3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary
Istanbul is one of our favorite cities! Wandering through this ancient city is like living a history lesson that resonates through its architecture and landmarks. This vibrant, mesmerizing, and colorful city offers something for everyone – from captivating mosques and palaces to delightful cuisine, shopping, and exploring the beautiful Bosphorus. With the anticipation of our next Istanbul adventure already in the works, let me share our carefully crafted 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary that ensures you’ll get the most out of this city in three days.
Orient Yourself — Understanding Istanbul’s 3 Key Areas:
Istanbul spans two continents, Europe and Asia – each with its own unique charm, and an endless list of amazing adventures. For our 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary, we recommend staying on the European side, in Karakoy or Galeta as it’s very central to all land and water activities, it’s super pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible by tram.
- The Historic Peninsula: Often referred to as the “Old Town,” this heart of the city is home to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman influences converge here, telling the story of Istanbul’s evolution.
- The Asian Side: Crossing the Bosphorus reveals Kadikoy, a vibrant neighborhood brimming with diverse culture and bustling markets. The Asian side’s charm is as captivating as its European counterpart, just not as convenient as a base.
- The European Shore: With areas like Karikoy, Galataport, Istiklal Avenue, and Taksim Square, the European Shore exudes modernity and flair. It’s a dynamic hub of entertainment and commerce that coexists harmoniously with the city’s rich history with a large variety of hotel options.
Overview of our 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary
Dive right into Istanbul’s rich culture by visiting the mosques which will set the stage for your 3 days in Istanbul, once known as Constantinople. While three days might not be enough to explore every corner, you can still make the most of your time by visiting some of the must-see attractions. For your first day, I highly recommend a stress-free all-day tour. However, if you want to do this on your own, I’ve separated the itinerary into morning, afternoon, and evening activities so you can mix and match or substitute something else.
➡️ Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Istanbul’s Past
- Morning – Historic Peninsula area: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern
- Afternoon – Topkapi Palace
- Evening – The Grand Bazaar
➡️ Day 2: The Bosphorus and Asian Side
- Morning – Cruise along the Bosphorus
- Afternoon – Explore Kadikoy and the Asian side
- Evening – Ortaköy and Bosphorus Bridge
➡️ Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Bazaars
- Morning – Suleymaniye Mosque
- Afternoon – The Spice Bazaar and Süleymaniye
- Evening – Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square
Istanbul Itinerary Day One: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
Day 1 Morning: Sultanahmet Square Area
On the morning of your first day, we’ll visit the mosques and historic areas. Whether you choose a guide company or on your own, these mosques are all close to each other and easily walkable. Note, you will be taking off your shoes and women will need to cover their heads so take along a light headscarf. You can also buy a paper scarf at the ticket office for around $1 USD if you forget.
Our first stop is the Blue Mosque, an impressive building with six towering minarets and beautiful blue tiles inside. It’s a peaceful place where you can learn about the Ottoman Empire’s architecture and history. It’ll take about 45 minutes. And, it’s only a 5-minute walk to your next stop!
Next up is the Hagia Sophia, a famous building that has been a church, a mosque, and is now a museum. Its huge dome stands out, and when you step inside, you’ll see golden mosaics and lots of natural light. You can purchase tickets at the ticket booth or online in advance to avoid lines. It’s a unique mix of different styles that tell the story of Istanbul’s past. It will take 45 minutes. Only 4 minutes to your next destination.
After that, we’re heading underground to the Basilica Cistern which is the largest water cistern built in ancient times. Don’t miss the two Medusa heads at the bottom, which were placed as supports under two relatively short columns deep inside the cistern. This water reservoir is a bit eerie with its dim lighting and rows of columns rising from the water. You can buy tickets at the entrance or online. It’s an amazing place to explore and learn more about how Istanbul used to manage its water supply. This will take an hour.
Lunch Options Near the Basilica
By now, you’ll probably be hungry even if you did have an amazing Turkish breakfast! We ate just across from the Basilica at Basilica Restaurant and had great kabobs. Note that you are in a tourist area and may pay a bit more due to the convenience. Compared to the US though, prices are very reasonable. Mediterranean food abounds in Istanbul with several meat, fish, and vegetarian options. If you don’t mind a short walk (10 minutes) try Giritli Restaurant, heading toward the water, where we enjoyed a lovely salad and grilled octopus.
