Turkey 1-Week Itinerary – What to See and Do in 8 days

This Turkey 1-week itinerary is a part of our broader travel guide for the country. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information on transportation, hotels, restaurants, money and safety in Turkey.

Turkey 1-week Itinerary – Where to visit in Turkey in 8 days

Well, considering the size of the country and the absurd amount of places worth visiting in Turkey, coupled with the time you will inevitably waste due to long distances, we consider 8 days to be rather insufficient to get a good grip of this amazing destination. Be that as it may, and if one week is all you have, we’re here to help you make the most of your experience. To do so, you’ll need to keep up the pace, even if you only end up visiting the “essentials”. Therefore, get ready to see the Istanbul, one of the biggest and most fascinating cities on Earth, and visit the extraordinary region of Cappadocia, famous for its otherworldly landscapes, ancient rock-hewn cities and instagrammable hot air balloon rides.

That being said, if you are looking for more comprehensive itineraries and have some additional time in hands, feel free to have a look at our Turkey 2-week itinerary.

So, without further ado, here are the cities, places and tourist attractions you should visit in a 1-week itinerary through Turkey:

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 1 – Istanbul: Sultanahmet

Let’s kickstart your adventure in Istanbul at Sultanahmet Square, known as the historical heart of the city. After all, this is where you’ll find the legendary Hagia Sophia (€25,00 for tourists, free for worshipers) and the breathtaking Blue Mosque, two of the country’s most iconic symbols. The former, built in 537, was the magnum opus of Orthodox Christianity, having served as the primary cathedral of the Byzantine Empire for nearly a millennium. However, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in the 15th century, until Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – the father of modern Turkey – had it turned into a museum, and the only place in the world where you could see a depiction of the Virgin Mary standing side-by-side with Islamic inscriptions. Unfortunately, in 2020, Erdogan decided to revert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, covering all of its non-Islamic artwork and symbols. On the opposite side of the square, the magnificent Blue Mosque needs no introductions, standing as one of the most beautiful mosques in the planet. I recommend visiting the square during the Adhan prayer call, as the melodic sounds echoing from the minarets of both mosques create an enchanting and almost mystical atmosphere.

Once you have explored the square, it’s time to move on to the Topkapi Palace (1700 TL). Despite its popularity, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a pretty old Ottoman palace, and so it may not boast the same lavishness and comfort levels of its European counterparts, which is why some tourists see it as “overrated”. Regardless, it remains a place of huge historical importance, serving as the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. While you’re the area, you can also visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums (15€), a fascinating complex housing all kinds of treasures excavated from various sites across the Middle East, as well as the Basilica Cistern (900 TL). Throughout Istanbul, you’ll find several different underground cisterns that once supplied water to many of the city’s neighborhoods. The Basilica Cistern, located in the heart of Istanbul, was originally constructed to supply water to the imperial palace, which is why the sultans ingeniously transformed this underground space into a unique palace-like structure adorned with dozens of magnificent stone columns. Finally, we cap off our first day in Istanbul with a light stroll through Gulhane Park, one of the few green areas in the Fatih district.

First day wrap-up:

• Sultanahmet Square
• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace
• Istanbul Archaeological Museums
• Basilica Cistern
• Gulhane Park

Where to eat in Turkey – Best restaurants around Sultanahmet, Istanbul

• Resto Ethnica (Turkish traditional)
• Seher Restaurant (Turkish traditional)
• Tarihi Hocapaşa Pidecisi (pide – Turkish pizza)
• Kasap Osman (doner kebab)
• Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Turkish sweets – baklava, kunefe, turkish delight)

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 2 – Istanbul: Grand Bazaar and Fatih

Today, let’s take a break from the Sultanhamet area and venture into the vast district of Fatih, on the southern bank of the Golden Horn. Without further ado, we’ll begin with a visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar, hailed as the world’s first “shopping mall”. Made up of a complex of covered arcades and occupying an entire city block, this sprawling market is a captivating labyrinth filled with an incredible array of shops selling all kinds of goods. While it has become a popular tourist attraction, leading to inflated prices and other undesirable practices, it remains a must in our Istanbul 4-day travel guide. As you navigate the bustling corridors of the bazaar, I highly recommend looking out for the Buyuk Valide Han, an old and slightly rundown building offering one of the most extraordinary views of the city. Adjacent to the Grand Bazaar, though on a completely different section, you’ll come across the Spice Bazaar, where famous oriental spices, dried fruits, traditional sweets and a variety of teas are sold. Despite way smaller in size, the Spice Bazaar is astonishingly crowded with tourists! Exiting the market, you’ll come face to face with the Rustem Pasha Mosque, an exquisite hidden gem of Istanbul.

