5 Days in Istanbul: Itinerary, Must-See Attractions, Tips & Local Insights

From the towering domes of the Hagia Sophia to the bustling bazaars, Istanbul is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or just craving an adventure, Istanbul has something for everyone. With its mix of cultures and iconic landmarks, it’s truly a must-visit destination in 2025.

There are many reasons to visit Istanbul and it really has something for everyone. It has a rich historic heritage – having served as the capital for four major empires, cultural diversity – positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is filled with culinary delights – think Baklava and Turkish Delight, shopping experience – the Bazaar’s have a bit of everything, natural beauty – lining the shores of the Bosporus, and vibrant nightlife – rooftop bars and restaurants and traditional and modern music.

For us, we decided to take a trip to Istanbul, a place and country none of us have been to and have heard so many wonderful things about, it is a little tricky to do so in the Motorhome, plus it is not a part of the European Schengen Zone and simply, why not really!! We are excited to share a snippet of Turkiye with you, share our Istanbul adventures and 5 day Itinerary suggestion.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Istanbul. These seasons offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and a comfortable atmosphere for exploring. Summer can be hot and packed with tourists, especially around major attractions. Winter, while quieter, can be rainy and cold, though it has its own charm if you want to experience Istanbul with fewer crowds. We visited Istanbul in early October and had perfect weather for exploring and only busy crowds at the popular attractions at the popular times.

We based ourselves in the Old Town, staying in a budget-friendly hotel in the lively ‘clothes district’—a local neighborhood filled with clothing shops but still within walking distance of the city’s main attractions. While the location was excellent, the hotel itself was basic. Our tiny room lacked proper service, and the bathroom had a persistent leak. However, at only $70 AUD per night and for only 5 nights, it was a great base for exploring the city without breaking the bank. If we returned, we would consider staying in Üsküdar on the Asian side, which felt quieter and better maintained.

Here is how we spent our days in Istanbul. There is more to seea nd do if you want to explore more and this is just a suggestions of how you could spend your time. We also have to account for some down time otherwise it gets too much for Aria, so if you are child free or on limited time you could probably condense this Itinerary down to 4 days.

Our first day was mostly about settling in. After a delayed flight and a time zone change, we took the first day slow, getting our bearings and soaking in the atmosphere. A short walk led us to the stunning Bosphorus Strait, where we watched boats cruise between Europe and Asia. As we wandered the streets, we found incredible Turkish restaurants, where we had our first taste of authentic kebabs and delicious local dishes.

Despite the travel fatigue, the city’s buzzing energy was contagious. Narrow alleyways were lined with cafes, local shops, and the hum of daily life. It was a great introduction to Istanbul, setting the stage for the adventures ahead.

Eating our in Istanbul

Views of the Bosporus Strait

Pide in Istanbul

All the Turkish food

We really kicked off our Istanbul adventure today and started with three of its most famous sights. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) was breathtaking, this stunning 17th-century mosque is renowned for its blue-tiled interior, intricate architecture and towering minarets making it one of the most stunning mosques we’ve ever seen. Entry was free, but modest clothing is required—shoulders and knees must be covered, and women need a headscarf, which is provided for free at the entrance if you don’t have your own.

Just outside the mosque is Sultanahmet Square, a historic gathering place that has seen centuries of empires rise and fall. The square was buzzing with locals, tourists, and street vendors, making it the perfect place to soak in the energy of the city.

We then ventured underg the streets of Istanbul to explore the Basilica Cistern. Istanbul was surrounded by ocean on 3 sides, however fresh drinking water was inadequate. The first water system in the city was attributed to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, yes the same as Hadrian’s wall in the UK. This one built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern once stored water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. The dim lighting, towering columns, the scale was immense, and the mysterious Medusa head carvings made this one of the most atmospheric spots in the city. Entry was around $80 AUD—a little pricey, but worth it for the experience.

Inside the courtyard

Inside the mosque

Family photo

The stunning intricate ceiling

Inside Basilica Cistern

The columns of Basilica Cistern

Medusa’s head

Basilica Cistern lights

Hagia Sofia from the outside

You can also visit the Hagia Sofia Mosque which is in the same area here, however we didn’t do so. We read the reviews online and the recent reviews said a lot was blocked off for restoration or for Religious access only, so we didn’t think it was going to be worth the entry fee for us this time.

We rounded out our exploring of this area visiting the Arasta Bazaar. Located near the Blue Mosque, this smaller & quieter market (compared to those listed below on Day 5) had high-quality textiles and handmade rugs. We even watched a rug being woven!

Walking the main street

Just one of the rug shops

We spent the day exploring Karaköy, a trendy district across the Golden Horn. Taking the train over the Galata Bridge, we found charming streets lined with cafes, boutique shops, and beautifully maintained buildings. It felt like a completely different side of Istanbul—modern, artsy, and orderly.

One of the most famous landmarks here is the Galata Tower, originally built in the 5th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It later became an Ottoman prison and fire lookout tower. While we skipped going inside due to the long lines and mixed reviews on the price, the view of the tower from the ground was still spectacular. Be sure to walk away from the tower down the street and then look back, it really makes for an impressive sight!

Dan & Aria also tried a Simit from a cart, which is a popular Turkish street food often called a “Turkish bagel.” This sesame-covered bread was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and made for a perfect snack as we explored.

Before walking back across the Galata Bridge, be sure to stop by the Komondo Stairs, they are very unique and stylish. Along the lower level of Galata Bridge we found a lively seafood restaurant scene. While we don’t eat seafood, it’s one of the best places in Istanbul to try fresh fish if that’s your thing and if you don’t like seafood other options are scarce!

