We've seen travellers jetting off to over five cities in Turkey within just two weeks, only to return home feeling like they've barely scratched the surface. Even with a group, hopping from destination to destination can leave you feeling unfulfilled and craving a deeper connection with the places. Our 10-day Turkey itinerary was no such agenda. We covered both Cappadocia and Istanbul at our own pace. We have to admit, the Istanbul travel itinerary is the most tiring piece of the puzzle.
While it may be challenging, it's honestly fun. And because it went well for us, we want to share it with you too.
You can find more resources from our trip:
Before we get to our Istanbul Cappadocia itinerary, we want to answer some of your burning questions.
Starting off with;
Estimated Time to Cover Main Destinations & Experiences in Istanbul (so you can plan your Istanbul itinerary accordingly):
Blue Mosque - 1 Hour (Most Scenic at Sunset)
Hagia Sophia - 1 Hour (With queue: 1.5 - 2 Hours)
Basilica Cistern - 1.5 Hours (Ticket Prices after 6.30 p.m. are higher)
Topkapi Palace - 4 Hours (Note that Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday) Now you can visit Topkapi Palace on Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sulemaniye Mosque - 1 Hour
Grand Bazaar - 2 Hours
Galata Tower - 1.5 to 2 Hours (If visiting inside)
Istiklal Street - 2.5 to 3 Hours (Walking)
Dolombache Palace - 1.5 to 2 Hours
Ortakoy Mosque - 30 Minutes (Most Scenic at Sunset or Dawn)
Turkish Hammam Scrub Bath - 1 Hour
Bosphorus Cruise - 1 Hour (Night Cruise - 3 to 4 Hours)
If you're travelling by tram, it would generally take 15-20 minutes to travel between the Old City and New City.
Is 5 Days Enough for Istanbul?
5 Days is more than enough for Istanbul if you're on a budget tour. You can complete the historic neighbourhood in the Old City (Sultanahmet Square), Eminonu, Sulemaniye Mosque and Balat City within two days. You can travel to the New City to cover the Galata Tower and the Taksim area within a day. On the remaining days, you can have a foodie tour and maybe a Hammam experience on the European side.
But, if you can extend your visit to 7 days in Istanbul, your Istanbul travel itinerary will look more complete. You can visit the beautiful Asian side where you can explore Uskudur and Kadikoy neighbourhoods.
4-Day Itinerary in Istanbul
Can you cover Istanbul in 4 days? Yes, within 4 days, you can visit the major sites in the European Side of Istanbul. However, it'll be a very tight schedule. Here's an Istanbul Itinerary for 4 Days:
Day 1 - Visit Sultanahmet Square (Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome)
Day 2 - Visit Grand Bazaar, Sulemaniye Mosque, Balat City and Try a Hammam Scrub Bath
Day 3 - Visit Galata Tower, Taksim and Istiklal Street, and try the Bosphorus Cruise
Day 4 - Visit Ortakoy Mosque and Dolombache Palace. Do some shopping in Istanbul
This Istanbul itinerary for 4 days covers all the main sites and experiences you need to have on a typical Istanbul trip - from highest priority to lowest. But 4 days is the minimum time you need to explore this beautiful city. An Istanbul 3-day itinerary would only cover the Old City and a few parts of the New City.
Is Cappadocia a Day Trip from Istanbul?
I'll be honest. It's a crime if you travel to Cappadocia on a day trip. Firstly, you'd be paying for the air tickets which is about $50 up and down, and you'd be spending 4 hours of total flying time. You at least need 2 Days in Cappadocia. We stayed for 3 Days, and we don't regret it at all! If you're travelling by train, it would take 12 to 15 hours to reach Cappadocia so clearly you should do justice for your time.
Is Cappadocia cheaper than Istanbul?
No. Cappadocia is more expensive than Istanbul. This is because Istanbul is the trade hub of Turkey and everything is available here. Cappadocia on the other hand is a rural resort town. So from food to transport, everything here is at least 2 times more expensive.