Next up, take a walk along the waterfront and make a quick crossing over the Galata Bridge, where you can capture the iconic images of fisherman using their poles against the backdrop of Karakoy’s historic buildings and hills. Back in the southern bank, our path leads us to the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, which, alongside the Blue Mosque, stands as one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Besides the jaw-dropping architecture, the mosque’s hilltop location also offers unparalleled views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Finally, our day will come to an end at the local quarter of Fatih (not to be mistaken with the district). While not particularly geared towards tourists, this predominantly residential area, known for being more conservative, provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Istanbul’s residents outside the bustling tourist hubs. Plus, it is also home to the stunning Fatih Mosque!

Second day wrap-up:

• Grand Bazaar
• Buyuk Valide Han
• Spice Bazaar
• Rustem Pasha Mosque
• Galata Bridge
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Fatih Mosque

Where to eat in Turkey – Best restaurants in Fatih, Istanbul

• Seos Cafe Restaurant (Turkish traditional)
• Sırdaş Lokantası (lokanta – Turkish traditional cafeteria style)
• Fatih Karadeniz Pidecisi İbrahim Usta (pide – Turkish pizza)
• Dönerci Şahin Usta (Doner Kebab)
• Asia Lounge Café (Indian)

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 3 – Istanbul: Beyoglu and Besiktas

For your third day in Istanbul, it’s time to finally explore the northern bank of the Golden Horn. That being said, hop aboard the T1 tram line and make your way to the Dolmabahce Palace (1200 TL), nestled along the shores of the mighty Bosphorus. Remember how we mentioned on our first day that Topkapi Palace had a somewhat old and uncomfortable look? Well, the Ottoman Sultans might have thought so themselves and decided to build a new official residence in the late 19th century, so that their home could befit the glory of one of history’s greatest empires. The end result was this European-inspired architectural marvel, whose Ceremonial Hall ranks among the most unbelievable rooms I have ever stepped in. Continuing our journey, you’ll find yourself at Taksim Square, the bustling heart of Istanbul’s social scene. A place that has seen its fair share of demonstrations, protests and gatherings, and is one of the most famous public squares in the world. Furthermore, Taksim Square marks the starting point (or the endpoint, depending on the direction) of Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. Filled to the brim with trendy cafes, restaurants and all kinds of high-end boutiques, the avenue is flanked by opulent commercial buildings, providing that quintessential European vibe of former imperial cities. While walking along Istiklal, don’t miss out on some noteworthy stops along the way, such as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Istanbul’s largest Catholic cathedral, or the charming Çiçek Pasaji, a stunning commercial arcade. By now, you will have noticed the historic trams gliding through the avenue, a sight that amateur photographers simply can’t resist capturing.

At the end of the road, we recommend taking a break and visiting the Galata Mevlevi House Museum (250 TL), a former tekke (monastery) for Sufi Muslims. These followers were called Dervishes, and were part of a unique sect known for their mesmerizing Turkish dance where practitioners, dressed in flowing white robes, gracefully whirl in a meditative ritual for several consecutive minutes. While the museum itself is pretty interesting, the real reason to visit are the Sema ceremonies held every Sunday at 18h00, where visitors can witness this captivating “dance”. Remember to book your tickets online. Since the tekke is currently undergoing renovation works, the Hodjapasha Cultural Center offers an alternative venue to experience this enchanting performance. After the show, and still in time for sunset, go up the iconic Galata Tower (30€), where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the entire Fatih district.

Third day wrap-up:

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Taksim Square
• Istiklal Avenue
• Church of St. Anthony of Padua
• Çiçek Pasaji
• Galata Mevlevi House Museum (Sema – Dervish Whirling Dance)
• Galata Tower

Where to eat in Turkey – Best restaurants in Beyoglu and Besiktas, Istanbul

• Ceşme Bazlama Kahvaltı (traditional Turkish breakfast)
• Patatos (kumpir – local street food)
• Yöremiz Pide Lahmacun (pide – Turkish pizza)
• Karadeniz Döner Asım Usta (doner kebab)
• Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Turkish sweets – baklava, kunefe, turkish delight)

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 4 – Istanbul: Balat, Fener and a Bosphorus Cruise

Guess we got your final day in Istanbul! However, before moving on to a different city, you can’t leave without joining a Bosphorus Cruise! As mentioned in our transportation section, there are plenty of private companies offering boat tours of the Bosphorus, but the truth is that Sehir Hatlari, the entity responsible for managing public ferry routes, also offers two fantastic options for tourists at very cheap prices: the Long Bosphorus Tour (480 TL) and the Short Bosphorus Tour (260 TL). In the long version, which lasts about 6 hours (return), the boat will take you all the way to the village of Anadolu Kavagi, at the gates of the Black Sea. As for the shorter circuit, which still takes about 2 hours, it covers the most popular coastal areas of Istanbul, turning around near the Bosphorus Bridge and the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque. To ensure you can visit everything we planned for the day, it is recommended to go with the Short Bosphorus Tour. Either way, both cruises depart from the port of Eminonu. Alternatively, you may also do the tour and then hop on another boat to Uskudar, where you can take a brief stroll on the Asian side of Istanbul… at least you’ll be able to say you’ve set foot on both continents during your trip!

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience with a few extras, here are some of the cruises we recommend:

• Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
• Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with a Stopover on the Asian Side
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show

After your enjoyable cruise through the waterways of Constantinople, it’s time to uncover two of Istanbul’s most picturesque and still somewhat hidden neighborhoods! Located along the shores of the Golden Horn, the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, with their colorful façades and narrow, winding streets, have been capturing the hearts of the few travelers who actually make it there. Historically speaking, these quarters were once home to various ethnic minorities during the Ottoman Empire, including Greeks, Jews, Armenians and other Orthodox communities. Today, though, they stand as the most photogenic neighborhoods in Istanbul! As you wander through every nook and cranny of Fener and Balat, be sure to visit a few sites that bear witness to their multicultural heritage, such as the impressive St. George’s Cathedral, the Phanar Greek Orthodox College or the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen (note that there also a few synagogues, but they do not allow visitors). On the way, take your time to meander along some of Istanbul’s prettiest streets, like Merdivenli Mektep Street, Yildirim Street or Kiremit Street. And as the day comes to a close, start walking up the hill and check out the Chora Church. Although it is currently being renovated to be converted – following in the footsteps of the Hagia Sophia – into a mosque (its purpose during the Ottoman Empire), this former Greek Orthodox church boasts the most vivid and spectacular frescoes in the city. Nearby, you’ll also find remnants of the ancient Wall of Constantinople, a testament to the city’s glorious Byzantine legacy, far away from the historical mosques, ottoman palaces and classical buildings of the city center.

Fourth day wrap-up:

• Bosphorus Cruise
• Quarters of Fener e Balat
• Saint George’s Cathedral
• Phanar Greek Orthodox College
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen
• Merdivenli Mektep Street
• Yildirim Street
• Kiremit Street
• Chora Church
• Wall of Constantinople

Where to eat in Turkey – Best restaurants in Eminonu, Balat and Fener, Istanbul

• Tarihi Eminönü Derya Balıkçısı 1945 (balik ekmek – traditional fish sandwich)
• Pier Café (Turkish traditional)
• Meşhur Fetih İşkembe (Turkish traditional)
• BURGERMOON (hamburgers)
• Balat Kapı Restaurant (traditional Turkish breakfast)

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 5 – Traveling to Cappadocia

On the fifth day of our itinerary, it’s finally time to bid farewell to Istanbul and go explore new lands. In this case, next on the list is the iconic region of Cappadocia, a highlight of any trip to Turkey. However, traveling across this country isn’t without its challenges and concessions, so while this is undoubtedly an extraordinary destination, it’s important to note that long distances will impact your overall experience. Take this particular journey as a price example, as Istanbul and Goreme, considered the heart of Cappadocia, are separated by approximately 750 km.

You’ll find more information in the transportation section of our general guide, but you can travel between both cities by bus, train or plane. The bus is the only direct option to Goreme, though it’s also the longest (around 11 hours). On the other hand, both alternatives may be faster but you’ll be traveling to either Konya or Kayseri, meaning you’ll need an additional bus ride to reach your final destination in Goreme. Regardless of your choice, and once you add up the travel time, hotel check-in procedures and general fatigue, our guess is that you won’t really have the time (or disposition) to set out to explore. In fact, you might as well enjoy a hearty meal and settle in for a good night’s sleep in one of Cappadocia’s unique cave hotels. We promise you’ll wake up in the morning feeling a lot better!

Fifth day wrap-up:

• Train, bus or flight to Cappadocia

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 6 – Cappadocia: Goreme and the Red and Rose Valleys

Without a shadow of a doubt one of Turkey’s most legendary tourist destinations alongside Istanbul, Cappadocia seems to have taken over everyone’s social media feeds and travel bucket lists. With its otherworldly landscape, dotted with alien-like rock caves resembling chimneys and castle towers where ancient monks used to live and pray, we dare saying this is one of the most unique places on Earth, even if some of its sections are already struggling with the effects of overtourism. Nonetheless, Cappadocia is such a big, vast region (you could easily spend a week around here) that you can easily avoid the tourist hordes and find yourself a quiet trail or a secluded viewpoint to enjoy. Let’s dive in! Since Goreme will serve as your base, the perfect way to start your day is by visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum (700 TL), widely regarded as the most popular tourist attraction in all of Cappadocia. Showcasing the region’s stunning landscape, the complex also features countless churches that were carved directly into the rock. After all, during the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th centuries, Cappadocia was an important religious hub under the Byzantine Empire, so local monks started adorning the interiors with vibrant frescoes that remain remarkably well-preserved to this day. Among the most popular sites, be sure to check out Tokali Church, Elmali Church, Yilanli Church and St. Barbara Church. Additionally, and though it’s not included in the standard ticket, it’s worth paying the extra 200 TL to visit the Dark Church, often hailed as the most impressive in the open-air museum.

Beyond its historical sites and iconic hot air balloon rides (we’ll get to those), trekking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Cappadocia. There are literally dozens of different hikes available, but given our time constraints, it’s better to focus on three of the most popular ones around Goreme. Therefore, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring three different valleys, starting off with Love Valley, the lesser-known of the group. Famous for its unusual, phallic-shaped rock formations, now you know where it got its name from! However, don’t spend too long here because you’ll want to allow more time for the stunning Rose Valley and Red Valley, widely considered the crown jewels of Cappadocia’s hiking routes. In fact, this is where you’ll get to photograph some of the region’s most stunning landscapes, climbing up to panoramic viewpoints as you come across hidden ancient churches and secluded monasteries along the way. Even if you’re not that into hiking, visiting these valleys is a no-brainer! At the end of the day, and as you walk through the Red Valley, head to the iconic Sunset Point, where you can chill out for a bit and watch the most perfect sunset in all of Cappadocia.

Note: While these are the most famous trails in the region, there are loads of other hikes and valleys worth a look for those who don’t mind wasting some time on the road in order to beat the crowds. If that’s you, then you can pay a visit to Ihlara Valley, Zemi Valley, Imagination Valley or Pigeon Valley.

Sixth day wrap-up:

• Goreme Open-Air Museum
  • Tokali Church
  • Elmali Church
  • Yilanli Church
  • Barbara Church
  • Dark Church
• Love Valley
• Rose Valley
• Red Valley (Sunset Point)

Where to eat in Turkey – Best restaurants in Goreme, Cappadocia

• Göreme Kadın Kooperatifi (Turkish traditional)
• Nazar Borek & Café (Turkish traditional)
• Cafe Şafak (Turkish traditional)
• Seyr-ü sefa cahfe Restaurant (Turkish traditional)
• Omurca Art Cave Café (Turkish traditional)
• Beydilli Kebab Steak (kebab)
• Kösem Doner (Pide and Lahmacun)
• Casaba Café (varied)
• Maria’s Breakfast Göreme (traditional Turkish breakfast)
• Center Coffee & Baklava (Turkish sweets – baklava, kunefe, turkish delight)

