Ultimate 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary: History, Nature, Shopping & Bosphorus Sunset with Swimming

Day 1: Historic Landmarks

Istanbul, Turkey on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Begin your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast and famous desserts at this historic patisserie, located in Sultanahmet.
TRY100, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic architectural marvel that has served as a basilica, mosque, and now a museum, renowned for its massive dome and stunning mosaics.
TRY200, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque

Experience the majestic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, still active for worship.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs (köfte) and local specialties at this legendary eatery near Sultanahmet Square.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the sprawling palace complex that was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, including the Harem section and treasury.
TRY300, 3h

5:30pm

Gülhane Park Stroll

Relax with a peaceful walk in Gülhane Park, a historic urban park near Topkapi, featuring gardens and Bosphorus views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood in a charming historic Ottoman house located close to Sultanahmet, perfect for sampling local fish dishes.
TRY350, 1.5h
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Day 2: Eyüp & Nature

Istanbul, Turkey on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Start your day with a refined Turkish breakfast spread including cheeses, olives, and fresh bread in the Karaköy neighborhood.
TRY110, 1h

9:00am

Sultan Eyüp Mosque and Eyüp Teleferik

Visit the significant Eyüp Sultan Mosque followed by a scenic cable car ride (teleferik) up to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
Mosque Free, Teleferik TRY50, 2h

11:30am

Pierre Loti Café

Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea or coffee with spectacular vistas of Istanbul’s waterways from this historic hilltop café.
TRY70, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tarihi Safranbolu Fırını Eyüp

Sample local pastries and kebabs from this well-rated traditional Turkish bakery and restaurant in Eyüp.
TRY130, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along the Golden Horn Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Green Park by the Golden Horn, admiring nature and the historic waterway.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Hotel / Rest

Take some time to rest and refresh before evening activities.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

Board a Bosphorus cruise to experience stunning sunset views on the waterway that separates Europe and Asia; includes scenic photo opportunities of landmarks along the coast.
TRY400, 2h

8:45pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

End the day with classic Turkish dishes including kebabs at this restaurant near the Spice Bazaar, featuring Bosphorus views.
TRY350, 1.5h
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Day 3: Swimming & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Mangerie

Enjoy a European-style breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus in Bebek to fuel up before heading to the beach.
TRY120, 1h

9:00am

Swimming at Kilyos Beach

Travel to Kilyos Beach on the Black Sea coast, a popular and accessible location for swimming and relaxing by the sea with clean sandy shores.
Free entry; Transport approx TRY60 round trip, 3h

12:30pm

Return to City and Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Head back to Istanbul and have lunch at this historic spot inside the Spice Bazaar offering classic Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.
TRY200, 1h

2:00pm

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Explore the vast Grand Bazaar with thousands of shops selling carpets, spices, ceramics, and souvenirs; a perfect place for last-minute shopping.
Free Entry, 2h

4:15pm

Coffee break at Café Ara

Unwind with coffee and a light snack in this artsy café near Taksim Square, great for people-watching and relaxing.
TRY70, 0h45m

5:15pm

Walk to Galata Tower

Visit the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views over Istanbul and a chance to take memorable photos during the late afternoon light.
TRY150, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Conclude your trip with vibrant and modern Turkish meze dishes in this stylish restaurant near Taksim, perfect for savoring local flavors.
TRY300, 1.5h
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