Istanbul Complete 5 Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors, Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a vibrant city where East meets West literally, with stunning architecture and where the sound of a call to prayer echoes the city's fascinating history and culture.
Istanbul is a city that completely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. Initially I was intrigued by a city that spans two continents, both Asia and Europe. However, with 5 days to explore, we soon discovered there so much more to Istanbul than just its location.
This was our first visit to Türkiye, and we made the decision not to spread ourselves too thin and focus our stay to the old Capital, Istanbul, formally Constantinople. When planning our trip to Egypt, we wanted to explore another destination nearby before our Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids Tour of Egypt, aboard Viking Osiris. Istanbul was a great choice!
There was only one place I wanted to stay during our stay in Istanbul, The Pera Palace Hotel. I am a lover of history, and this place is full of it! I loved it so much I wrote a whole separate post on it. The Pera Palace Hotel is located in Beyoğlu, the historical Pera district on the European side of the Bosphorus river.
The hotel is not just a stunning hotel, it is a destination in itself, that should be on your Istanbul itinerary. To find out more details about this amazing hotel and why I loved it so much, read my post on where to stay in Istanbul. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Istanbul is a city that completely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. Initially I was intrigued by a city that spans two continents, both Asia and Europe. However, with 5 days to explore, we soon discovered there so much more to Istanbul than just its location.
This was our first visit to Türkiye, and we made the decision not to spread ourselves too thin and focus our stay to the old Capital, Istanbul, formally Constantinople. When planning our trip to Egypt, we wanted to explore another destination nearby before our Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids Tour of Egypt, aboard Viking Osiris. Istanbul was a great choice!
There was only one place I wanted to stay during our stay in Istanbul, The Pera Palace Hotel. I am a lover of history, and this place is full of it! I loved it so much I wrote a whole separate post on it. The Pera Palace Hotel is located in Beyoğlu, the historical Pera district on the European side of the Bosphorus river.
The hotel is not just a stunning hotel, it is a destination in itself, that should be on your Istanbul itinerary. To find out more details about this amazing hotel and why I loved it so much, read my post on where to stay in Istanbul. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Istanbul Complete 5 Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Guide Location: Turkey » Istanbul
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Debra Morrow
Read it on Author's Website: https://postcardsfromabroad.com.au/istanbul-5-day-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Turkey » Istanbul
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Debra Morrow
Read it on Author's Website: https://postcardsfromabroad.com.au/istanbul-5-day-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Pera Palace Hotel
- Galata Bridge
- Obelisk of Theodosius
- Walled Obelisk
- Sultanahmet Square
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Istiklal Avenue
- Republic Monument
- Galata Tower
- Kamondo Stairs
- 360 Rooftop Bar
- Ciya’s restaurant
Insider Tips for Istanbul, Turkey
Exploring Istanbul’s Waterfront
Istanbul’s strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait was coveted by many dynasties over the centuries. Connecting the Sea of Marmara, a part of the Mediterranean, with the Black Sea made the strait an important shipping route for trade and commerce. Since those early days the Bosphorus, its inlet Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara have shaped the way this city looks and operates. Today, these... view more
Istanbul’s Glamorous Palaces
In a city known for its grand mosques, there should be no surprise that it has equally stunning palaces. The Ottoman Empire ousted the Byzantines from the city of Constantinople in the 15th century and claimed it as their new capital. As if to prove themselves worthy of this beautiful location, the reigning Sultans built regal palaces. Some of these were permanent homes, while others were summer... view more
Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
If you are looking for Things to do in Istanbul, I’m going to make a list of some of the best attractions in the city.Divided between two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey and one of the largest and most populated in the world.
How To Maximize 3 Days In Istanbul, Turkey
Puffing, panting and sweating. This was the first memories I have of Istanbul as I adventurously walked up the hilly and winding streets of Beyoglu, a somewhat quiet neighborhood that seems to wake up only after breakfast-time.
Highlights of Beyoglu and Besiktas, Istanbul
When in Istanbul last October, I stayed in Beyoğlu. Historically known as Pera (which means “beyond” in Greek), this was a predominantly Christian area surrounding the coastal town of Galata that faced Constantinople across the Golden Horn. It has become the entertainment and nightlife focal point of Istanbul in modern times, but its past “outsider” status contributed to the fact that it... view more
Long Layover in Istanbul: 10+ Istanbul Landmarks to Explore
Istanbul is a hub city for many who travel from west to east or vice versa. With various flight schedules, you’ll likely have a long layover in Istanbul. And if you can choose your connection flights with a few hours in between, I highly recommend visiting Istanbul. With this guide, I will help you to make the most of your Istanbul layover.
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Istanbul Shopping Guide: 16 Turkish Items To Bring Home
Istanbul, known throughout history as Byzantium and Constantinople, has been a major center of commerce and trade, a place where merchants and general folk would rush to regularly in search of exotic things. In our days, modern travelers to Istanbul are also bound to enjoy a truly magnificent...