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One Week in Istanbul: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

I usually prefer to stay 3-5 days in a city before moving on to other places, but it’s easy to stay one whole week in Istanbul (or longer, if you have the time). Istanbul is a famed travel destination for many reasons: its rich history, its multiculturalism, its food…just to name a few.

There is a never-ending list of things to do in this city. But in this post, I have narrowed it down to the BEST things to cover in seven days.

I also include a bunch of tips on the best time to go, where to stay, how to get around, what to wear, and more. Happy planning!

SHORT ON TIME?
Here are my top recommendations for a week in Istanbul.

🛌 WHERE TO STAY:
DoubleTree by Hilton Piyalepasa

TOP THINGS TO DO:
🕌 Tour Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque
🌳 Walk through Gulhane Park
🏰 Visit Dolmabahçe Palace
🚋 Shop along Istiklal Avenue and see Taksim Square
🍳 Experience a traditional Turkish breakfast
🗼See Galata Tower
🏺Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
⛵️ Cruise to the Princes’ Islands

One Week in Istanbul: View of Hagia Sophia from Sultanahmet Square

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Istanbul, Turkey: One-Week Itinerary

Day One

This will be one of the most jam-packed days, since you’ll be able to visit several sights that are within close proximity: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Gulhane Park.

Marvel at the Blue Tiling of Topkapi Palace.

Topkapi Palace was one of my favorite sights in Istanbul. The tiling detail was incredible—I could have stared at it all day.

Topkapi Palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years, serving as home to about 30 different sultans and their courts. The palace housed anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 residents at a given point in time.

You can purchase tickets to see the main palace grounds, including the Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and stunning pavilions with views over the Bosphorus.

For an additional fee, you can also tour the Harem, which is definitely worth seeing. I found it to be one of the most architecturally interesting parts of the whole palace.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in summer. The palace is open every day of the week except Tuesday.

Cost: 320 TL to tour the main museum and grounds, 420 TL to also visit the Harem.

Note: If you plan to visit more than one museum in Istanbul, it might be worth purchasing a Museum Pass.

🎟 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM PASS HERE

Tour the Magnificent Hagia Sophia.

Not far from Topkapi Palace is the famous Hagia Sophia mosque. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been dubbed by some art historians as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Hagia Sophia started as a Byzantine Christian cathedral in 537 AD, then became a Catholic cathedral, then was converted to a mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. It then changed to a museum from 1935-2020, and was converted back to a mosque in 2020.

One Week in Istanbul: Approaching Hagia Sophia

If you look closely, you will still find evidence of the mosque’s Christian history in the art and architecture of the building. It is an interesting place to see the juxtaposition of two different faiths.

Note: Modest attire is required to enter Hagia Sophia. No shorts, and women must have their hair covered. If you don’t have a hair covering, you can purchase a scarf on site for a fee.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day
Cost: Free (but expect a long line to get in during peak season)

One Week in Istanbul: Inside Hagia Sophia

Explore the Iconic Blue Mosque.

Sultanahmet Mosque, more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, is just across Sultanahmet Square from Hagia Sophia. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Blue Mosque is one of only five mosques in all of Turkey that has six minarets, and it is best known for its stunning blue-tiled interior.

Note that as of September 2022, there is extensive construction taking place inside the mosque, so the area open for tourists to view is pretty limited.

On the day we visited, it was really hot and crowded, and since we had to take off our shoes inside, also very smelly. I personally enjoyed seeing the outside of the mosque more than the interior. 😉

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
Cost: Free

One Week in Istanbul: Blue Mosque

Note: Since Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque are close together, you can book a group tour that includes entry into all three places and allows you to skip the lines (which can get very long, especially during peak season).

🎟 BOOK YOUR TOPKAPI PALACE, HAGIA SOPHIA,
AND BLUE MOSQUE TOUR

Escape to the Quiet Oasis of Gulhane Park.

Right next to Topkapi Palace is Istanbul’s oldest public park, Gulhane Park. If you enter on the south side, you will walk through one of the larger gates of Topkapi Palace.

