Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Discovering Istanbul in 3 Days

Viewed by 60 travelers

Day 1: Historic Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former church turned mosque turned museum, showcasing impressive Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Blue Mosque

Next, visit the Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and unique architectural features, offering a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
Blue Mosque is located right across from Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Ottoman-inspired lunch at Matbah Restaurant, known for its authentic cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Matbah Restaurant is a short walk from the Blue Mosque.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the rich history of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace, where you can explore royal chambers, courtyards, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace is a 15-minute walk from Matbah Restaurant.
60 TRY, 2 hours

5:30PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

End your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of souvenirs, textiles, and spices.
Take a short tram ride from Topkapi Palace to Grand Bazaar.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its panoramic views of the city and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Hamdi Restaurant is a short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sultanahmet

Day 2: Vibrant Beyoglu

Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Explore Istiklal Avenue

Start your day by strolling down Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's modern side.
Istiklal Avenue is easily accessible by tram or metro from Sultanahmet.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Galata Tower

Head to Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus, dating back to the medieval Genoese period.
Galata Tower is a short walk from Istiklal Avenue.
35 TRY, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu, famous for its traditional Turkish baklava and other sweet treats.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is a short walk from Galata Tower.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Taksim Square

Visit Taksim Square, a major transportation hub and cultural landmark, offering shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Taksim Square is a short walk from Karakoy Gulluoglu.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Istanbul Modern

Explore contemporary art at Istanbul Modern, showcasing Turkish and international artists in a waterfront setting.
Istanbul Modern is a short taxi ride from Taksim Square.
40 TRY, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Mikla Restaurant, offering modern Turkish cuisine and breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Mikla Restaurant is a short taxi ride from Istanbul Modern.
150 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Beyoglu

Day 3: Bosphorus Adventure

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying panoramic views of Istanbul's waterfront landmarks.
Join a cruise tour from Eminonu or Ortakoy, easily accessible by tram or bus from Sultanahmet.
100 TRY, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savour authentic Anatolian dishes at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of traditional Turkish flavours.
Ciya Sofrasi is a short walk from the Bosphorus Cruise terminals.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning Ottoman imperial residence overlooking the Bosphorus, with opulent interiors and gardens.
Dolmabahce Palace is a short tram ride from Ciya Sofrasi.
60 TRY, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Ortakoy Square

Unwind at Ortakoy Square, a picturesque waterfront area with charming cafes and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque, perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Ortakoy Square is a short walk from Dolmabahce Palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering a blend of international and Turkish cuisine with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Sunset Grill & Bar is a short walk from Ortakoy Square.
200 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bosphorus Strait
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About istanbul

Best Turkey Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Istanbul (Late February — early March 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: 5 Days in Istanbul (February)
Packing List
Istanbul Weather & Climate Guide: A Year-Round Journey
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Istanbul
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your istanbul Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go