3-Day Istanbul Itinerary with Historic Sights, Bosphorus Cruise & Princess Islands

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, renowned for its massive dome and stunning mosaics, which has served as a basilica, mosque, and now a museum.

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 that was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, including the Harem and treasury sections.

TRY300, 3h

5:30pm

Gülhane Park Stroll

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

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood in a charming historic Ottoman house located near 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 Karaköy neighborhood.

TRY110, 1h

9:00am

Sultan Eyüp Mosque and Eyüp Teleferik

Visit the significant Eyüp Sultan Mosque, then take 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 traditional Turkish tea or coffee with spectacular vistas of Istanbul’s waterways at 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 Golden Horn Park

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

Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Hotel / Rest

Take 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 strait 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: Princess Islands & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on July 6, 2025

7:45am

Breakfast at Mangerie

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with a European flair overlooking the Bosphorus in the trendy Bebek neighborhood.

TRY120, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Büyükada (Princess Island)

Take the ferry from Kabataş or Bostancı to Büyükada, the largest of the Princess Islands, known for its car-free streets, horse-drawn carriages, and serene nature.

TRY100 round trip, 1h

10:15am

Explore Büyükada by Bicycle or Carriage

Rent a bicycle or take a horse-drawn carriage tour around the island to visit lovely beaches, the historic Greek Orthodox monastery, and charming streets.

TRY150, 3h