I was immediately struck by the towering trees lined up on either side of the main paved walkway. Near the entrance is a series of ponds with water fountains and bridges you can walk across.

There is also an expansive maze of trails veering off the main path that lead you to various art structures, benches, and playgrounds.

Our two-year-old loved playing in this park for a long time, so I highly recommend stopping here if you are traveling with kids. But even if you aren’t, it’s still a peaceful place to walk around and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day
Cost: Free

Day Two

Map showing distance from Gulhane Park (last stop on Day 1) to Dolmabahçe Palace, for reference.

See the Grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace.

Dolmabahçe Palace was completed in 1856 by order of Turkey’s 31st sultan, Abdulmecid I. He felt Topkapi Palace had become outdated compared to other European castles of the day and wanted a more contemporary palace to be created in its place.

Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest palace in Turkey and is situated right along the Bosphorus Strait, with beautiful views of the water from its back gardens.

I personally thought Topkapi Palace was prettier than Dolmabahçe, maybe because of all the blue tiling, but it’s worth seeing them both.

Hours: 9 am. to 4 p.m. every day except Monday
Cost: 300 TL per person

One Week in Istanbul: Entrance gates at Dolmabahce Palace

Taste Istanbul’s Delicious Street Food.

One of the best things to do during a week in Istanbul is try the variety of street food.

There are a bunch of vendors near Dolmabahçe Palace where you can grab a bite to eat before sitting along the Bosphorus Strait.

From grilled corn to ripe watermelon to the famous Döner Kebabs to freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, you’re sure to find something delicious.

The great thing about Istanbul’s street food is its cheap prices, which makes for an affordable way to eat in the city.

One Week in Istanbul: Exploring food vendors

Day Three

Shop and Eat Your Way Through Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue.

Visiting Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue is an amazing way to feel the energy of the city. You could spend a half day or more here.

In the middle of Taksim Square is the Republic Monument, which was erected in 1928 in honor of the five-year anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. The Taksim Mosque is also a noteworthy building to see.

From Taksim Square, walk south toward the popular Istiklal Avenue, lined up with shops and restaurants on either side for nearly a mile. This is the perfect place to do some shopping — you can find some great deals!

Istiklal Street near Taksim Square Istanbul

Food-wise, you should also try the original baklava from Hafiz Mustafa, founded in 1864. Some of the restaurants also offer baklava ice cream sandwiches. Yes, that’s right. They are SO GOOD.

Baklava ice cream sandwich on Istiklal Street

Day Four

Experience a Traditional Turkish Breakfast.

A couple friends who have spent a lot of time in Istanbul said we had to try a traditional Turkish breakfast there. We ended up going to Privato Cafe near Galata Tower. It did not disappoint.

We ordered freshly squeezed orange juice (amazing) and their traditional village breakfast option. We also ordered their fried egg and sausage on the side.

The meal comes in two shifts, which we didn’t realize at first. They start by bringing a bunch of plates filled with various cheeses, olives, fruits and veggies, dips, and bread. Then they come with Turkish-style pancakes, pastries, and the eggs and meat, if you order it extra.

We were so full and happy from this meal and were ready for a big day of exploring Galata and other parts of the city after this.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day (opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays)
Cost: Around 400 TL for the traditional breakfast for two + the juice and eggs, which easily fed three adults.

Take in Amazing City Views From Galata Tower and Galata Bridge.

Galata Tower is in the neighborhood of Beyoglu and was first built in 1348. It was once the tallest building in all of Constantinople and has served varying purposes, from a watchtower to a prison to a museum.

Since its initial construction, Galata Tower has undergone several renovations, but it has long been an iconic symbol for the city.

You can purchase tickets to climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul.

It is also worth sticking around the Beyoglu neighborhood for a while, where there is a variety of restaurants and boutiques to browse through. The architecture in this area of the city is also really pretty.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day
Cost: 175 TL

Day Five

Find Treasures at the Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest covered markets on earth, with more than 60 different pathways and 4,000 shops. It attracts more than 90 million visitors each year.