Is Pamukkale better than Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is better than Pamukkale. The salt lakes of Pamukkale are not what you see on the internet all year round. And if you go during the wrong season, you may regret your entire trip. So unless you're sure you're visiting during its best bloom, we recommend scrapping it off or adding Pamukkale for a second visit itinerary.
Here is our budget Itinerary for 10 days. You may notice our agenda being very light on certain days. This is because we dedicated ample time to exploring off-the-beaten-path experiences.
We skipped as many 'influencer' spots as possible and explored more local places and we don't regret it at all! We encourage travellers to do this more often!
Should I book my hotels before flying to Turkey?
If you're booking your hotels through booking.com, you won't be able to book them while in Turkey. We faced an uncomfortable situation when our third hotel for the stay on the Asian side got cancelled 2 days before. We ended up booking another through Agoda thankfully. This is because booking.com refuses to pay income taxes on revenue generated in Turkey.
But you can book Turkish hotels from outside of Turkey. So remember to make your booking before arriving here.
Turkey Itinerary
Day 1
Arriving at Nevsehir Airport (8 Hour Layover at IST)
We had a transit flight from Doha which arrived in Istanbul at 7 p.m. and we booked our domestic ride to Cappadocia on the following day. So we had an 8-hour layover at the airport.
We had a fantastic experience flying with Qatar Airways. The food truly lived up to its reputation, and we were completely satisfied by the time we disembarked. Thanks to the excellent service, we were able to avoid the high costs of airport food during our layover.
We have to say, Istanbul airport is just out of this world. It's so huge and so accommodating. We had these amazing reclining chairs in the domestic departures we could sleep in. We barely felt tired.
We flew to Cappadocia on Turkish Airlines. We booked it online as soon as we booked our main flight tickets, which was about 3 weeks prior. It was about an hour's journey. The service was amazing.
*Note that Nevsehir is the closest airport to Cappadocia. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Goreme. If you're arriving through Kayseri Airport, it'll take at least 2 hours.
Checking into our Hotel in Goreme - 3 Nights
We booked our stay at Avlu Cave House, which is located very close to Goreme City centre - about a 2-minute walk. We booked our hot air balloon ride, horse riding experience and the Green tour, all at reasonable prices from the hotel itself.
Make sure you do your research on the prices and have a rough amount in your head. As you know, here in Cappadocia, the most used currency is the Euro. So, better bring some Euros with you.
2-Hour Sunset Horse Riding
Cappadocia is known as the Valley of the Horses. And riding a horse is a must-do here. There are two kinds of horse riding tours. One-hour riding tour happens throughout the day. The 2-hour journey happens close to sunset. It lasts long enough for us to ride up to the Rose Valley and view the sunset.
Absolutely amazing experience! It cost us about 30 Euros per person. I have never ridden a horse in my life so I was a bit afraid, but the horses are all tamed. You just need to follow the instructions given by your instructor, and you're good.
Visiting Rose Valley and Love Valley
The horse riding tour also covers the Rose Valley and passes by a few monasteries in the caves. However, you can also visit it on your hiking tour if you're super interested. For us of course, we didn't feel the need to see them again. Instead, we visited the Love Valley - home to the famous phallic structures.
Day 2
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The highlight of any Turkey trip is the balloon ride, and we booked ours for the very next day. We didn't want to take the risk of pushing it for the last day because there had been many incidents where the rides got cancelled due to wind conditions.
We were picked up from our inn at 5.45 a.m. and the balloons started setting off at about 7 a.m. The view at dawn is breathtaking. It costs us 80 Euros per person, this includes return transport from the hotel, breakfast and a participation certificate.
The only downside would be that they stuff about 20 people into one balloon carriage. Nevertheless, it sure is an experience to cherish.
Hike to Goreme Open Air Museum
It's only a 30-minute hike to the Goreme Open Air Museum from the city centre and we did not hire a guide or any transportation. It's all in all a 2-hour journey. What we recommend is bringing your headphones with you. The audio handbook is very useful as a lot of the archaeological evidence is mere art and ruins. The ticket price per person is 480TL (15$).
Exploring Streets of Goreme at Night
What an underrated experience this is! Goreme city is so beautiful at night. The fairy chimneys, mostly occupied by hotels, are beautifully lit up at night, creating an enchanting view from the near distance. It looks like an elf village, adding to the magical ambience of the area.
