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Explore Istanbul in 3 Days

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Historical Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast of simit (sesame bread rings) and çay (Turkish tea) at a local cafe.
Walk from your accommodation to Sultanahmet Square, which takes about 10 minutes.
20 TRY, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architecture and history of Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque turned museum.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
100 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Doyuran Lokantasi

Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine at Doyuran Lokantasi, known for its delicious kebabs and mezes.
Doyuran Lokantasi is a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
50 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and admire its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
The Blue Mosque is right next to Hagia Sophia.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Basilica Cistern

Discover the underground Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir with impressive Medusa heads.
A short walk from the Blue Mosque.
30 TRY, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matbah Restaurant

Indulge in Ottoman cuisine at Matbah Restaurant, offering a unique dining experience in a historical setting.
Matbah Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Basilica Cistern.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: Market and Palaces

Istanbul, Turkey

8:30AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its delicious spreads and variety of cheeses.
Van Kahvalti Evi is a 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
40 TRY, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the vibrant lanes of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
A 20-minute walk from Van Kahvalti Evi.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Pandeli Restaurant, located within the Grand Bazaar and serving traditional Ottoman cuisine.
Pandeli Restaurant is inside the Grand Bazaar.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and now a museum showcasing Ottoman treasures.
A short walk from the Grand Bazaar.
100 TRY, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Spice Bazaar

Experience the sights and scents of the Spice Bazaar, filled with colourful spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
A 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner with a view at Hamdi Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn and delicious Turkish dishes.
Hamdi Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Palace and Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sutis

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Sutis, a popular bakery known for its pastries and Turkish delights.
Sutis is a 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
30 TRY, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace overlooking the Bosphorus.
A short tram ride or 20-minute walk from Sutis.
60 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering authentic Anatolian cuisine.
Ciya Sofrasi is a 15-minute walk from Dolmabahce Palace.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul's iconic landmarks from the water, including the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahce Palace.
Head to the Eminonu Ferry Terminal for the cruise.
25 TRY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Enjoy a luxurious dinner with stunning views at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine.
Sunset Grill & Bar is a 15-minute walk from the Eminonu Ferry Terminal.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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