One of the beautiful streets in the area

Galata Tower

Views of the Galata Tower from the River

The Galata Bridge

Simit Street food card

Kamondo Stairs

Wanting a break from the crowds, we caught the train to start the day at İBB Duatepe Park, a peaceful green space with panoramic views of the city. We hadn’t planned to visit but stumbled upon it by chance—and it was stunning! There was also a very interesting looking playground still being built in the park for those of you with kids!

Our next stop was the Rumeli Fortress, an impressive medieval castle along the Bosphorus shoreline. Built by the Ottomans in the 15th century, this fortress played a key role in the conquest of Constantinople. While parts of it were under restoration, seeing it from the outside was still worth the trip and a must-visit for history buffs and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s heritage. It was only a short walk downhill from the park towards the water, however Google Maps tries to take you through the University which isn’t allowed, so you have to make your own way around until Google picks you up again.

From there, we hopped on a ferry to Üsküdar, exploring the quieter Asian side of Istanbul. This area was noticeably cleaner, more local, and well-maintained, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling European side. If we ever return to Istanbul, this is where we’d stay!

Views from the park

Rumeli Fortress

Ferry views

The streets of Uskudar

more street food

Streets of Uskudar

No visit to Istanbul is complete without experiencing its famous markets. We explored three of the city’s most iconic bazaars:

• Grand Bazaar – Dating back to 1461, this is one of the largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewellery and carpets to ceramics and spices. It’s a maze—but an exciting one!
• Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) – Built in 1664, this market was once the center of Istanbul’s spice trade. The aroma of sumac, saffron, and exotic teas fills the air, along with shoulder to shoulder trains of people, moving through the spaces.
• Arasta Bazaar – A quieter, more laid-back alternative near the Blue Mosque, specializing in handmade rugs and textiles. (We visited this Bazaar on Day 2).

We recommend taking a walk through all three of the Bazaar’s as they are all very different to each other. It is also important to note that pick pocket incidences are a real threat at all three due to the smaller and crowded walkways. Haggling is expected in all of these Bazaars too. We didn’t purchase anything so didn’t need to do so, but just remember be reasonable with your haggling to ensure everyone gets a fair deal.

Spices

Rugs

The Grand Bazaar

Lots of goodies

Turkish Delight

Nuts

Tea

To wrap up our Istanbul adventure, we visited the Sultan’s Palace (Topkapi Palace)—once the heart of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. The palace is massive, filled with ornate courtyards, stunning gardens, and priceless treasures, including the Topkapi Dagger and sacred Islamic relics. Entry was about $70 AUD per person, which is quite expensive for Istanbul, and while the crowds were overwhelming, the stunning Bosphorus views & whole experience was an epic way to end our trip.

Family photo at the view point

Topkapi Dagger

The details

Stunning gardens

The intricate details

A grand entrance

Loving the mosaic tiles

• Accommodation: We stayed in a budget hotel in the old town ($70AUD/night). The location was excellent, but the service was lacking—no room cleaning, bathroom leaks, and minimal bedding. Still, the area itself was a great choice and staff were friendly enough.
• Eating Out: Eating gluten-free in Istanbul proved to be quite the challenge. Surprisingly, even bulgur wheat, is commonly used in many rice-based dishes & contains gluten. So, my diet mainly consisted of shish kebab, chicken, plain rice, and chips. On the upside, Dan and Aria enjoyed a wide variety of delicious foods! Although some restaurants were pricey, we managed to find some hidden gems offering good value. Our favourite restaurant was Sark Sofrasi, where we enjoyed some fantastic meals and service! There were small convenience size supermarkets dotted around for us to grab a few bits and pieces, such as some fruit and ice-creams for dessert. Dan also found a great patisserie just down the street from our hotel, so he bought croissants each night on the way home for breakfast each morning (about $1 each).
• Public Transport: The Istanbulkart was a lifesaver—cheap and easy to use across buses, trams, metro, and ferries. We needed one each per adult as Aria was free and just tap and go! We had to prepurchase these tickets online in advance.

No. of Nights: 5
Average Daily Cost: $307
Accommodation: $389
Food & Dining: $392
Attractions & Transport: $260
Other Costs (Flights, Visa, Insurance, E-SIMs): $800
Total Cost: $1841 = $368/day

• Istanbul is not as cheap as we expected—food prices have skyrocketed (some menus up 200% in six months) and some attractions were quite expensive.
• The smog over the city is noticeable, which may affect those with respiratory issues and you may want to consider wearing a mask.
• The city is hilly! Plan accordingly if mobility is a concern. this includes where you stay, what attractions you do and how you will get to them. Wear comfortable shoes as not only is it hilly, it has uneven pavements, cobblestones and other things to dodge.
• We felt safe throughout our stay, even at night. Always research for your own comfort.
• If we came back, we’d stay in Üsküdar (Asian side)—quieter, cleaner, and well-connected
• Must-Try Foods: No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in Turkish Delight and baklava! I also tried a delightful rice dessert, and everything was absolutely delicious. The traditional Turkish Delight here is worlds apart from the commercial versions back home in Australia, which taste nothing like the real deal.

Lots of food

Kebab shop

Our favourite restaurant

Baklava treats

Street food lunch

Baklava

Absolutely! Istanbul is a mesmerising blend of history, culture, and modern life. While prices have increased, the experience is unforgettable. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, vibrant markets to tranquil waterfronts, Istanbul offers something for every traveler.

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