Day 1 Afternoon: Topkapi Palace
PS – They have a beautiful restaurant called Karakol here if you haven’t already eaten (the food is ok, the setting is superb). The palace and grounds are huge and it’ll take at least two hours. There are courtyards, museums, vista points, armories, kitchens, gardens, and more. Immerse yourself in the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire as you explore Topkapi Palace, an Unesco World Heritage Site. This magnificent palace was once the residence of Ottoman sultans and a center of political power for centuries.
Wander through the palace’s vast courtyards, each one revealing a different facet of Ottoman life. The Imperial Gate welcomes you into the First Court, where you can admire the ornate architecture and get a sense of the palace’s monumental scale. As you move further in, you’ll come across the Second Court, where the audience halls and pavilions are located.
The real gem of Topkapi Palace, however, lies within its rooms adorned with intricate tiles, gilded ceilings, and elaborate decorations. The chambers hold a treasure trove of artifacts (even toenails!!) that offer insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans.
One of the most fascinating parts of the palace is the Harem section, where you can get a glimpse into the private lives of the royal family. This secluded area was the domain of the sultan’s family, concubines, and eunuchs. As you explore its rooms and corridors, you’ll discover the delicate balance between power, politics, and personal relationships that shaped the empire’s inner workings.
➡️ Click here for Tokapi Palace Tickets
Day 1 Evening: Grand Bazaar
Just thinking about this gives me a dopamine rush! It was truly a highlight of our short trip. The bazaar is an enchanting labyrinth of history and commerce that has captivated travelers for centuries. Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul played a major role in the trade of goods and was the final port of the Silk Road. This historic covered market is one of the world’s oldest, with a maze filled with colorful textiles, shoes, bags, eyeglasses, all sorts of designer EVERYthings, shimmering jewelry, aromatic spices, and so much more. It isn’t just about shopping though – it’s an immersion into Istanbul’s vibrant culture and history. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, where you can practice haggling with shopkeepers (they anticipate it). If you are looking for spices, wait until the Spice Bazaar on Day 3.
3 Tips for visiting the Grand Bazaar:
- If you need to end where you started, be sure to use a marker (like parked here) on your phone, or ID a shop, because it truly is a maze and hard to navigate back to a specific point.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, but do so with respect and a friendly attitude. My husband started at 50% of the price and we did pretty well. Be prepared to walk away, there are so many other choices. I did end up with some lovely gifts.
- Sample Local Treats. Many stalls offer delicious Turkish delights, nuts, and spices for sampling. Trying some local treats can be a fun way to experience Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul Itinerary Day Two: Crossing Continents – Bosphorus Cruise, Asian Side, Kadikoy, Ortaköy, and Bosphorus Bridge
Day 2 Morning: Bosphorus Cruise
This is another spectacular way to orient yourself in Istanbul during our 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary. The Bosphorus Strait is the natural waterway that divides the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Head to Eminonu or Kabatas, where you’ll find various operators offering cruise options. You can choose different types of cruises, ranging from short ones that cover essential sights to longer ones that explore more of the coastline. The cruise takes you past the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, such as the majestic Dolmabahce Palace (Turkey’s largest palace), the stunning Ortaköy Mosque, and the historic Rumeli Fortress. Depending on the cruise you choose, plan on 2-3 hours.
It can often be colder and windier on the water, so even when it’s warm and sunny, pack a sweater or light jacket. Be sure to have a portable charger because you’ll probably take LOTS of pictures and videos, and you still have the afternoon.
Day 2 Lunch idea: Fish Sandwiches (known as Balık ekmek)
You will find these delicious, super fresh fish wraps on the Eminönü and Karaköy sides of the Galata Bridge as well as under the bridge. We ate in a multilevel restaurant in Karakoy to take in the view, but all the options looked amazing.
Day 2 Afternoon: Exploring Kadikoy on the Asian Side
Getting to Kadikoy: To start your adventure, make your way to the Asian side of Istanbul. To reach Kadikoy, you can use the reliable public transportation system, including ferries (about $1.00 USD), buses, or the metro. Allow about 15 minutes.
Kadikoy is one of the most colorful districts of Istanbul. The district is known for its artistic and bohemian vibe, so keep an eye out for street art, quirky boutiques, and cozy cafes. It’s a blend of history, diverse culture, vibrant street life, bustling markets, a delectable food scene, and waterfront charm. If you stay until the evening, it really comes alive with a variety of entertainment options, hookah lounges, bars, and live music venues!
