Planning a family trip to Istanbul and wondering how to make the most of it? Look no further! This 5-day itinerary is designed to help families explore the best of this vibrant city.
This itinerary is a perfect mix of must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and family-friendly tips.
So, let’s dive into the perfect 5-day Istanbul itinerary!
📜Our Expert’s Note
I’ve been to Istanbul many times and each time has been a new experience. No matter what it never gets old and the city manages to charm me every time.
Istanbul is my favorite city in the world! It is magical, historical, vibrant, and most importantly it is home to many people like me. We were not born there but it still comforts and welcomes us with open arms.
Even though I can write for hours about my love for Istanbul it has occurred to me that you are not here for that. So, I will instead write something that you are here for.
I always want to help people plan their trip to Istanbul because I think after visiting it so many times I know how to explore Istanbul the right way!
I will share all my tips, suggestions, and secret spots as I cannot let anyone have a bad experience in my home.
5 days in Istanbul are obviously not enough but if you are planning to explore other beautiful cities in Turkey then 5 days are perfect. Okay, enough chit-chat let’s get down to business.
✅Day 1 in Istanbul
Start your adventure in Istanbul by exploring the historical and famous Sultanahmet District, also known as the Old City.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
Sultan Ahmet is the safest neighborhood for families in Istanbul. It is a tourist neighborhood but that is a pro in my opinion.
Especially, if you are visiting Istanbul with your family for the first time. There are many tourist-friendly services easily available.
Plus, many iconic landmarks are within walking distance. The area’s transport system is convenient, and many restaurants are also nearby.
So, all in all, I would suggest families stay in this neighborhood as it is safe and convenient in many ways.
➡️ Read Best Family Hotels in Istanbul
Morning☀️
Hagia Sophia:
Let’s begin the day at the world-renowned Hagia Sophia. Once a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, this UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is an architectural masterpiece. With its vast dome, mosaics, and rich history, it’s a place that truly captures the essence of Istanbul’s cultural fusion.
Blue Mosque:
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is directly across from Hagia Sophia and is one of the most iconic mosques in the world.
It is known for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, it’s a peaceful place to explore.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
Please follow the dress code when you visit any mosques in Istanbul.
Women should cover their heads, shoulders, knees, and chests, and can use scarves or wraps provided at mosque entrances.
Men should avoid wearing shorts above the knee and tank tops, opting for modest clothing like T-shirts and long pants.
Tip: The best time to visit the mosques is early morning around 8 am.
Tip: Avoid visiting during prayer times (especially midday for the Blue Mosque), as access may be limited, and the mosques are busier with worshippers.
You can check the prayer timings online and plan your visit accordingly.
Visiting both of these mosques will take 2 hours at least.
Lunch Break😋
- 1) The Terrace Restaurant. (Google Rating: 4.3)
- 2) Matbah Turkish Restaurant. (Google Rating: 4.5)
- 3) Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi. (Google Rating: 4.1)
- 4) Amedros Café & Restaurant. ( Google Rating: 4.8)
- 5) Old Ottoman Café & Restaurant. ( Google Rating: 4.8)
Afternoon🌄
Basilica Cistern:
After lunch, head to the Basilica Cistern, a hidden underground treasure that once provided water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. With its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, families will enjoy the cool, dimly-lit pathways surrounded by ancient columns and the famous Medusa head statues. It’s a unique experience that feels almost like stepping into a different world.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
Tip: Book tours online or skip the line tickets for the Basilica Cistern from their site.
The line for the tickets of the Cistern is always way too long no matter what time it is. So, it is wise to book online tours or buy tickets online beforehand.
However, with family, I advise booking a tour with a guide as it will be more interesting for the kids and it will not feel like pointless wandering for them.
Gülhane Park:
After the Basilica Cistern, it’s time to relax. Just a short walk from the cistern, you’ll find Gülhane Park.
This large, green park, once part of the Topkapi Palace grounds, is a lovely spot for families to relax. Stroll through the pathways or enjoy the view of the Bosphorus.
These two activities will take around 4 hours at least. After the park, you can go back to your hotel to freshen up for the night.
Evening🌃
Dinner:
- 1) Albura Kathisma. ( Google Rating: 4.4)
- 2) Eva Bosphorus Restaurant. ( Google Rating: 4.8)
- 3) Resto Galata Terrace. ( Googe Rating: 4.8)
Bosphorus Cruise:
Cap off your first day in Istanbul with a relaxing Bosphorus Night Cruise. Many companies offer family-friendly evening cruises that allow you to enjoy Istanbul’s stunning skyline from the water.
