It gets said of other mystery holiday destinations too, but in the case of Istanbul, its 100% accurate.
Turkey’s biggest city, sometimes mistakenly called its capital (but that’s Ankara), is utterly unique.
Why? Because it’s the only city in the world straddling two continents, Europe to one side, and Asia to the other.
And for those with an Istanbul itinerary of 5 days duration, it means twice as much to see and do!
If you’re struggling to know where to start, here’s a helpful 5 day Istanbul itinerary which allows plenty of time to explore on your own when the mood takes you.
Hit the road running
We know it can be tempting to linger in your hotel on arrival, but having dropped your bags we urge you to get out and about as soon as possible.
Istanbul is a city with streets that are vibrant and alive at all times of day and night.
Start by heading to the Bosporus, the narrow natural strait of water that divide Istanbul in two and makes it unique to the world.
The regular, cheap, ferries are a great way of getting about and absorbing local life at the same time.
Or, for a longer cruise, jump aboard one of the tourist boats that ply these waters, taking in attractions such as the Dolmabahce Palace along the way.
Although not well known outside of Istanbul, it’s a top addition to any Istanbul itinerary of 5 days long because this grand structure speaks of the pride and wealth of the Ottoman Empire, modern Turkey’s predecessor.
In the evening, there’s only one area of the city to head to, and that’s Karakoy, whose cobbled streets are lined with restaurants serving up a fine selection of Turkish, Middle Eastern and European classics.
You certainly won’t go home hungry from Karakoy!
Bucket list ticked
The second day of your Istanbul 5 day itinerary is packed with big hitters.
Make your way to the Fatih neighbourhood of the city, known for its many historic attractions.
Set around a hippodrome, or ancient horse-racing track dotted with obelisks, you’ll find the church-mosque-museum-mosque of Hagia Sophia.
Having stood on the site since 537AD, it’s one of the most impressive survivors of the early Christian period and contains some stunning murals within.
The same neighbourhood is also the location of the slender towers of the Blue Mosque, so named because its interior is covered wall to wall with blue and white tiles.
Impressive for very different reasons is the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir which reused Roman era columns in its construction and played a key role in the film of Dan Brown novel Inferno with Tom Hanks.
Having enjoyed a local lunch (fish fans will adore the Istanbul caught sardines) turn your attention to the hilltop Topkapi Palace.
From here the Ottoman Empire’s sultans ruled millions of people amid the astonishing levels of grandeur that can still be seen today.
Shop til to drop
Trade and Istanbul have gone hand in hand for centuries, so its probably no surprise that the city’s Grand Bazaar, or market, is very, very grand.
Spanning entire city blocks and said to contain some 4,000 individual shops and stalls, it’s fair to say that if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it doesn’t exist.
But then again, maybe you can’t find it amid the warren of alleyways and throng of people, all for the most part doing not much more than their daily shopping – however fascinating it may be to us.
If you’re brave, just take a wander, and though you might feel lost, it’s easy enough to find your way back out, passing large sacks of aromatic spices, jewellery stores gleaming with gold and an astonishing array of locally-produced fabrics too.
Istanbul being Istanbul, don’t be surprised if you’re offered tea by a stallholder, it’s all part of what makes the Grand Bazaar so special.
Relax in the later afternoon in one of the city’s areas of green space, or back at your hotel before seeking out more sumptuous Turkish cuisine.
Island idylls
On your second to last day of your Istanbul 5 day itinerary we suggest taking a break from the city!
We’ve not gone completely crazy though, we just want you to experience the enjoyment of Istanbul’s Princes Islands, located a short ferry ride away in the Sea of Marmara.
While united by their English name (and known in Turkish as Aladar), each island offers something a little different.
Together, they provide an alternative view of living and working in Istanbul, with the hubbub of central streets swapped for the quiet of the islands.
They are car free (so have a pair of comfy shoes on) and lined with elegant villas and mansions that the great and the good of former times built to be just a short distance away from the city the loved so much.
Whether you head to Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kinaliada or Burgazada, the most popular four islands with Istanbulites, they are a great day out with sea views, charming village atmospheres and the sense of getting off the beaten path whether on foot, by bike or even electric taxi!
Time to say goodbye?
Before you say goodbye to this mesmerising city and bring your 5 day Istanbul itinerary to its sad end, there’s one last attraction you should check out, though we could easily highlight one hundred more!
Rising above the rooftops in the area of the same name is the round Galata Tower.
Built by the Genoese (from Italy) in 1348 in an attempt to protect their own imperial holdings, it was part of a much larger network of fortifications.
Now turned into a museum and offering uninterrupted panoramic views across the city, it has had such an influence that it has come to represent the city itself.
And that’s surely a great way to round off an incredible few days amid the heart of the action here!
Now all that’s left to be done is to ensure all those items you bought at the Grand Bazaar have been safely packed away in your bags and leave a good amount of time to get to your departure point for your return home.
Don’t be too sad, you will have had a great time, and we think you’ll be back!