Moreover, the winter chill we experienced in February added to the enchanted wonderland feel of the place. We enjoyed our meals at local eateries, although it's worth noting that food prices in Cappadocia are relatively higher compared to Istanbul.
Day 3
Hot Air Balloon View
Waking up in the cold early morning to capture this view is a whole other commitment. But we are glad we did it. After all, those are the memories we want to cherish.
Our hotel had a separate lounge for viewing the balloons, and they were visible from our balcony-view room as well. Imagine waking up to this beauty! So worth the extra 10$ for the balcony room!
One advantage of travelling during the off-season is the opportunity for uninterrupted photoshoots. We had the balloon-view lounge all to ourselves, with no other visitors around to rush us.
Green Tour
The Green tour covers some of the farthest locations in Cappadocia that would cost you a lot if you travelled on your own. We were in to save money, so of course, we took the tour.
It costs about 50 Euros per person including the guide, return transport and lunch. While we think it was a good experience overall, we felt it had become yet another tourist trap.
It takes about 6-7 hours for the whole tour, So keep a full day vacant.
Day 4
Arriving at Istanbul Airport
We arrived at the Istanbul Airport from Nevsehir at about 10 a.m. and we took the Havaist shuttle to reach our hotel in Fatih.
Some may wonder why we chose to visit Cappadocia first instead of leaving it for the end of our trip like most. The reason is simple: we wanted to make good use of our shopping experience in Istanbul. With its wide variety and affordable prices, Istanbul is the best destination for shopping. Since our domestic flight had a luggage limit of 15kg, we decided to travel light to Cappadocia and save room for our shopping haul in Istanbul.
This way, we could indulge in shopping to our heart's content without worrying about exceeding our luggage allowance.
Checking into our Hotel in Fatih (3 Nights)
We stayed at the most picturesque hotel in our entire trip, here in Fatih. Sareban Hotel is a newly opened hotel located close to Little Hagia Sophia, a safe neighbourhood in Sultanahmet.
The prices were pretty reasonable and we had a beautiful view of the Bosphorus from our room as well. The host was very helpful. He cautioned us about scams to avoid, suggested lesser-known places to visit and which tram/metro to take to reach our destinations. We totally recommend this stay to anyone visiting Fatih!
Visiting Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and German Fountain
All the major historical sites are clustered in Sultanahmet. Our time on the first day was limited, so we only managed to explore the Blue Mosque.
Just steps away lie the Hippodrome and the iconic German Fountain, easily accessible and open for all to admire so don't miss them on your Blue Mosque visit.
Day 5
Basilica Cistern
This is a wonderful underground water cistern built during the Roman period. The entrance fee is 600TL (19$) per person. If you visit after 6.30 p.m., the price is 1000TL (31$). There were no queues when we went at about 9 a.m., and our experience was good.
Hagia Sophia
I had so much hope and expected it to be a marvel (I'm a history buff), but I was a bit let down when I heard that visitors had to pay a separate price for the museum.
The regular ticket was 750TL (25$), and if I wanted to visit the museum, I had to pay a total of 1500TL (47$) per person as they have now moved all the valued items to a separate place.
We had already budgeted for site visits, so we only visited the mosque. And they only allow visitors to go to the 2nd floor. Such a bummer! Nevertheless, the mosque/church is still a marvel so don't skip it!
Topkapi Palace
This is truly a magnificent place to visit. The heart of the Ottoman Dynasty with so much history encapsulated in one majestic palace. This has been on my bucket list for the longest time. The ticket per person is 1500 TL (47$) which is quite expensive, but we learnt that palace maintenance costs a lot.
Make a note to bring your headphones because the audiobook is your ultimate guide. The best time to go is after 2 p.m. as the rush reduces by the time you're out, so you can take a clear picture. However, now (since 2024 June) you can visit Topkapi Palace at night on Saturdays between 9 to 11 p.m. Night visits are only for group tours which will take place as two groups.
While this is a unique experience of its own, if you're a first-time visitor, we recommend going during the day.
