🇹🇷 Istanbul · Itinerary
3 Days in Istanbul: The Perfect Itinerary
Three days spans Istanbul’s great mosques, the bazaars and a Bosphorus cruise between two continents. The old-city sights sit within a walkable square, so this plan does Sultanahmet on foot, then the bazaars, then crosses to the modern side.
Best for: First-timers wanting the imperial monuments, the markets and the ferry views at a comfortable pace.
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Day 1: Imperial Sultanahmet
Based around Sultanahmet
Morning
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque face each other across the square — do both (mind prayer times).
Afternoon
Topkapi Palace and its harem, then the sunken columns of the Basilica Cistern.
Evening
A stroll round the old Hippodrome, then dinner in Sultanahmet.
Day 2: Bazaars & the bridge
Based around Grand Bazaar & Eminönü
Morning
Get gloriously lost in the Grand Bazaar, then the serene Süleymaniye Mosque on the hill above.
Afternoon
The aromatic Spice Bazaar, then walk across the Galata Bridge among the rod fishermen.
Evening
Up the Galata Tower for the view, then a meyhane dinner in Karaköy.
Day 3: Bosphorus & the new city
Based around Bosphorus & Beyoğlu
Morning
A Bosphorus ferry cruise — palaces, fortresses and waterfront mansions from the deck.
Afternoon
The opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, then up to bustling İstiklal Street and Taksim Square.
Evening
A rooftop dinner in Beyoğlu with the old city skyline across the water.
Istanbul itinerary tips
- Dress modestly for mosques — shoulders and knees covered, a scarf for women — and they close to visitors at prayer times.
- Get an Istanbulkart: one tap card for trams, ferries and funiculars, far cheaper than singles.
- Insist on the meter in taxis (or use a ride app), and brush off over-friendly “guides” around Sultanahmet.
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