We spent a couple hours here and only scratched the surface of all there is to see. You could definitely make this an entire day trip if you wanted to.

I recommend passing through the “Old Bazaar” section, where you can see a vast selection of antique items from around the world.

You can probably find anything your heart desires at the Grand Bazaar, from jewelry and silk scarves to Turkish coffee sets and fresh baklava.

It is worth noting that for the best prices, you’ll probably be better off buying at one of the smaller bazaars. But you can also haggle the prices a bit if you find something you absolutely have to have.

Side tip: While inside the Grand Bazaar, you should stop at Sark Kahvesi for some delicious food, coffee, and dessert. We just happened to stumble across this pretty cafe and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Their Kibbeh meal was amazing.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day
Cost: Entry is free, but what you choose to purchase is a different story 🙂

Savor the Sights and Scents of the Spice Bazaar.

If for nothing else, visit the Spice Bazaar for the amazing colors and scents. It is the most famous covered market in Istanbul right after the Grand Bazaar.

The Spice Bazaar is also within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, so you could easily see both in one day.

While spices are the main theme of this bazaar, you can also find lots of shops selling Turkish Delight (known locally as Lokum), dried fruit and nuts, and souvenirs and trinkets.

Hours: 8 a.m to 7 p.m. most days, opens a bit later on Sundays.
Cost: Free entry, but I am sure you will be tempted to buy something delicious.

One Week in Istanbul: Spice Bazaar

Day Six

Take a Relaxing Boat Cruise to the Princes’ Islands.

A perfect day trip during a week in Istanbul is a boat cruise to one or more of the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine islands just off the coast of Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara.

A boat tour gives you a chance to relax on the water while taking in gorgeous views of the city from a different vantage point.

We visited the islands of Kinaliada, Burgazada, and Büyükada on our day trip, all which were very different from each other.

  • Kinaliada is mostly residential and where wealthier Turks have properties. It was fun to simply walk down the streets and see all the beautiful flowers outside of people’s homes before grabbing some ice cream by the water.

  • Burgazada has more restaurants and lots of souvenir stands. For our toddler, the highlight was the playground on the water. We could also see lots of jellyfish from the shore here.

  • Büyükada is the most popular of all the Princes’ Islands and is likely where you would want to spend the most time. There are no cars allowed on the island, so it’s very pedestrian-friendly. You will find rows and rows of seafood restaurants along the water, and you can also rent bikes to ride around the entire island.

My husband’s family arranged our tour through an Iranian tour company, so I don’t have a link to share. Most guided tours will take you to Büyükada. If you want to see other islands, you may want to inquire with a private tour company.

But here is another great guided tour to explore Büyükada.

🎟 RESERVE A BOAT TOUR TO BÜYÜKADA

Day Seven

Hop Over to the Asian Side of Istanbul.

People say you haven’t really been to Istanbul if you didn’t go to the Asian side. While I wouldn’t necessarily agree with that, I do think if you have the time, it would be well worth going there.

The Asian side is much quieter and more residential and will give you a different flavor of Istanbul than the more touristy atmosphere of the European side.

The Kadiköy neighborhood in particular, which includes the popular Bagdat Street for shopping, is a great place to start.

The best way to get to the Asian side is to take the ferry. There are ferries to Kadiköy from the Beşiktaş, Kabataş and Eminönü piers on the European side.

We did not make it to the Asian side during our time in Istanbul. If we could go back, this is probably one of the first things we would do.

Check out this New York Times video for more tips on things to do on the Asian side.

One Week in Istanbul: Additional Things to Do

You could easily spend weeks in Istanbul and not run out of things to do. Since we were primarily there to visit with family, we had a more relaxed itinerary most days, only seeing one or two major sights a day.

If you want to maximize your time and see as much as possible during your week in Istanbul, here are a few other things that would be great to do:

1. Tour the Basilica Cistern (Add to Day 1)

For a fascinating look at Istanbul underground, you can tour the Basilica Cistern, one of the largest subterranean cisterns in Istanbul. Located within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia, the cistern was once an important water source for Constantinople residents.

