Travel & transfer: Arrival and transfer to Cihangir
Flughafen Istanbul (IST)approx. 150–1,500 TRY pp
Weekend like a local · 14 stops
Istanbul: weekend like a local
Two relaxed days in Istanbul focused on coffee, food and art: Saturday arrival and Kadıköy on the Asian side, Sunday Karaköy, Cihangir and Çukurcuma with small galleries and local favourites.
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Season
- May
Copy this itinerary
Free: pick your dates, Qurayo copies the plan and adapts it.
Plan with your own wishesDay 1 · Istanbul
Arrival and Kadıköy treats
Arrive in Istanbul, drop your luggage at Hotel Troya in Cihangir, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Kadıköy and Moda with coffee, a coastal walk and dinner at Çiya Sofrası.
11:00
12:30
30 min by taxi
13:15
13:45
Stay: Luggage drop-off at Hotel Troya
50 min by ferry
14:35
15:50
Lunch: Late lunch at Çiya Sofrası
Çiya Sofrasıapprox. 600–1,000 TRY ppTry the seasonal dishes and ask for the recommendation of the day; the menu changes with the seasons.
20 min on foot
16:10
16:55
Café: Filter coffee at Kahlua Kahve
A small roastery in Moda for good coffee off the tourist trail. Ideal for a quiet break after lunch.
Kahlua Kahveapprox. 150–300 TRY pp10 min on foot
17:05
18:20
Sightseeing: Walk along the Moda coast
You stroll along the water through Moda Park, past anglers and families. The view of the Sea of Marmara is wonderful.
5 min on foot
18:25
19:55
Drinks: Tea at Moda Çay Bahçesi
The tea garden sits right by the sea, where you drink tea at sunset like the locals.
Moda Çay Bahçesiapprox. 100–250 TRY pp20 min on foot
20:15
21:45
Dinner: Light dinner at Kadıköy Fish Market
You pick up small dishes such as fried anchovies or midye dolma in the market's alleys. After a late lunch, something light is enough.
Kadıköy Balık Pazarıapprox. 250–500 TRY pp
Day 2 · Istanbul
Art and coffee in Cihangir
A relaxed departure day in Istanbul: late breakfast in Cihangir, small galleries and antique shops in Çukurcuma, coffee in Karaköy and then an easy trip to IST airport.
09:00
10:15
Breakfast: Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi
Van Kahvaltı Eviapprox. 450–700 TRY pp10 min on foot
10:30
11:30
Hidden gem: Browse the antique shops in Çukurcuma
4 min on foot
11:40
12:40
Activity: Visit small galleries in Çukurcuma
Around Çukurcuma Caddesi you will find small independent art galleries showing contemporary Turkish work. Admission is usually free.
15 min on foot
13:00
14:15
Lunch: Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası
A popular lokanta with Turkish home cooking and meze, often visited by locals for lunch. Ask for the dish of the day.
Karaköy Lokantasıapprox. 700–1,100 TRY pp8 min on foot
14:30
15:15
Café: Baklava and coffee at Karaköy Güllüoğlu
This long-established baklava pastry shop serves pistachio baklava fresh and light. A Turkish coffee goes well with it as a sweet finish.
Karaköy Güllüoğluapprox. 250–450 TRY pp20 min by public transport
15:35
16:05
Stay: Pick up luggage at Hotel Troya
Check-out is done; you only need to pick up your luggage.
10 min by taxi
16:15
Travel & transfer: Transfer to IST airport
Travel by taxi or Havaist bus from Taksim to the airport, with a generous buffer before departure.
Flughafen Istanbul (IST)approx. 900–1,600 TRY pp
Planned with AI and checked with OpenStreetMap. Opening hours and prices can change – please double-check on site.
FAQ
How many days do you need for Istanbul?
Three days are enough for the Old City, Beyoğlu and a Bosphorus cruise. With four days you have time for Kadıköy or other neighbourhoods.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in?
Sultanahmet is closest to the main sights. Beyoğlu and Karaköy offer more restaurants and nightlife.
Is Istanbul expensive?
For travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, food and public transport are mostly cheap. Hotels in good locations and entry fees can be higher depending on the season.