Day 6
Cable Car Ride to Pierre Lotte Hill
Our last day in Fatih was a bit tiring. We visited Eyyubsultan for the cable car ride. It's a local family hangout spot. We didn't see many tourists here. You have to use the Istanbul Card to pay for the cable car and the queue was unexpectedly long and we didn't feel the one-hour wait was worth it. The ride was pretty short and nothing astounding.
The Pierre Lotte Hill on the other hand was great. It was a little crowded, but it had a beautiful view. We bet the sunset would've been breathtaking.
Balat City
Next, we visited Balat City which is nearby, on the same tram line. It's a colourful little neighbourhood. The prices of goods were very cheap compared to those at Spice Bazaar and there were a lot of cute cafes. Many cat cafes as well (for those feline folk). It's the perfect place to chill with a coffee and good company.
Keep an eye out for phone nabbing scammers though.
Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)
Honestly - our visit to Spice Market in Eminonu left us disappointed. The prices were sky-high. When we compared prices to Grand Bazaar, we found there were cheaper options in Grand Bazaar than here. So if you have a tight schedule, we recommend skipping this place.
Day 7
Grand Bazaar
A visit to Istanbul's Old City is not complete without Grand Bazaar. We have to say, it's mesmerizing. The arched entrances, and the colourful displays of sweets, lanterns and ceramics are just a sneak peek at what's more to come. We did buy a few souvenirs from here for the sake of buying. Keep in mind that you have to bargain if the prices are not on display.
It took us about 2 hours to complete Grand Bazaar.
Arriving at Taksim and Checking in to our Stay (2 Nights)
By now, we were very comfortable with the public transport here in Istanbul. Taksim is more of a local city. There are many street food joints and affordable grocery stops, but the neighbourhoods are not particularly pleasant for tourists. After staying in Sultanahmet, where we felt super safe, Taksim felt a little off the vibe for us.
Visiting Istiklal Street
Many would surely find this overwhelming. Millions of people flock to Istiklal Street every day, where the famous historic tram passes by every 15 minutes. It sure is a timeless moment to capture. If you're looking to shop for branded products, Istiklal Street is the place.
Although we didn't buy anything in particular, we enjoyed the food and the overall experience that the street offered. Be ready to walk though - like a lot!
Visiting Galata Tower
At the end of Istiklal Street is the Galata Tower. We walked all the way from Taksim to Karakoy, which was about 20,000 steps. (My fitness alerts were exploding!) Unlucky us, Galata Tower was under renovation when we went.
Nevertheless, we saw Istanbul's most iconic structure, and it's so beautiful. And no, we didn't eat the overpriced San Sebastian cheesecake here. Instead, we tried the same, somewhere else for cheaper. Keep reading to find out!
Day 8
Visiting Ortakoy Mosque
The Instagram favourite - Ortakoy mosque was our last destination to visit in the European side of Istanbul. We have to say, although the mosque itself is a wonderful piece of work, the place overall was, well, crowded.
And strangely, the waffles and spud (Kumpir) vendors are kicking it off on that strip, so make sure you get yourself a Turkish Spud. The mosque is an operating mosque, so you can't visit during prayer times. And there's a designated place for women.
Bosphorus Boat Ride
We took our Bosphorus boat ride from here. It was not very crowded like in Eminonu. It cost us 250TL (7$) per person and the experience was alright. The ride itself is one hour. If you're opting for the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, it'll cost you about 60$ this includes a whole agenda of activities and food.
Day 9
Arriving at Kadikoy on the Asian Side. (1 Night)
We arrived at Kadikoy from Taksim through a taxi (Uber). We had a few heavy bags which made it a bit of a challenge to go on public transport. Our Uber experience was great! (No scams, thankfully).
But we had one regret.
Our biggest regret was leaving just one night to explore this wonderful place, Kadikoy. We urge you to stay here for 2 days because this is where the real 'Istanbul Life' happens. If we had one more day, we would've visited Beylerbeyi Palace in Uskudur as well.
Exploring Kadikoy by Foot
Kadikoy is the place for foodies. There are all kinds of food here and the streets are beautiful. And to our surprise, there were only a few tourists when we were there.