Now it’s a popular museum where you can see the impressive stone columns rising from the water amid colorful lighting. The Basilica Cistern just reopened in the summer of 2022 after extensive renovations and is available to visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

🎟 BOOK YOUR BASILICA CISTERN TOUR

2. Visit Chora Church (Add to Day 4)

See the historic Chora Church, which was first built in the early 4th century. It underwent several phases since then and was also converted to a mosque in 2020.

What’s most interesting about this church is that many of its Byzantine mosaics and frescos are still intact and paint a fascinating picture of early Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

3. Explore the Fener and Balat Neighborhoods (Add to Day 4)

The Fener and Balat areas of Istanbul, which are right next to each other on the southern shore of the Golden Horn, are filled with vibrant restaurants, vintage shops, and cafes.

These neighborhoods are known for their colorful buildings and diverse religious history. You’ll find a mixture of beautiful, historic churches, synagogues, and mosques here.

There is also an antique auction that takes place in Fener every day at 3 p.m. Stop by if you’re interested in picking up a one-of-a-kind treasure.

4. See the Maiden’s Tower (Add to Day 5)

Maiden’s Tower is on a small islet in the Bosphurus Strait and has inspired several legends over the centuries. It has been built and rebuilt several times, most recently in 1999 following the giant earthquake in the Sea of Marmara.

Today, there is a restaurant inside Maiden’s Tower with stunning views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. You can get to Maiden’s Tower with a short ferry ride from the Kabatas or Üsküdar districts. But if you want to eat in the restaurant, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as it’s usually packed.

5. Learn History at the Museum of Innocence (Add to Day 3)

Go to the Museum of Innocence for one of the most unique museum experiences. The museum is located inside a 19th-century house in Istanbul and was created by author Orhan Pamuk as a companion to his famous novel The Museum of Innocence.

Here you can catch a glimpse into upper-class Istanbul life from the 1970s to early 2000s. All of the artifacts inside the house somehow depict the love story of Kemal and Füsun, the characters in Pamuk’s book.

6. Take a Bosphorus Cruise to the Black Sea (Substitute for Day 6)

While the Princes’ Island tours take you onto the Sea of Marmara that is south of Istanbul, you could also take a cruise north through the Bosphorus Strait and onto the Black Sea.

This all-day tour has stops on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It also includes time for you to explore the historic Küçüksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress before relaxing on the beach or swimming in the Black Sea. (Man, this makes me want to go back for another visit!)

🌊 BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP TO THE BLACK SEA

7. Experience a Traditional Hammam (Add to Day 3)

For the ultimate relaxation, consider booking a luxurious Turkish bath at a hammam, a tradition that dates back to the Ottoman Empire.

You’ll have the option to receive a full-body exfoliating bath, massage, facial, and more. The entire experience lasts 1-2 hours depending on which package you reserve.

💧BOOK A TURKISH BATH AT A HAMMAM

8. Explore Some of the Smaller Bazaars (Add to Day 1 or Day 4)

For a more authentic Turkish shopping experience and better prices, I definitely recommend exploring some of the smaller bazaars as well.

The Rüstem Pasa Bazaar in Eminonu and Kadiköy Bazaar on the Asian side are both great options.

I also really enjoyed the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque. It was much less crowded than other bazaars and had a beautiful selection of teas and handmade items.

One Week in Istanbul: Exploring the bazaars

About Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with more than 15 million residents, and it is the world’s eighth most visited city. Formerly called Constantinople, it played an important role in the early advancement of Christianity until the Ottoman Empire took over in 1453 and Islam became the main religion.

Even though the majority of Turks are Muslim, Istanbul is known for its diversity and tolerance for people of differing faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Here you will find a woman in a burka walking not far from someone with a crop top and mini skirt. You can hear the call of Azan from mosques all around the city, but at the same time see people conversing over a glass of wine in an outdoor cafe.

Istanbul is a city full of contradictions, which is probably why it’s so popular.

