Istanbul in 5 days: a complete itinerary of mosques, bazaars, and Turkish flavors, with a recipe using local ingredients, a restaurant option, and an outdoor workout.
Istanbul is the city of two continents, a bridge between Europe and Asia, where culture, history, and gastronomy intertwine. In five days, you can discover its wonders at an active pace, sampling authentic dishes and staying fit.
5-Day Istanbul Itinerary
Day 1 – Sultanahmet, the historic heart
- Morning → visit to the Blue Mosque And Saint Sophia.
- Afternoon → walk to the Topkapi Palace and the surrounding gardens.
- Evening → light dinner in Sultanahmet area with red lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), a healthy, protein-rich local dish.
~14,000 steps
Day 2 – Bazaars and authentic neighborhoods
- Morning → turn to Grand Bazaar and to the Spice Bazaar (unique colors and scents).
- Afternoon → visit to the Eminönü District, from where ferries depart for the Bosphorus.
- Evening → local street food: simit (sesame bread) and Turkish tea, or grilled fish in the Eminönü area.
~15,000 steps
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise and Galata Tower
- Morning → panoramic cruise on the Bosphorus.
- Afternoon → climb to the Galata Tower, spectacular view of the city.
- Evening → tasty stop: in the Galata area try the baklava in a historic pastry shop like Karaköy Güllüoğlu.
~16,000 steps
Day 4 – Mosques and Asia
- Morning → visit to the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, less crowded but evocative.
- Afternoon → ferry to the Asian side (Kadıköy), tour of local markets and street food.
- Evening → dinner with meze (small plates of legumes, vegetables and hummus) and fresh grilled fish.
14,000 steps
Day 5 – Relaxation and modern shopping
- Morning → walk to Istiklal Street up to Taksim Square.
- Afternoon → shopping in modern centers or Turkish hammam for relaxation.
- Evening → last sunset on the Bosphorus with Turkish tea.
👉 ~12,000 steps
Total 5 days → over 70,000 steps (about 3,500–4,000 kcal burned walking).
Where to stay in Istanbul
- Sultanahmet → Ideal for first-time visitors: you're just steps from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The neighborhood is very touristy but very convenient.
- Beyoğlu (Galata – Istiklal Street) → Perfect if you're looking for nightlife, restaurants, and modern cafes. The Galata Tower is also nearby, offering a central and lively location.
- Kadıköy (Asian side) → for those who want a more authentic and local atmosphere, away from mass tourism, but well connected by ferry to the city center.
Recipe
Bulgur pilaf with chickpeas and vegetables
Ingredients for 1 person
- 70 g bulgur
- 80 g cooked chickpeas
- 50 g diced tomatoes
- 40 g red peppers
- 10 g onion
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (5 g)
- Spices: paprika, cumin, pepper
Nutritional values estimated (~360 kcal | 15 g protein | 58 g carbohydrates | 8 g fat)
A traditional Turkish dish, nutritious, simple and very popular.
Restaurant variant
Grilled chicken kebab with vegetables
- In typical restaurants you can order a grilled kebab (without heavy sauces).
- Ask for it with a side of vegetables and bulgur rice.
👉 Authentic local dish, rich in protein, light and tasty.
Workout in Istanbul
Outdoor workout at Gülhane Park (40–50 min)
Warm-up (5 min) → brisk walk along the tree-lined avenues.
Circuit (3–4 laps)
- Squat jump – 15 rep
- Push-ups – 12 reps
- Lunges – 12 per leg
- Plank – 40 sec
- 50 meter sprint
Cool down (5–8 min) → stretching with a view of the Bosphorus.
Estimated calories burned: 300–400 kcal
Useful links
- 👉 Discover more Recipes on the Go
- 👉 Train with our Outdoor workout
- Official Istanbul Tourism: howtoistanbul.com
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu Pastry Shop (Baklava): guloglu.com
With a 5-day itinerary in Istanbul You'll discover spectacular mosques, colorful bazaars, and the charm of the Bosphorus. With authentic dishes like bulgur pilav, grilled kebabs, and sweets like baklava, you'll have a complete and healthy experience.
👉 Want a customized plan? Discover the section Customized Itinerary and create your own active trip to Istanbul.