Explore the famous fish market, antique shops, and bookstores on Tellazade Street and local artisan works on Sanatcilar (Artists) Street. We loved the ceramics here and bought some beautiful small bowls! Also, visit the Sueyya Opera House, the Bull Statue, the popular Haydarpasa Railway Station and Pier, Bagdat Street for luxury shops and cafés, and even a toy museum!
Day 2 Evening: Ortaköy and Bosphorus Bridge
A 20-minute taxi will take you back over to Ortaköy over the Bosphorus Bridge and under it! You might also want to return to your hotel and freshen up after your long day of sightseeing… An evening in Ortaköy is a great way to spend your evening with its variety of great cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants and a celebrity hangout as well. Ortaköy Square and Ortaköy Mosque are among the most beautiful in Istanbul and are the heart of Ortaköy. The mosque is an amazing blend of baroque and neo-classical architecture combined with traditional Ottoman architecture. If you’re there on a weekend, you can enjoy the street markets. For nightlife, go to The Sortie Club consisting of restaurants and bars, and the Ruby and House Cafe which are among the most popular places for a lively evening.
If you still have time this evening on your 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary, consider crossing the iconic Bosphorus Bridge that connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Then head home to get a good night’s sleep for day three in Istanbul!
Istanbul Itinerary Day Three: Cultural Immersion and Bazaars
Your last day’s journey promises to be rich and memorable, as we immerse ourselves in the heart of Istanbul’s spiritual heritage and vibrant commerce. From one of its most beautiful mosques: Suleymaniye Mosque to the bustling aisles of the Spice Bazaar (the place to buy your final souvenirs, spices, and more), and finally, to the fabulous, pedestrian-friendly Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square, we’re in for a day that encapsulates Istanbul’s essence. Be prepared for some climbing too!
Day 3 Morning: Suleymaniye Mosque [no entry fee]
This is a true marvel of Ottoman architecture which for 462 years was the largest mosque in the city until it was surpassed by the Çamlıca Mosque in 2019. As we step into its serene courtyards and intricate interiors, the mosque’s grandeur envelops us. With its soaring domes and elegant minarets, Suleymaniye Mosque is a testament to the devotion and artistic brilliance of the Ottoman Empire. Be sure to check out the garden behind the mosque that houses two mausoleums. Allow about 1-2 hours here. Donations are appreciated. Women will need head coverings.
Day 3 Afternoon: Spice Market and Süleymaniye
Did you get to practice negotiating at the Grand Bazaar during day 1 of your 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary? No worries, you can refine your skills here at the Spice Market, a bustling market known for its aromatic spices, teas, exotic perfumes, and more. I think it’s prettier than the Grand Bazaar and quite a bit smaller so easier to navigate. To get there, we walked across the bridge from Karakoy.
Afterward, visit the Süleymaniye Complex, which includes the mosque and its gardens. The entry fee for the Süleymaniye Complex is about $2.00 USD per person.
Day 3 Evening: Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square
In the evening, work your way to Istiklal Avenue, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques. It’s a great place to experience Istanbul’s modern side and observe the locals. We’ll end at Taksim Square, a central hub for public events and gatherings, and lots of excellent restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars.
Where To Stay In Istanbul
If you reference the map at the beginning of this blog, you’ll see there are three main areas of Istanbul during the 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary — The Historic Peninsula, the Asian side, and the European side. Prices change seasonally, so check dates and try to be flexible.
📍 Budget Option Recommendations
These options are under $100 USD depending on the season, selected for convenience, amenities, and location.
- Eurostars Hotel Old City is located on the Historic Peninsula close to the water. Eurostars is a pretty consistent brand all over Europe.
- Rumours Inn with views of the Sea of Marmara is a 3-minute walk from The Blue Mosque
- Skalion Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel with excellent reviews and a great location
📍 Mid-Range Option Recommendations
These three options range from $100-$200 USD, selected these based on walkability and ratings.
- Ferman Port Hotel in Karkoy is located in the buzzing harborside district with laid-back cafes, cool fashion boutiques & the Kilic Ali Paşa Hamam
- Régie Ottoman is a stunning 4-star hotel in the Historic Peninsula that is close to everything
- Fer Hotel, a more contemporary option with rooftop breakfast in the Historic Peninsula area
📍 Mid-Range Luxury Option Recommendations
There are loads of 5-star options under $300 USD all ideally situated for a 3-day trip
- JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus is right next to the Peninsula at about one-third of the cost with accessibility to the new Galataport with dining, shops, and a gorgeous waterfront walkway
- Mula Hotel in the Historic area is within walking distance to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar, plus shopping, dining & nightlife
- Shangri-La Bosphorus is located in the Beşiktaş district and only a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace and just south of the Four Seasons
📍 High-End Luxury Option Recommendations
There are so many 5-star options, it’s hard to choose just three. These options range in the $500-$1,500 range with exceptional rooms, service and grounds.