Asian vs. European Sides of Istanbul

The Bosphorus Strait cuts right through the middle of Istanbul, separating the European side on the west from the Asian side to the east.

One of our tour leaders said the Asian side is more nicely developed than the European side, but the European side is where most of the major tourist attractions are.

With only one week in Istanbul, you will likely spend most of your time on the European side, but it’s definitely worth cutting over to Kadikoy via a ferry across the Bosphorus for a day. You’ll probably find it much quieter and less crowded, which could make for a welcome break during your trip.

How Much Do Things Cost in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a very affordable city to visit. Once you are there, you will probably find most things to be cheaper than in your home country.

The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). When we visited in September 2022, 100 TL was equal to roughly 6 USD.

We were easily able to buy meals for 100 TL or less, especially if we ordered from one of the street vendors.

Taxis and other public transportation are also fairly cheap. See Getting Around in Istanbul for more details.

The entry fees for museums and the price of clothing in malls I found to be pretty similar to what you would pay anywhere else.

For the most cost-effective (and unique) souvenirs, I recommend visiting one of the bazaars, where you can haggle the prices.

One Week in Istanbul: Galata Tower peeking over the buildings in Istanbul
Galata Tower playing Peek-a-Boo

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

We visited in the middle of September, and it was very crowded. The weather was hot during the first part of the week (mid-80s), which made the crowded interiors of buildings even more uncomfortable. Thankfully, the temperatures cooled into the low- to mid-70s for the remainder of the week.

I would recommend going in May or early June before the summer crowds arrive or from mid-September to mid-October after most of them leave and the temperatures are a bit cooler.

But I am sure Istanbul is lovely to see at any time of the year, even in winter. It all depends on the types of activities you want to do.

Getting to Istanbul

There are two major airports near Istanbul: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side. Turkish Airlines is of course the most popular airline that flies into Istanbul, but many other international airlines fly there as well.

We flew in to Istanbul Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from the Istanbul city center. We had a pre-arranged shuttle to our hotel, but you can also get a taxi on the spot for around 300 TL.

One Week in Istanbul: Where to Stay

We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton in Piyalepasa, which is not in the city center but only about 10-15 minutes by taxi to most major tourist attractions. The rooms are really nice, especially if you get one with a sofa bed. You’ll have a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city.

The best part of this hotel was definitely the breakfast. They serve a lot of traditional Turkish items as part of their large buffet. I always filled my plate high with a variety of food. It was so good!

The hotel also has a rooftop bar and restaurant that is really fun to experience at night, and a nice swimming pool and spa area in the basement.

If you want to visit Taksim Square, the hotel offers a free shuttle there and back every hour until 10:30 p.m. Just note that sometimes there are more people trying to return at 10:30 than the shuttle can hold, so you may be forced to get a taxi. I’d recommend coming back on an earlier shuttle if you want to avoid this.

🛌 CHECK ROOM RATES FOR DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

Browse other Istanbul accommodations

Use the interactive map below to search for other accommodations that match your budget and preferences:

Getting Around in Istanbul

Taxi

Taxis were the primary way we got around in Istanbul, mainly because our hotel was not located close to a metro station, but also because it was a fast and pretty cheap way to get to where we wanted to be.

However, note that taxi drivers often try to overcharge tourists so be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before getting into the car. We discovered that some drivers charge twice as much as others.

Official Istanbul taxis are all yellow with a “TAKSI” sign on top. Airport taxis are usually blue.

Check out my post on taxis in Istanbul for more details on getting around the city in a taxi.

Istanbulkart

If I go to Istanbul again, I will probably purchase an Istanbulkart, a card that gives you access to all the public transportation options in the city, including the subway, trams, funicular, ferries, and buses.

It’s a very cost-effective and convenient way to get around the city. The Istanbulkart costs just 25 TL to purchase without credits and then each individual ride costs 7.67 TL.

Where to get the Istanbulkart

You can purchase the card and load credits onto it at any of the yellow-blue vending machines located near transportation stops. You can also get the card at the airport and use it for the shuttle into the city.

