Istanbul and Cyprus Itinerary for Food and Sightseeing Lovers

ISTANBUL & CYPRUS ITINERARY

A short but amazing trip mixing Istanbul food, football, markets, ferries, sightseeing and then a wholesome family surprise in Cyprus.
Here’s exactly what I did, day by day.

WHERE I STAYED

Grand Star Bosphorus & Spa – Taksim
Super central location, walking distance to Taksim Square & Istiklal Street.

🔗 https://grandstarhotel.com/

DAY 1 — ARRIVAL + DINNER + TAKSIM

• Arrived in Istanbul
• Metro → then Uber to the hotel
• Checked into Grand Star Bosphorus & Spa
• Dinner in Taksim — mixed shish + lahmacun (so good!)
• Walked around Taksim Square & Istiklal Street
• Dessert at a famous baklava spot (the perfect ending)

DAY 2 — SULTANAHMET → GRAND BAZAAR → FOOTBALL MATCH

• Breakfast + got ready for match day
• Headed to Sultanahmet
• Lunch at Fasulye Restaurant – Ali Baba Kuru Fasulyeci (famous bean stew!)
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/alibabakurufasulyeci/

• Quick visit to the Grand Bazaar
🔗 https://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org/

• Uber to Rams Park Stadium for Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş
Amazing atmosphere, such a fun experience.

• Dinner later at Kavurmacı Hacı Münirbey 1922 — unreal food!
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/kavurmaci1922/

DAY 3 — KADIKÖY, FERRY, GALATA AREA

• Took the ferry to Kadıköy (Asian side) to meet a friend
• Lunch at Moda Teras — gorgeous views + cosy vibes
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/modateras/

• Ferry back to the European side
• Walked along Galata Bridge
• Visited Galata Tower
🔗 https://galatakulesi.gov.tr/

• Got a little lost in Sultanahmet but found a cute café for baklava
• Night walk around the Galata area — magical views of the tower lit up

DAY 4 — ISTANBUL → CYPRUS

• Morning flight from Istanbul → Ercan Airport, Cyprus
• Surprised the family (so wholesome!)

• Spent the day in Famagusta
Explored cafés, shops and relaxed with family time.

• Beach near no-man’s-land — now more touristy and lively
• Last day: wandered around a local market before heading back