✅Day 2 in Istanbul
Morning☀️
Topkapi Palace:
Start your day by visiting the Topkapi Palace, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, this grand palace is now a museum, showcasing royal treasures, Islamic relics, and imperial artifacts.
Don’t miss the Harem section, where sultans’ wives and concubines once lived. It’s a fascinating Ottoman attraction.
Archaeology Museum:
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum, located near Topkapi Palace, is an exceptional destination to include in your itinerary.
This museum is one of the largest and oldest in the world, housing over a million artifacts that span centuries of history and cultures. Its collection includes relics from ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt, and the Roman Empire.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions
A lot of people miss out on the archaeology museum even though it is so worth it after you visit the Topkapi Palace head to the museum for an entertaining experience.
Ticket and Timing of the Museum: 340 TL. It opens every day from 8 am – 8 pm in summer but in winter it closes at 6:30 pm.
Book tickets for the palace online as it is more convenient than standing in a long line for hours.
Visiting these two places can take the whole morning.
Lunch Break😋
- 1) Olive Anatolian Restaurant. ( Google Rating: 4.5)
- 2) RESTOHAN Gülhane. ( Google Rating: 5)
- 3) Le Safran Restaurant. ( Google Rating: 4.6)
- 4) Last Ottoman Restaurant and Cafe. ( Google Rating: 4.8)
Afternoon🌄
Ferry Ride to Kadıköy – Discovering the Asian Side
After lunch, head to Eminönü Ferry Terminal, just a short walk from Sultanahmet, and take a scenic ferry ride to Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ferry offers stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, the Bosphorus, and landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower.
Kadıköy Market: Begin your Kadıköy adventure at the famous market. Wander through its colorful streets filled with fresh produce, spices, seafood, and Turkish street foods. Families will enjoy sampling local snacks and exploring boutique shops.
Moda Neighborhood: Stroll through the charming streets of Moda, known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful waterfront views, and cozy cafes. Let the kids play at Moda Park while you enjoy some Turkish coffee or ice cream.
Kadıköy Murals and Street Art: Kadıköy is also known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a walk to spot colorful murals that make for great family photos.
Suggestion: Do visit the Gullugolu sweet shop. Their baklavas are the best!
Exploring the Asian side can take up all of your evening.
Evening🌃
As almost your whole evening will be spent exploring the Asian side you won’t have much time or energy for anything else.
Dinner:
- 1) Kadikoy Sofrasi. (Google Rating: 4.8)
- 2) Muutto. ( Google Rating: 4.6)
- 3) Izaka Terrace. ( Google Rating: 4.6)
- 4) Etiler Kebapçı. ( Google Rating: 4.3)
Head Home:
After dinner, you can head home for the day.
✅Day 3 in Istanbul
Morning☀️
Balat Neighborhood;
Balat, located along the Golden Horn, is one of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its colorful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and rich cultural history.
Once home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, Balat offers a unique blend of heritage and charm.
- Kiremit Street: Start your day strolling through the streets, famous for their bright, Instagram-worthy facades.
- Ahrida Synagogue: Visit one of Istanbul’s oldest synagogues, a symbol of the Jewish history in the area.
- St. George’s Cathedral: Walk to this Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and admire its beautiful interior, steeped in religious history.
- Cafes and Shops: Take a break at one of the quirky cafes like Cooklife Balat, perfect for coffee and light snacks, or browse local antique shops for unique finds.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as Balat’s streets can be steep and uneven.
Exploring Balat can take up to two hours.
Lunch Break😋
- 1) Old Balat Cafe & kitchen. ( Google Rating: 4.9)
- 2) Forno Balat. ( Google Rating: 4.4)
- 3) Barba Vasilis. ( Google Rating: 4.5)
Afternoon🌄
Chora Mosque (Kariye Mosque):
After exploring Balat, head to the nearby Chora Mosque, a former Byzantine church famed for its stunning mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. While parts of the building may be under restoration, it is still a must-see his
Eyüp Sultan Mosque:
Continue your afternoon with a visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Istanbul. Located by the Golden Horn, the mosque attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Take a stroll around the mosque’s peaceful courtyard, and don’t miss the Eyüp Sultan Tomb, which is an important pilgrimage site.
Visiting these two sites can take around 2 hours maybe a bit more.
Evening🌃
Pierre Loti Hill:
After you visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque, take a relaxing cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill. This hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
The cable car ride is quite short and if the sun has already sat by the time you are there it is not as exciting anymore, to be honest.