Tips for Traveling to Istanbul

Here are some overarching tips to keep in mind before traveling to Istanbul to help ensure the best trip possible:

  • Learn how to haggle prices when shopping at a bazaar. You can usually get things cheaper than the initial asking price.
  • Compare taxi prices to understand what the average rate is. Don’t accept a ride from a taxi driver who asks too much.
  • If you’re a woman, carry a scarf with you in case you want to tour a mosque that requires a hair covering.
One Week in Istanbul: Beautiful tiling at Arasta Bazaar

Turkey Visa Requirements

Turkey requires an electronic tourist visa for many countries (including the United States). Thankfully, it’s a fairly easy process to obtain the visa.

  1. Visit the official Turkey visa website and complete the application.
  2. Pay the visa fee (for United States citizens, it is $50 per person as of 2022).
  3. You should then receive your visa via email within a matter of minutes.

You will want to print a copy of your visa before arriving in Turkey, as the passport control officer will ask to see it in addition to your passport.

What to Wear in Istanbul

You will see people wearing all types of clothing in Istanbul. Even though the main religion in Turkey is Islam, a strict dress code is not enforced on all residents or visitors.

However, it’s nice to be mindful of where you plan to visit and what the preferred dress code is. For example, if you plan to tour a mosque, you are expected to dress modestly, and women are required to cover their hair when inside.

Personally, I chose to dress more conservatively during my time in Istanbul. I stayed away from shorts and opted for lightweight dresses and loose tops and pants instead. But it’s really up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing.

One Week in Istanbul: Walking on the streets near Galata Tower

Is Istanbul Safe?

When I told people we were taking a vacation in Turkey, I got some raised eyebrows. With everything going on in the world, they were concerned that it might not be the safest place to travel.

Yes, Turkey does have a history of terrorist attacks, but many other countries have also had domestic and international terrorist attacks in recent years (including the United States).

Risk is everywhere.

I am probably more likely to get hit by a bus here in Boston than be attacked as a tourist in Istanbul. I honestly felt safe the entire time I was there.

The only time I clenched my teeth was when I was in a taxi. That could sometimes be a wild ride, but I kept telling myself these drivers know what they are doing and they can maneuver the roads much better than I ever could.

Follow the same rules of common sense that you would in any other big city (you know, like not walking down dark alleys in the middle of the night).

And I wouldn’t talk openly about the Turkish government, especially if it’s in a critical way. Freedom of speech is not the same in Turkey as it is in other countries.

If you stick to these basic guidelines, you should be fine. 🙂

Is Istanbul a Good Family Vacation Destination?

Overall, Istanbul would make for a nice family vacation destination. The prices are affordable, which is nice when you have more mouths to feed. And there is an endless number of historic sights where kids can learn about Turkey’s past.

We were in Istanbul with our toddler and found it fairly easy to navigate with her. However, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • There are some areas that are not as stroller-friendly, where the sidewalks are too narrow or there are too many steps. But a good portion of the sidewalks can accommodate a stroller with no problem.

  • Be cautious when crossing roads. Cars are not as patient or considerate toward pedestrians, and you often have to push your way forward. Do not expect cars to give you the right of way.

  • Like at home, it’s important for your kids to have time and space to do things they enjoy. We had the most success with our daughter when she had moments throughout the day to run around freely or climb on things.

As long as you keep the interests of your kids in mind when planning your itinerary, Istanbul is a very rewarding place to have a family vacation.

One Week in Istanbul: Topkapi Palace

Wrap-up: One Week in Istanbul

Hopefully I have convinced you to add Istanbul to your bucket list. Or if you have an upcoming trip to Istanbul, I hope I made you even more excited to go!

Whether you take it easy and only want to see one or two sights a day, or you want to do all of the things and see as much as possible, your week in Istanbul is sure to be unforgettable.

Enjoyed this post? You may also like The Ultimate 7-Day Dubai Itinerary.

PLANNING A TRIP?
These are the resources I recommend:
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🛌 Hotels: Booking.com
🚗 Rental cars: DiscoverCars
🎟 Tours: Viator or GetYourGuide

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