Ultimate 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary: History, Nature, Shopping & Bosphorus Sunset including Princes' Islands and Eyüp

Day 1: Historical Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafız Mustafa 1864

Begin with a traditional Turkish breakfast and sweet baklava at this historic patisserie, open from 8am to start your day authentically.
TRY100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the breathtaking Byzantine architecture and mosaics of Hagia Sophia Museum, open from 9am to 7pm.
TRY150, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour the Blue Mosque

Admire the Sultan Ahmed Mosque’s exquisite blue Iznik tiles and Ottoman architecture. Open 9am-5pm except during prayer times.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and comforting local dishes near the historic district, open 11am-7pm.
TRY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent Ottoman sultans’ residence, collections, and gardens. Open 9am-6:45pm.
TRY200, 3h0m

5:15pm

Grand Bazaar

Browse one of the world's oldest covered markets for crafts, carpets, and spices. Open 9am-7pm daily except Sundays.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Taste delicious kebabs while enjoying Golden Horn views at this popular spot open until 11pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bosphorus & Eyüp

Istanbul, Turkey on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Experience a rich Turkish breakfast featuring regional specialties in the vibrant neighborhood of Çengelköy, open from 8am.
TRY110, 1h0m

9:45am

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic ferry ride along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in palaces, mosques, and bridges. Departures from Eminönü pier start early morning.
TRY85, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant Eminönü Branch

Savor traditional kebabs with views of the Golden Horn at the Eminönü location, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
TRY230, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Explore the historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque complex, a significant pilgrimage site on the Golden Horn, open to visitors throughout the day until evening.
Free, 1h0m

2:45pm

Eyüp Teleferik (Cable Car) Ride

Take the Eyüp cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of Istanbul and a quaint café atmosphere, operating daily until dusk.
TRY30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Pierre Loti Café

Enjoy Turkish tea or coffee while soaking in spectacular views from this famous hilltop café.
TRY50, 45m

5:00pm

Return to Sultanahmet

Head back to the historic district to rest or explore more local spots after your Eyüp visit.
Transport fares approximately TRY15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood in a charming historic house near Sultanahmet, open until 10:30pm.
TRY280, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a light traditional Turkish breakfast to prepare for the day’s Princes' Islands excursion.
Included or TRY80, 1h0m

8:30am

Ferry to Büyükada (Princes' Islands)

Catch a ferry from Kabataş terminal to Büyükada, famous for its historic mansions and car-free streets. Ferry takes about one hour and runs frequently.
TRY50, 1h0m

9:45am

Bike or Horse Carriage Tour on Büyükada

Rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore pine forests, waterfront, and landmarks like Aya Yorgi Church.
TRY35, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood paired with beautiful sea views at this iconic Büyükada eatery, open from noon.
TRY160, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return Ferry to Istanbul

Board the ferry back to the city to continue the day's activities. The trip takes approximately one hour.
TRY50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping at Istiklal Avenue & Taksim Square

Explore vibrant Istiklal street's shops, boutiques, cafes, and street performances, concluding at lively Taksim Square. Shops open 10am-10pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:15pm

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

Unwind with some of Istanbul’s strongest Turkish coffee in this cozy cafe near Istiklal Avenue, open late evening.
TRY40, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

End your Istanbul visit with contemporary fusion cuisine atop a rooftop offering panoramic city views. Open until midnight.
TRY300, 1h30m
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