The lines are long but they move fast so it’s tolerable. I’d still say it is worth it for your first Istanbul trip.
Pierre Loti Café:
Enjoy a peaceful break at Pierre Loti Café, sipping Turkish tea while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city.
By the time you are done with all of your afternoon activities, the time would be somewhere around 7:30 pm.
Dinner:
After a full day of exploration, head to Istiklal Street to enjoy the lively atmosphere and the iconic Galata Tower at night.
- 1) Galata Kitchen. ( Google Rating: 4.5)
- 2) Lokma. ( Google Rating: 3.9)
- 3) Esmer. ( Google Rating: 4.3)
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
I would advise that you should head back to your hotel before midnight and no it is not because your car will turn into a pumpkin😂 .
If your hotel is not near Istklal Street then have dinner near your hotel. I am not trying to scare you it is just that the nightlife scene here is lively and may not be suitable for families with young children.
✅Day 4 in Istanbul
Morning☀️
Today, experience a refreshing change of pace by exploring the serene Princes’ Islands. Büyükada is the largest and most famous island.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
You can only explore one island in a day. However, as this is a 5-day itinerary we can’t afford to dedicate more than one day to the islands.
Visiting at least one of the prince’s islands is crucial to the whole ”exploring Istanbul the right way”.
➡️Read Visiting Istanbul With Family top things to do
➡️Read Best Day Trips From Istanbul
Even though all the other islands are very beautiful too, Büyükada is the most famous one for a reason and is perfect for exploring on your 5-day trip to Istanbul.
NOTE: Ferries to the Princes’ Islands operate from Kabataş, Kadıköy, Eminönü, and Bostancı (on the Asian side). To avoid crowds, it’s best to take the first ferry to the islands in the morning. Before setting out, check the ferry schedule for both departure and return times, especially for the last ferry back to Istanbul, to ensure a smooth trip. Visit the official IDO website for up-to-date schedules and ticket prices.
You can book guided tours or just normal tours online via Viator and GetYourGuide. However, you can also explore it on your own and it can save you money.
Bike Ride or Electric Cart Tour:
Since no cars are allowed, you can rent bikes or book an electric cart tour to explore the island comfortably. Pedal or ride along tree-lined paths and stop at scenic points for breathtaking views.
Lunch Break😋
- 1)Milto Restaurant. (Google Rating: 4.3)
- 2)Ali Baba Lokantası. (Google Rating: 4.6)
- 3)Büyükada Lokantası. (Google Rating: 4.2)
Afternoon🌄
During the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing carriage ride around Büyükada to feel like a prince and princess. Carriage rides are the most famous thing to do on the island.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
The lines for the horse carriage ride are usually very long. So, if you want to ride the carriage then I suggest you book tours online. In that way, you don’t have to stand in lines for hours.
If you do not want to ride the carriage you can spend the afternoon relaxing by the seashore. Families can enjoy a short swim at a beach or explore local shops for souvenirs like handmade trinkets and island-inspired accessories.
Evening🌃
As the day winds down, head back to the ferry terminal to return to Istanbul. By the time you are at your hotel, you’ll be very tired. So, just order food online but if you still have some energy left in you then go for dinner at a restaurant near your hotel.
✅Day 5 in Istanbul
Morning☀️
End your Istanbul journey with a mix of culture and shopping. Kick off the day by exploring the Grand Bazaar, a historic and vibrant marketplace that dates back to the 15th century. Spanning over 60 streets with more than 4,000 shops, the bazaar is a treasure trove of Turkish delights, including handmade carpets, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
💁✨Expert Tips and Suggestions!
Even though the Grand Bazaar is historic and worth your time it has just turned a bit too touristy.
So, after exploring the grand bazaar browse the surrounding area for more markets that locals go to. You will truly have an authentic experience there. The markets have amazing stuff at lower prices compared to the Grand Bazaar.
Afternoon🌄
Cevahir Mall;
Next, head to Cehavir Mall for lunch and shopping. It is one of Istanbul’s largest malls. With numerous shops, dining options, and an indoor amusement center.
Evening🌃
I bet by the time you are done shopping it’s already dinner time. So, have your dinner at Cehavir Mall and return home to pack. However, you can also hang out in Gülhane Park or any other park that is near your hotel. You can also go to Istiklal Street for dessert and some more shopping.
Hope you found our Itinerary helpful!
If you have any questions or suggestions leave a comment below and our expert will get back to you😊.