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 7 – Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloon, Uchisar and Derinkuyu

After exploring Goreme and its iconic valleys, it’s time to complete the trifecta of popular activities in Cappadocia with a legendary hot air balloon ride. First and foremost, and though there are loads of companies offering this service, it’s important to note that all operators must adhere to strict safety standards. Keep in mind tourism is Cappadocia’s main economic activity, so it’s within everyone’s interest not to jeopardize their golden goose. That being said, while there may be some variations, most tours follow a similar structure. Starting before dawn, they typically include hotel pick-up and drop-off (or pick-up from any location in Goreme), a light breakfast, a safety briefing and, of course, a 60-minute balloon flight. Words hardly do justice to this magical experience, as gently hovering over Goreme’s valleys under the first rays of dawn, surrounded by dozens of other colorful hot air balloons, is one of the most transcendent travel experiences out there. On a side note, it’s worth mentioning tours may be canceled for safety reasons due to bad weather conditions or poor visibility. Whenever that happens, companies will refund your payment. If you’re unsure which tour to book, here are some options to consider with great reviews:

• Discovery Balloons
• Turquaz Balloons
• Skyway Balloons

Alternatively, if you’re afraid of heights or you rather save on this expense, you can still enjoy the breathtaking view of the balloon-filled sky from Sunrise Point or Balloons View Point. Since balloon rides start so early, you’ll likely be back at your hotel in Goreme by 09h00, meaning you’ll still have the entire day ahead. That said, you’ll flag a taxi or hop on a dolmus (informal minibuses) and head to Uçhisar Castle (50 TL), located in the neighboring village. Perched atop a hill, this fortress is one of Cappadocia’s most famous landmarks, and one of those sites you simply can’t miss. In fact, the castle’s summit is officially the highest vantage point across all of Cappadocia’s villages, making the climb well worth it. Back on solid ground, it is now time to take on the longest journey of the day, covering some 35 km until you reach the Derinkuyu Underground City (450 TL). The most famous of Cappadocia’s several subterranean cities, this incredible site dates back to the 6^th century, when local Christians started creating hidden settlements to escape religious persecution by Persians and Arabs. Now, nearly 1500 years later, these maze-like cities – boasting multiple floors of chambers, chapels and ventilation systems – have become fascinating tourist attractions.

To get to Derinkuyu, you’ll have to take a dolmus to Nevşehir and transfer to another minibus heading to your final destination. For the trip back to Goreme, just do the exact same, but the other way around! If all of this seems too complicated, any taxi driver will be happy to “help”. Back in your base, there’s still time for one final activity. Just 3 km north of Goreme, the small village of Çavuşin is a great complement to the busiest town in Cappadocia. Despite being so close, not many visitors take the time to explore this quaint village, which also features an excellent open-air museum with only a fraction of the tourists. Plus, this is also where you’ll find Fairy Chimneys of Paşabağı (400 TL), a collection of striking monoliths and sculpted towers located in what is now known as the Monks’ Valley. Unsurprisingly, the unique landscape is the main highlight, as visitors can roam through the area and even enter some of these “chimneys” to witness how ancient monks lived in isolation as hermits. Once you’ve visited the valley, just head back to Goreme for your final night in Cappadocia.

Seventh day wrap-up:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Uchisar Castle
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Çavuşin
• Fairy Chimneys of Paşabağı

Turkey 1-Week Itinerary: Day 8 – Traveling to the Turkish Riviera

Waking up in Cappadocia for one final morning, the time has come to hit the road and make your long way back to Istanbul, where you’ll catch your flight home! Unfortunately, you will once again waste your day traveling between places, whether you take the bus, the train or a domestic flight.

This is also your last day in the country, so we’re pretty sure you’ll be a bit bummed out that your adventure has come to an end. As mentioned early on in this itinerary, 1 week is far too short to experience the very best of Turkey, but at the very least you got to experience the essentials. Plus, you’ll want to return soon to explore the Riviera, the Ancient City of Ephesus near Izmir and the far-away lands of Eastern Anatolia.

Eighth day wrap-up:

• Bus, train or flight back to Istanbul