Budget-Friendly 5 Days in Istanbul: Full Itinerary
Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities, renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity and Bosphorus views. However, the biggest question on many travellers' minds is: ‘Is it possible to explore Istanbul on a budget?’ The answer is definitely yes. With proper planning, public transport, free or low-cost activities, and local food and drink recommendations, you can enjoy a fulfilling 5 days in Istanbul while exploring the city without straining your budget. So, what to do in Istanbul on a budget? Can you visit Istanbul on a budget? Let's dive deep into the details!
Strategies for Exploring Istanbul on a Budget
Although Istanbul may seem like an expensive city, it actually offers many free or low-budget experiences. Here are the main tips for a budget-friendly tour of Istanbul:
Use the Istanbulkart: This transport card, valid on the metro, tram, bus, metrobus and ferries, is much more economical than buying individual tickets.
Discover free attractions: Mosques, squares, street walks and coastal areas are free.
Fill up on street food: Street food such as simit, döner, fish sandwiches and stuffed mussels is both delicious and inexpensive.
Consider the Museum Pass Istanbul: If you plan to visit multiple museums, this pass significantly reduces costs.
Enjoy the Bosphorus by ferry: Instead of joining expensive Bosphorus tours, you can see the same beauty more cheaply by taking city ferries.
5-Day Budget-Friendly Istanbul Travel Plan
If you are on a low budget and want to explore Istanbul in five days, a well-planned budget-friendly Istanbul itinerary will allow you to see both its historical and modern sides, as well as sample its street food delights. The 5-day budget travel guide to Istanbul below is detailed with morning, afternoon and evening activities.
Day 1 — Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet, Topkapı, Grand Bazaar)
Morning:
On the first day of your trip, head to Sultanahmet Square. Here you can visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). Entry is free, just be mindful of prayer times.
The Hagia Sophia, located directly opposite, is a visually stunning structure from the outside. It can be crowded to get inside, so going early is advantageous.
Lunch:
Instead of going to touristy restaurants for lunch, opt for the local eateries on the side streets. A menu of soup + rice + meatballs is reasonably priced.
Alternative: You can have an even cheaper meal with simit + ayran or döner.
Afternoon:
Visit Topkapı Palace. The collections of treasures, weapons and clothing from the Ottoman period are worth seeing. If you are using a Museum Pass, you will benefit here.
Afterwards, you can visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
Late Afternoon and Evening:
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Even if you don't shop, experiencing the colourful atmosphere is free.
For dinner, head to Eminönü and try some fish and bread. It's both affordable and an authentic experience.
Day 2 — Eminönü, Galata and Taksim
Morning:
Start your day in Eminönü. From here, you can take a short ferry ride or walk along the shore.
Walk across the Galata Bridge to experience the lively atmosphere of the fishermen.
Lunch:
You can have fish and bread in Eminönü or grab an inexpensive meal from one of the small kebab shops.
It's nice to take a break in the tea gardens and enjoy the view with reasonably priced drinks.
Afternoon:
You can climb Galata Tower or explore the surrounding area. There is a charge to climb the tower; if you don't want to climb it, the narrow streets and cafés in the surrounding area are also enjoyable.
Walk to Istiklal Avenue. Here, many free activities (street musicians, exhibition areas, arcades) await you.
Late Afternoon and Evening:
Head to Taksim Square.
For dinner, choose affordable lahmacun or pide restaurants in the side streets.
Day 3 — Bosphorus Crossing, Üsküdar and Kadıköy
Morning:
Take the ferry from Kabataş or Eminönü to Üsküdar. The journey is short but the Bosphorus views are unforgettable.
Walk along the Üsküdar waterfront and enjoy the view of the Maiden's Tower for free.
Lunch:
You can eat at reasonably priced local restaurants in the Üsküdar or Kadıköy bazaars. Soups and stews are particularly filling and inexpensive.
In Kadıköy, you can try the famous toast or lahmacun.
Afternoon:
Explore Kadıköy Bazaar. The colourful streets, bookshops, and second-hand shops are worth seeing.
Walk to the Moda shore, where there are affordable tea gardens where you can sit and watch the sunset.
Evening:
- Return from Kadıköy to Kabataş or Karaköy by ferry. An evening ferry ride is one of the most economical ways to see the lights of Istanbul.
Day 4 — Princes' Islands (Büyükada)
Morning:
Take the ferry from Kabataş or Bostancı to Büyükada early in the morning. The journey takes about 1 hour.
The ferry ride itself is a sightseeing tour and much cheaper than special Bosphorus tours.
Lunch:
Explore the island streets on foot. If you wish to hire a bicycle, enquire about prices beforehand; walking is the cheapest option.
For lunch, you can find reasonably priced menus at the small restaurants in the island centre. Börek shops are also quite popular.
Afternoon:
You can walk to the Church of St George or stroll along the shore.
If it's the beach season, you can choose from the island's affordable beaches.
Evening:
Return to Istanbul by ferry in the late afternoon. Watching the sunset on the way is very enjoyable.
On your return, you can end the day with an inexpensive evening meal in Eminönü or Kadıköy.
Day 5 — Balat, Eyüp and Pierre Loti
Morning:
Begin by exploring the historic and colourful streets of Balat. The colourful houses, cafés and photo spots are completely free.
From here, you can walk to see historic buildings such as the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Lunch:
You can have breakfast or lunch at small cafés in Balat. Börek and coffee are reasonably priced.
Alternative: You can opt for soup-based meal menus at traditional restaurants.
Afternoon:
Visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Admission is free, and it offers a very cultural experience.
Then take the cable car or walk up to Pierre Loti Hill. You can enjoy one of Istanbul's most beautiful views for free.
Evening:
Take a walk along the Golden Horn and end your day peacefully.
For dinner, you can choose one of the affordable kebab restaurants around Eyüp or Balat.
Affordable Accommodation Options in Istanbul
There are plenty of options for travellers seeking affordable accommodation in Istanbul. Sultanahmet and Fatih offer budget-friendly experiences with their guesthouses and economical hotels on the historic peninsula, while Aksaray and Laleli stand out for their affordable hostels and hotels, particularly favoured by backpackers. Beyoğlu and Taksim offer an economical and fun alternative thanks to their lively nightlife and social hostel culture. For those seeking a more local atmosphere, Kadıköy and Moda are ideal choices with their cheap hostels catering to young people, while Karaköy and Galata appeal to those looking to stick to their budget with their boutique hotels offering great value.
The most important tips for those looking for cheap hotels and hostels in Istanbul include booking early, opting for weekday stays, and staying in central areas to reduce transport costs. Furthermore, hostels with shared kitchens allow travellers to reduce food expenses and use their travel budget more efficiently. In short, whether you are looking for an economical hostel, an affordable guesthouse, or a budget-friendly hotel, it is possible to find numerous accommodation options in Istanbul that suit every traveller's budget.
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