- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Sultanahmet Köftecisi** (famous for affordable Turkish köfte).
- **7:00 AM** - Visit **Hagia Sophia** (Ayasofya), an architectural marvel with a rich history.
- **10:00 AM** - Explore the **Blue Mosque** (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and its beautiful interiors.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant** (historical and budget-friendly).
- **2:00 PM** - Walk through **Topkapi Palace** and its extensive grounds, including the Harem.
- **5:00 PM** - Visit the **Basilica Cistern**, an ancient underground water reservoir.
- **6:30 PM** - Dinner at **Kebab House** (great local kebabs at affordable prices).
- **8:00 PM** - Explore **Hippodrome Square** and see the Obelisk of Theodosius.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Beyoğlu**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Mendel’s** (offers budget-friendly Turkish breakfast).
- **7:00 AM** - Take a **Bosphorus Cruise** (opt for a public ferry or budget tour).
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Karaköy Lokantası** (affordable and traditional).
- **2:00 PM** - Visit **Galata Tower** and enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul.
- **4:00 PM** - Explore **Istiklal Street** for shopping and local culture.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner at **Çiçek Pasajı** (affordable dining options in a historic arcade).
- **8:00 PM** - Enjoy a drink or dessert at **Mendel’s** or another local café.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 3: Asian Side Exploration**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Kahvaltı Dünyası** (budget-friendly and varied Turkish breakfast).
- **7:00 AM** - Take a ferry to **Kadıköy** on the Asian side.
- **9:00 AM** - Explore the **Kadıköy Market** and try local street food.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Çiya Sofrası** (famous for its affordable and authentic Turkish dishes).
- **2:00 PM** - Visit **Moda Park** for a relaxed walk and scenic views.
- **4:00 PM** - Explore **Üsküdar** and visit **Mihrimah Sultan Mosque**.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner at **Pelit** (local pastry and dessert shop with budget options).
- **8:00 PM** - Return to the European side.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 4: Princes' Islands**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Karaköy Güllüoğlu** (budget-friendly and famous for pastries).
- **7:00 AM** - Take a ferry to **Büyükada**, the largest of the Princes’ Islands.
- **10:00 AM** - Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the island.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at a local restaurant on the island (try **Müjdeci** for affordable Turkish meals).
- **2:00 PM** - Visit the **Aya Yorgi Church** and enjoy the scenic views.
- **4:00 PM** - Relax on the beaches or explore the island further.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner on the island (look for local eateries with good reviews).
- **8:00 PM** - Return to Istanbul by ferry.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 5: Historical and Cultural Sites**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Bebek Kahvaltı Evi** (affordable with a view).
- **7:00 AM** - Visit **Dolmabahçe Palace** and explore its grand rooms and gardens.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Harem Restaurant** (offers a good variety of affordable Turkish dishes).
- **2:00 PM** - Explore the **Istanbul Archaeological Museums**.
- **4:00 PM** - Walk through the **Gülhane Park**.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner at **Dönerci Şahin Usta** (good value döner kebabs).
- **8:00 PM** - Explore the nightlife in **Ortaköy**, known for its lively atmosphere and local shops.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 6: Modern Istanbul**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Cafe Privato** (known for its delicious and budget-friendly breakfast).
- **7:00 AM** - Visit the **Istanbul Modern Art Museum**.
- **10:00 AM** - Explore the **Zorlu Center** for upscale shopping and architecture.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Ege Kokoreç** (try kokoreç at a good price).
- **2:00 PM** - Visit **Yıldız Park** for a relaxing afternoon in nature.
- **4:00 PM** - Explore the **Beşiktaş Bazaar** for shopping and local flavor.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner at **Mambocino** (affordable with a local feel).
- **8:00 PM** - Enjoy the evening at **Taksim Square** and its surrounding area.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation.

### **Day 7: Relax and Departure**

- **6:00 AM** - Breakfast at **Gözleme Café** (simple and budget-friendly Turkish breakfast).
- **7:00 AM** - Visit **Yerebatan Cistern** for its unique architecture.
- **10:00 AM** - Explore **Grand Bazaar** for souvenirs and local shopping.
- **12:00 PM** - Lunch at **Hafiz Mustafa 1864** (budget-friendly with a variety of Turkish delights).
- **2:00 PM** - Visit **Süleymaniye Mosque** and explore the surrounding area.
- **4:00 PM** - Relax at **Taksim Park** or visit any missed attractions.
- **6:00 PM** - Dinner at **Kızılkayalar Hamburger** (affordable and popular with locals).
- **8:00 PM** - Enjoy a last evening walk through Istanbul’s historic areas.
- **10:00 PM** - Return to your accommodation and prepare for departure.

### **Accommodation and Dining Tips**

- **Accommodation**: Consider budget-friendly options such as **Cheers Hostel**, **Antique Hostel**, or look for affordable Airbnb options.
- **Dining**: Explore local eateries and use apps like **Zomato** or **TripAdvisor** to find good, affordable dining options.

Enjoy your week in Istanbul, with a mix of historical, cultural, and natural experiences!

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