe & Restaurant is also one of the best places in Istanbul where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,963 customers.

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

On day 4 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.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum. This palace gets 1,932,726 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 95,040 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Hagia Sophia. This minor basilica has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 127,439 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Basilica Cistern. This palace has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 68,033 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Laleli Mosque. This mosque is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,669 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.

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.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Tuzla Seafood Restaurant. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Istanbul has received a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from around 24,161 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Istanbul, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,280 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at İBB Küçükçekmece Sosyal Tesisleri. This highly regarded restaurant in Istanbul has earned a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 6,657 satisfied guests.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the region, Lacivert. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,960 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Red River Pub. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,343 customers.

Karga Bar cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 1,532 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.4 out of 5 stars average rating.

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

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.

Enjoy a memorable meal at Beykoz Koru Sosyal Tesisi. This popular restaurant offers a whole menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,704 customers.

We also recommend İBB Kasımpaşa Sosyal Tesisleri for a lovely dining experience to cap off your getaway in Istanbul. İBB Kasımpaşa Sosyal Tesisleri has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,846 customers.

As you prepare to leave Istanbul, remember the moments of joy, discovery, and connection you've experienced in Turkey. Carry them with you as souvenirs of your journey, guiding you as you continue to explore and create new memories.