- The Peninsula Istanbul is a stunning property, right on the water in Karaköy and close to absolutely everything. Arrive by land or sea, it’s near great shops, restaurants, and the long stretch of walkway in the new Galataport. This would be my FIRST choice.
- Four Seasons Hotel on the Bosphorus is a restored, 19th-century Ottoman palace situated right on the Bosphorus with spectacular grounds. If you do the Bosphorus cruise, you’ll see this exquisite property along the way.
- Four Seasons Sultanahmet in Istanbul’s Old City is just steps away from top historic attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Was a former prison.
A few Restaurant Ideas
- Murver – Loved this with great views too, so close to Peninsula: https://www.murverrestaurant.com/galeri/Hünkar in Nisantasi – amazing, very authentic great tasting Turkish
- Karakoy Lokantasi (across the street from Peninsula) – hip and cool and crowded. A little lacking on the service but super great food and ambiance
- Mohkeme Lokantasi (near enough to Peninsula) local Turkish food, more low-key with locals)
- Sur Balek for freshly caught seafood (in Balek, which is a VERY upscale small town with celebrities and alike – SUPER busy on weekends)
- Buselik Tünel (they have 4 or 5- eat at this one for views): nearby for Sunset views and local fresh Turkish food – great (they don’t really speak English)
- Revma Balik (in Arnavutkoy); GREAT fresh seafood, it’s 4 levels and across from the boardwalk/river. Lively place, freshly caught seafood
- Cecconi’s (also nearby): Italian, great vibe, dark, patio, hip, and with live jazz+ music- great Sunday Brunch (not a Turkish place, more for tourists)
- Mezzos: has everything, great rooftop, live music, superb service, speaks English
- Firuze rooftop in IKSV for drinks and sunset, fabulous view, small and fun
- Mamaras Upper Deck rooftop is for drinks only. It has the BEST and highest view in Istanbul. You are free to enter! opens at 6 pm (can get very windy, 360 panoramic views)
Shopping:
- Obvious – the two bazaars – Grande and spice market
- Rich and celebrity, go to Balek.
- Neighborhood, local, nice shopping and restaurants go to Nisantasi (we loved this area – it’s very upscale but casual).
- More American, shop the boardwalk to the North of the Peninsula hotel
- Taksim – it has everything, fun to walk – good desserts
Getting Around Istanbul
Traffic can be terrible in Istanbul, so we don’t recommend driving. Istanbul offers excellent, economical public transportation and we found the trams to get us where we needed to be and the most efficient. When you find yourself in a particular area, the best way to get around is on foot, plus you’ll just see and enjoy so much more. If you do opt for a tour, they will most likely pick you up at your hotel and take you to a central point then drive you from there. If you hire a taxi or an Uber, note that many ONLY take cash or charge higher prices for credit cards. It’s so fabulous that Turkey accepts US dollars and Euros so you won’t need to use the ATM for Lira.
Bus Transportation in Istanbul
This is a very economical way to get around Istanbul! Operated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, buses run throughout the city. Most run from 6 a.m. to midnight. You will need to buy a limited ticket or Istanbulkart which can be refilled at most bus and metro stops. For example, ferries run about $1.50 USD and a ride to the airport is around $2.00 USD. It’s also valid for multiple users (up to 5) which makes it even easier for couples and families.
> Learn more about Istanbulkart here
Tram Transportation in Istanbul
There are four tram lines that offer a great way to get around and see the city. The T1 tram, Bagcilar-Kabatas will most likely be the best getting to tourist destinations like Galata Tower and the Hagia Sophia Museum area. It costs about $1.00 USD for a one-time ride and only 50¢ USD using the Istanbulkart card. You can also get the cards at the stations.
Metro Transportation in Istanbul
There are six metro lines, most of which service the European side. The M1A stops at the airport and the central bus station. They can be great during rush hour as they are underground and cost the same as the tram, $1.00 USD for a one-way, one-time ride and 50¢ with the card.
Ferry Transportation in Istanbul
Ferries go back and forth all day long from multiple ports. The cost is the same as the tram and metro, $1.00 USD for one way and 50¢ using the Instanbulkart. It’s a very economical way to tour the Bosphorus ~ a two-hour tour costs roughly $3.00 USD and a full-day, round-trip tour costs about $7.00 USD. Ports include: Kadiköy, Eminönü, Ortaköy and Karaköy.
