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3-Day Istanbul Itinerary: Sultanahmet, Eyüp, Süleymaniye, Bosphorus Cruise, and Taksim Highlights

Viewed by 78 travelers

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey on July 10, 2025

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at this iconic eatery renowned for its authentic flavors and quick service close to the main historic sites.
TRY100, 1h

2:15pm

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, renowned for its stunning domes and mosaics.
TRY200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tour the Blue Mosque

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior walls. It is a functioning mosque so plan to avoid prayer times.
Free, 1h

5:15pm

Explore the Basilica Cistern

Discover the subterranean world of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir with atmospheric lighting and eerie columns.
TRY100, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savor fresh seafood dishes in an elegant setting close to Sultanahmet, famous for its mezes and fish specialties.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Eyüp, Süleymaniye & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on July 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pierre Loti Café

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast while enjoying panoramic views over the Golden Horn from this historic café.
TRY150, 1h

10:15am

Eyüp Teleferik Ride

Take the cable car (teleferik) up from Eyüp to Pierre Loti Hill, enjoying scenic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn.
TRY50, 30m

11:00am

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

Explore one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques built by the architect Sinan, combining stunning views with beautiful Ottoman architecture.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gülhane Sark Sofrasi

Enjoy authentic Ottoman cuisine in a cozy setting near Gülhane Park, serving classic dishes with rich flavors.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or stroll in Gülhane Park

Take a tranquil walk through this historic park that once served as part of the Topkapi Palace gardens.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait witnessing Istanbul’s skyline, castles, and waterside palaces bathed in golden light.
TRY250, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vogue Restaurant

Dine with splendid views overlooking the Bosphorus, offering a menu blending Turkish and international cuisine with a stylish ambiance.
TRY350, 1h30m
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Day 3: Istiklal & Galata

Istanbul, Turkey on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mırra Coffee

Enjoy a rich cup of traditional Turkish coffee with light breakfast bites on Istiklal Avenue to start your day energized.
TRY80, 45m

9:30am

Walk down Istiklal Avenue

Explore this bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, historic passages, cultural venues, and street performers.
Free, 2h

11:45am

Visit Galata Tower

Ascend the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views over Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus, a must-see landmark in the city.
TRY150, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Taste classic Turkish dishes in a stylish setting in Karaköy, known for its mezze and fresh seafood.
TRY220, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Taksim Square

Visit the vibrant heart of modern Istanbul featuring cultural monuments, shops, and lively cafes.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Coffee break at Café Kronotrop

Relax with specialty coffee in a popular café on Istiklal Avenue before concluding your trip.
TRY70, 45m

5:00pm

End of Tour

Conclude your 3-day Istanbul exploration with lovely memories and photos from historic and modern parts of the city.
Free, 0h
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