3-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Sultanahmet, Eyup Teleferik, Suleymaniye, Bosphorus Cruise & Istiklal

Day 1: Historical Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on July 10, 2025

1:00pm

Lunch at Seven Hills Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with a panoramic view of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, located conveniently in Sultanahmet. Open daily from 12pm to 11pm.
TRY150, 1h30m

2:45pm

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic architectural marvel that was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Open from 9am to 7pm in summer.
TRY100, 1h30m

4:30pm

Blue Mosque

Admire the stunning Ottoman-era mosque famous for its blue Iznik tiles. Visit outside prayer times; it closes for worship several times a day, so plan accordingly.
Free, 1h

5:45pm

Basilica Cistern

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir featuring magnificent columns and atmospheric lighting. Open daily from 9am to 7pm.
TRY50, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Dine on authentic Ottoman dishes in an elegant setting, perfect to end your first day in Sultanahmet. Open until 11pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 2: Teleferik & Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pierre Loti Café

Start your day with Turkish breakfast and stunning views over the Golden Horn at this café near the Eyup Teleferik. Open from 8am.
TRY75, 1h

9:30am

Eyup Teleferik and Pierre Loti Hill

Take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn, and visit the historic Eyup Sultan Mosque nearby. Teleferik operates from 9am to 7pm.
TRY35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kanaat Lokantasi

Experience traditional Turkish cuisine with large buttery portions at this Haramidere classic, known for its homestyle cooking. Open from 9am to 10pm.
TRY100, 1h

1:30pm

Free time or optional visit to Eyup Street Market

Wander the local markets around Eyup to shop for souvenirs and experience local life.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait at sunset, passing palaces, mosques, and houses along the water. Evening cruises typically run from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
TRY250, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fish Restaurant in Karakoy

After the cruise, head to Karakoy for fresh seafood and meze dishes with Bosphorus views. Open until 11pm.
TRY200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Suleymaniye & Istiklal

Istanbul, Turkey on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Enjoy a trendy breakfast with sea views at this popular spot in the Bebek area, starting your day relaxed and refreshed. Opens at 8am.
TRY85, 1h

9:30am

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

Explore the grand Ottoman mosque known for its impressive architecture and serene courtyard, open from 9am to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk to Spice Bazaar

Discover the flavors of Istanbul at the vibrant Spice Bazaar offering spices, sweets, and local delicacies. Usually open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at this historic restaurant within the Spice Bazaar, known for classic Turkish dishes and traditional atmosphere. Open until 5pm.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll and Shop Istiklal Avenue

Walk down the lively pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic sites, extending all the way to Taksim Square.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Mandabatmaz

Enjoy some of Istanbul’s best traditional Turkish coffee at this cozy café on Istiklal Street.
TRY25, 30m

5:15pm

Explore Taksim Square and Gezi Park

End your day at Istanbul's central public square and nearby park, cultural hubs and great people-watching spots.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Elevate your last night dining with international dishes and spectacular panoramic views atop Istiklal Avenue. Reservations recommended. Open late.
TRY220, 1h30m
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