> Learn more here about the Sehir Hatlari Ferry options. You can also download the app for Apple and Android from the site.
Taxi Transportation & Ubers in Istanbul
Whenever possible, have the hotel, business/shop, or restaurant hail a cab for you. This will decrease the risk of being scammed. They will also negotiate a set fee for the trip, and give the driver the destination address. Once you’re in the car though, that might change. Always have the address ready and carry your hotel’s business card with you as a safety precaution. There is a base rate of $1.00 USD and then an average of $1.00 per mile. From Karakoy to the airport cost us $20.00 USD cash.
Ubers are about the same cost, just use your app.
Rental Cars
Most major carriers offer rental cars in Istanbul. Traffic is slow and congested, and parking is difficult. If you do rent a car in Istanbul, you should get your IDP (International Driver’s Permit) before you travel from AAA (you don’t need to be a member). Cost per day has been fluctuating so much with recent headlines, I hesitate to give a range here.
> Find the best rental car options here
Note – when you find cars through an aggregator, don’t always go with the best price. Look at Google’s reviews of the company too, BEFORE booking. I will not ever use Budget or Dollar.
> US News offers more details about transportation
Visiting Istanbul: FAQs
I had a lot of questions before planning our trip to Turkey (Istanbul and Cappadocia). These are the top three questions that kept popping up which is exactly why I wrote up the 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary. Here are a few more tips:
- You no longer (2023) need a visa to travel to Turkey if you are a US citizen!
- You don’t need to exchange currency for Lira, everywhere we went, even the smallest boutiques accepted US dollars and Euros!
- Do wear the most comfy shoes you own. In warmer seasons, wear light, loose clothes.
- Be sure to have a head scarf (women) and dress more conservatively. Men and women must have their legs covered.
- Turkey is 98% Muslim, so try not to go during Ramadan.
- Turkey is a 230V country with two associated plug types, types C and F. The USA is 120V, so you will need a step-down converter so you don’t blow out your devices.
Are 3 days enough in Istanbul?
Yes, three days are enough to see Istanbul’s major sights and get a feel for this incredible city. Our 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary was in addition to traveling to other cities in Turkey including Cappadocia and its amazing fairy chimneys. You will certainly have a good understanding of the city, and if like us will plan a more extensive trip in the future. Read the Is Cappadocia Worth It?
Do you tip in Istanbul?
Tips are expected. A standard tip in Turkey is 10%. Some of the better establishments already include service gratuity so check your bill before you tip. You’ll need to have cash though, as most places can’t add it to a credit card bill, or do so very reluctantly. If possible, give the cash directly to your server instead of leaving it in the bill folder. Remember, they take US dollars and Euros! And of course, for exceptional service, leave more and for inadequate service, leave less.
Is Istanbul walkable?
YES!! Istanbul is one of the most walkable big cities we’ve ever visited. Istanbul is not very ADA friendly though. On average, we clocked 15,000-25,000 steps a day over several hours. Only the hills in the Historic area and up to Taksim were a bit challenging and slick in the rain.
Is Istanbul good for foreigners?
Yes, Istanbul is fabulous for foreigners! It’s rich in culture, shopping, entertainment, and cuisine and so uniquely different from other parts of Europe. The Turkish people are warm and friendly and will go out of their way to help you. It’s safe for families, couples, and solo travelers. As with any large city, you need to be vigilant about your surroundings to avoid pickpockets, use trusted transportation services, stay in a safe area, and respect local customs.
Conclusion: 3 Days in Istanbul
Throughout our meticulously planned 3 Days in Istanbul: The PERFECT Itinerary, we’ve embarked on an amazing journey exploring Istanbul’s rich history. From immersing ourselves in the history of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to experiencing the vibrant energy of the Grand Bazaar and the aromatic allure of the Spice Market, and finally, strolling along the lively streets of Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square.
Do you have more time to spend in Istanbul?
Consider enhancing your Istanbul experience by delving into additional gems. Check out Dolmabahce Palace (Turkey’s largest palace), take in a performance of Whirling Dervishes, and visit the Golden Horn, a historic inlet that enriches the city’s panorama. Indulge in a traditional hammam experience for the ultimate spa experience and go to some rooftop bars with incredible views of the coasts and exotic drinks and entertainment, many of which are in the Taksim area.
Suggested Reading:
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