Historic Istanbul: Empires & Culinary Traditions
6 activities
TRIP'N'AI
Turkey
A 3-day Turkish adventure focused on Istanbul and Cappadocia, blending world-famous historic sites, rich local cuisine, unique cultural experiences, a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and the magic of summer in Turkey.
Daily Itinerary
Activities
Day Theme: Historic Istanbul: Empires & Culinary Traditions
Hagia Sophia
Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a Byzantine cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque. Marvel at its domes, mosaics, and layers of history.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $15 USD
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–19:30
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 10–12 AM
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Here's what you need to know: Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy in the same space.
Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a Byzantine cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque. Marvel at its domes, mosaics, and layers of history.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $15 USD
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–19:30
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 10–12 AM
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Here's what you need to know: Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy in the same space.
Blue Mosque
Visit the architectural wonder of the Blue Mosque, famed for its blue İznik tiles and grand dome. Open during non-prayer hours.
Duration: Plan for about 45 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 08:30–11:30, 13:00–14:30, 15:30–16:45
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Early morning, late afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Thousands of hand-painted blue tiles.
Visit the architectural wonder of the Blue Mosque, famed for its blue İznik tiles and grand dome. Open during non-prayer hours.
Duration: Plan for about 45 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 08:30–11:30, 13:00–14:30, 15:30–16:45
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Early morning, late afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Thousands of hand-painted blue tiles.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Dine at a beloved local spot serving traditional Turkish köfte (meatballs) alongside salads and creamy rice pudding.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Cuisine: Specializes in Turkish cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 10:00–22:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12–14:00
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
Köfte
If you're wondering what to order, Grilled Turkish meatballs with spices
Here's what you need to know: Historical eatery with over 100 years of tradition.
Dine at a beloved local spot serving traditional Turkish köfte (meatballs) alongside salads and creamy rice pudding.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Cuisine: Specializes in Turkish cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 10:00–22:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12–14:00
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
Köfte
If you're wondering what to order, Grilled Turkish meatballs with spices
Here's what you need to know: Historical eatery with over 100 years of tradition.
Topkapi Palace
Tour the extravagant former residence of Ottoman sultans, exploring treasury rooms, harem quarters, and beautiful gardens.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $30 USD (harem extra)
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–18:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 11–15:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Access to royal relics and panoramic Bosphorus views.
Tour the extravagant former residence of Ottoman sultans, exploring treasury rooms, harem quarters, and beautiful gardens.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $30 USD (harem extra)
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–18:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 11–15:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Access to royal relics and panoramic Bosphorus views.
Basilica Cistern
Descend into the atmospheric, column-filled ancient Byzantine cistern illuminated by soft lighting and the gentle sound of water drips.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $10 USD
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12–16:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Here's what you need to know: Medusa head columns and atmospheric lighting.
Descend into the atmospheric, column-filled ancient Byzantine cistern illuminated by soft lighting and the gentle sound of water drips.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45 minutes
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Approx. $10 USD
Opening Hours: Open 09:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12–16:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Here's what you need to know: Medusa head columns and atmospheric lighting.
Stroll in Sultanahmet Square & Arasta Bazaar
Wander through historic Sultanahmet Square, soak up the atmosphere, and browse the charming Arasta Bazaar for local crafts and souvenirs.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Bazaar: 09:00-19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
Turkish Delight
If you're wondering what to order, Sample assorted Turkish sweets from a bazaar vendor.
Here's what you need to know: Nighttime ambiance with illuminated minarets.
Wander through historic Sultanahmet Square, soak up the atmosphere, and browse the charming Arasta Bazaar for local crafts and souvenirs.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Bazaar: 09:00-19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
Turkish Delight
If you're wondering what to order, Sample assorted Turkish sweets from a bazaar vendor.
Here's what you need to know: Nighttime ambiance with illuminated minarets.
Accommodation
White House Hotel Istanbul
Boutique hotel in Sultanahmet, walking distance to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and bazaars. Comfortable rooms and Turkish hospitality.
Local Tips
- Carry a scarf or shawl for mosque visits.
- Wear comfortable shoes as historic sites involve walking.
- Arrive early to major sites to avoid summer crowds.
Photo Spots
- Hagia Sophia Square at dawn
- Blue Mosque courtyard
- Topkapi Palace gardens
Share Trip
Share this amazing trip itinerary