The only challenge we faced was communicating with the locals. Many don't speak English. But the prices of food are low, the portions are good and they taste amazing!
I went crazy with the dessert selection and here's where we found the best San Sebastian cake for half the price at 120TL. The caramelized top and the creamy insides were to die for! We tried one with the chocolate coating and one without. I prefer the one without.
But my favourite was a Pistachio strawberry cream cake that I bought from a small-scale pâtisserie. It just melted in my mouth.
In the evening we walked to the waterfront of the Bosphorus and discovered a hidden local gathering spot.
This quaint light post on the pier is a public library overlooking the ocean. It's so magical. I wish I could bring a book and chill only if I knew this place existed before.
Trying out a Hammam Scrub Bath
One mistake we regret was saving the Hammam experience for the last day. We discovered later that Hammams are famous on the European side, and by then, our options were limited. We settled for an average Hammam, which didn't quite meet our expectations. Lesson learned: prioritize your scrub bath experience while exploring the European side.
Exploring Kadikoy Nightlife
If you want to experience nightlife in Istanbul, Kadikoy is the place. You can find clubs, pubs, hangout spots, alcohol and roadside eateries here at night, past late hours. We were there on a Monday night and you wouldn't believe your eyes when you see the party crowds (these are all locals).
Day 10
Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport for Departure
Our flight back home was at 1 p.m. We took the Havabus from Kadikoy Rithm station to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. It cost us 91TL per person and it was very comfy. There's a bus leaving every hour from this station so you can easily catch the next one if you miss yours. You can either choose to pay by cash or your Istanbul Card.
There's also a metro at the Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Super convenient!
This is our complete 10-day Istanbul and Cappadocia Itinerary. We are happy to answer any more questions you have!
How to book domestic air tickets in Turkey?
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are the two domestic flight companies in Turkey. Turkish Airlines flies primarily from Istanbul Airport and Pegasus from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. You can visit their websites and book your air ticket. It's very simple. We booked our flight to Nevsehir from the Turkish Airlines website.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
Yes, it's safe to travel to Turkey. They're investing a lot of resources to rebuild their tourism industry. When we went in February, we felt very safe around tourist areas as there were tourism police personnel everywhere.
Can I use my credit cards in Turkey?
Yes, you can use your credit cards in Turkey, but we recommend using them only at trusted places. Certain credit and debit card scams are still happening in Istanbul and high tourist areas in other cities.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Turkey?
If you have passports belonging to the following countries, you don't have to apply for a Visa to visit Turkey. (Please refer to the embassy information for the most updated info)
1. Germany
2. Belgium
3. France
4. Georgia
5. The Netherlands
6. Spain
7. Switzerland
8. Italy
9. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
10. Liechtenstein
11. Luxemburg
12. Malta
13. Portugal
14. Ukraine
15. Greece
16- Poland
17- Bulgaria
18- Hungary
19- Moldova
20- Azerbaijan
Other passport holders who have a valid resident visa in any Schengen country or the United States can apply for the e-visa and get their Visa within a few minutes. (Please refer to E-Visa eligibility)
Those who don't qualify for any of the above must apply for a Visa depending on their purpose, before their visit.
What's the best time to travel to Turkey?
The high season for Turkey is the late spring and summer period from April to October. If you don't like seasonal tourist crowds or want to save some money, travelling during November or February is also a great option. We travelled in February and the climate was perfect in Istanbul. A little chilly and not many tourists.
Is Turkish healthcare good?
Turkey is acclaimed for their cosmetic procedures around the world such as plastic surgeries and hair transplants. The Turkish healthcare system is generally good, and some might even find it quite cheap with free emergency care. Back in 2018, the Lancet ranked healthcare of Turkey 60 out of 195 countries.
If you're travelling to Turkey, you can easily find Pharmacies everywhere. They're called 'Eczane'. But still, we recommend bringing your own prescriptions and medicine sufficient for the period you'll be staying.
Any more questions? Ask away in the comments below! We are happy to answer for you.
Such a detailed blog!!!!! Thank you so much.