Exploring Istanbul in 3 Days

Day 1: Historical Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local cafe to fuel up for a day full of exploration.
Walk to Sultanahmet Square from your accommodation.
£10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and an iconic symbol of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square.
£12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes like kebabs or mezze.
Walk to the Blue Mosque for your next stop.
£15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Blue Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture and serene atmosphere of the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
The Blue Mosque is located right next to the Hagia Sophia.
Free entry, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the vibrant and bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Take a short tram ride from Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours

6:00PM

Experience the Spice Bazaar

Explore the Spice Bazaar, filled with exotic spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs to take back home.
Walk from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Bazaar.
Depends on shopping, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, trying out some authentic Turkish cuisine.
You can walk to a nearby restaurant from the Spice Bazaar.
£20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Palaces and Towers

Istanbul, Turkey

8:30AM

Breakfast at a cozy cafe

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy cafe, enjoying some Turkish tea or coffee.
Take a tram to Topkapi Palace.
£8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the rich history and opulent architecture of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from the tram station.
£15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Marvel at the ancient underground Basilica Cistern, an architectural wonder with mysterious Medusa heads.
Walk to the Basilica Cistern from Topkapi Palace.
£6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch with a view

Enjoy lunch with a view at a restaurant near the Galata Tower, overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
Take a tram to Galata Tower for lunch.
£18, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Ascend the Galata Tower

Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul, including the historic peninsula and modern cityscape.
The Galata Tower is a short walk from the restaurant.
£9, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll down Istiklal Street

Take a leisurely walk down Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk from the Galata Tower to Istiklal Street.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant on Istiklal Street, trying out some Turkish street food or international cuisine.
Choose a restaurant along Istiklal Street for dinner.
£15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Bosphorus Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring the waterfront palaces and historic bridges.
Take a tram or taxi to the Bosphorus cruise departure point.
£25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Explore the grand Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning blend of Ottoman and European architectural styles, once home to Ottoman sultans.
Take a taxi or public transport to Dolmabahce Palace.
£10, 2 hours

2:30PM

Discover Ortakoy Mosque

Visit the picturesque Ortakoy Mosque by the Bosphorus, known for its scenic location and intricate architecture.
Walk from Dolmabahce Palace to Ortakoy Mosque.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Beyoglu District

Stroll through the vibrant Beyoglu District, known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, and historic buildings like the Galata Bridge.
Take a taxi or public transport to Beyoglu District.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner with a view

Enjoy dinner with a view at a rooftop restaurant in Beyoglu, watching the sunset over the cityscape of Istanbul.
Choose a rooftop restaurant in Beyoglu District for dinner.
£25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability