Ultimate 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary: History, Nature, Shopping, Eyüp Teleferik, Bosphorus Sunset Cruise & Asian Side Exploration

Day 1: Historic Discovery

Istanbul, Turkey on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start your day with traditional Turkish breakfast sandwiches and sweets at this historic patisserie located near Sultanahmet.
TRY50, 1h

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, open daily from 9am to 7pm.
TRY200, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Visit this stunning mosque known for its blue Iznik tiles and magnificent architecture, open to visitors until an hour before evening prayers.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy famous Turkish meatballs (köfte) and traditional sides at this beloved local eatery near the historic sites.
TRY80, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans with its harem and treasury section, open daily from 9am to 6:45pm.
TRY250, 3h

6:00pm

Gülhane Park Stroll

Relax with a walk through this historic park adjacent to Topkapi Palace, perfect for an evening unwind in nature.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood dishes in a charming traditional restaurant in Sultanahmet, open until around 11pm.
TRY150, 1.5h
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Day 2: Nature & Scenic Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Experience an authentic Turkish breakfast featuring cheeses, honey, and fresh bread on the European side near Eyüp.
TRY70, 1h

9:30am

Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Cemetery

Visit this important mosque and its historic cemetery, a spiritual site reflecting Ottoman heritage, open daily.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Eyüp Teleferik (Cable Car) to Pierre Loti Hill

Take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of the Golden Horn and enjoy a tea at the famed café.
TRY50, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at İmren Lokantası

Savor traditional Turkish home-style dishes in the Eyüp area.
TRY65, 1h

2:00pm

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

Embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, viewing Istanbul’s skyline and palaces from the water, generally operating from 4pm to 7:30pm.
TRY120, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Anadolu Kavağı Fish Restaurants

After the cruise, head to the Asian side’s fishing village for dinner with a view of the Bosphorus Strait.
TRY150, 1.5h
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Day 3: Asian Side & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy

Enjoy an early breakfast of regional Anatolian specialties in the lively Kadıköy market area, open from 8am.
TRY85, 1h

9:45am

Explore Kadıköy Market & Streets

Walk through the vibrant streets of Kadıköy visiting local shops, bookshops, and cafes, soaking in the local culture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Ferry to Üsküdar

Take a short ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Üsküdar, a charming Asian side district with historic mosques and seafront promenades.
TRY15, 30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Kanaat Lokantası

Feast on classic Ottoman and Turkish dishes in one of Üsküdar’s oldest restaurants, operating since 1933.
TRY90, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)

Take a boat trip to this iconic tower off the coast of Üsküdar, and enjoy the breathtaking views, open from 10am to 7pm.
TRY40, 1h

3:30pm

Shopping in Bağdat Avenue

Stroll along Bağdat Avenue, the premier shopping street on the Asian side, featuring international brands and local boutiques.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Çubuklu 29

Enjoy a refined dinner in a Bosphorus-side restaurant with views of the Asian and European shores, offering traditional and modern Turkish cuisine.
TRY160, 1.5h
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