Istanbul, or Constantinople because it was as soon as famously named, was the traditional capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empires. It was known as Basileousia, or “Queen of Cities” and even right now, it’s simple to see why.
3 days in Istanbul is simply sufficient time to see this vibrant and bustling metropolis is a big metropolis that spans two continents; Asia and Europe. Because the capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, you’ll be able to anticipate finding a plethora of historic and engaging sights, from the long-lasting Blue Mosque, the traditional Hagia Sophia, the world’s oldest and largest coated market, The Grand Bazaar, and the underground cisterns. On this Istanbul itinerary, you’ll see all of those prime sights and extra once you go to this superb metropolis.
The Good 3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary
When you solely have three days in Istanbul however wish to take advantage of out of your go to, don’t fret. On this three-day Istanbul itinerary, you’ll be capable of discover all the foremost sights that make this nice metropolis so magical. We enlisted the assistance of The Turkey Traveler, the #1 journey weblog on all issues Turkey-related. Providing insider ideas, suggestions, and guides, The Turkey Traveler is your final useful resource that can assist you plan the right journey once you go to Istanbul Turkey.
So, once you’re prepared for the right Istanbul Itinerary? Let’s get began…
- Day 1 in Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Sq., Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, a Sundown Bosphorus Cruise
- Day 2 in Istanbul – Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Lunch At Eminonu, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Istiklal Road and Taksim
- Day 3 in Istanbul – Turkish Tub (Hammam), Kadikoy, Camlica Mosque, Uskudar
A good way to discover Istanbul is to buy an Istanbul Card. It’s legitimate for 7 days from the primary interplay and contains skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul’s prime sights. It additionally contains 10 rides for public transportation and vouchers to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and a Bosphorus Cruise.
Day 1 – Sultanahmet – Historic Middle
There isn’t any higher method to begin exploring Istanbul than leaping straight into its historic middle – Sultanahmet. It’s house to among the most iconic historic landmarks in Turkey – from the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque. No itinerary is full and not using a go to to this neighborhood.
Istanbul
After having fun with a standard Turkish breakfast, you’ll have loads of vitality to discover the outdated metropolis. Higher often known as Kahvalti, a Turkish breakfast consists of cured meats and dips, contemporary cheeses, egg, and contemporary breads together with a Turkish bagel. After the savory you’ll take pleasure in pastries, honey, and jams.
Hagia Sophia
Essentially the most well-known landmark in Istanbul is arguably Hagia Sophia, one of many oldest buildings in Istanbul.
In reality, the constructing was in-built 537, at a time when there was no Istanbul. When it was constructed, Istanbul was Constantinople, a reputation given to town by the Byzantine Empire. For 1,100 years, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. And it wasn’t till 1453 did the Ottoman Empire conquer it and named it Istanbul.
That’s the reason Hagia Sophia was initially a Catholic Cathedral. As soon as town was seized by the Ottomans, it was was one of the crucial important mosques within the metropolis.
In 1934, the mosque was transformed right into a museum by the federal government. In 2020, the Hagia Sophia grew to become a functioning mosque once more, a lot to the delight of the Turkish folks.
The Hagia Sophia has 4 minarets, which signifies that the mosque was constructed by the sultan. Its exterior is beautiful with hints of crimson and gold, however the inside will amaze you even additional. It has large marble slabs and a 32-meter fundamental dome that exudes nothing however opulence.
- Opening Hours: April to October: 9am to 7 pm day by day November to March – 9am to 6pm. (closed on Mondays)
- Free entry to Hagia Sophia with museum move or 72TL if paying on the entrance.
- Tram cease – Sultanahmet
The Blue Mosque
Simply minutes away from the historic Hagia Sophia is one other considered one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks – The Blue Mosque also called the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Although the Blue Mosque may look extra spectacular than the Hagia Sophia, particularly with its unintended 6 minarets, the Blue Mosque was solely constructed round 400 years in the past.
Components of the Grand Palace of Constantinople had been destroyed to construct The Blue Mosque. There isn’t lots of historical past to The Blue Mosque, besides that it was constructed by Sultan Ahmed I to spice up the morale of the Turkish folks after the Fifteen Years’ Warfare.
From the outside, you may surprise how The Blue Mosque acquired its title. None of its exterior is blue. Guests will perceive as soon as they step inside this spiritual landmark how the mosque acquired its title.
The dome of the mosque is roofed with ornamental blue ceramic tiles that function conventional Ottoman patterns. Together with the Islamic-style ornaments that dot this large constructing, the Blue Mosque is just an architectural masterpiece.
Although it may not be as historic as Hagia Sophia, its charming decor goes to make you fall in love!
Sultanahmet Sq.
After visiting the 2 most iconic mosques in Istanbul, stroll round Sultanahmet Sq.. That is the park that connects each The Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque, but it surely has far more to supply guests.
Take a look at the Obelisk of Theodosius, an Egyptian obelisk that was re-erected right here within the 4th century AD.
The park is full of adorned fountains constructed throughout the Ottoman interval. They served as ingesting water for vacationers and a spot the place Muslims might purify themselves earlier than getting into a mosque to wish.
Earlier than the Ottomans took over Istanbul, Sultanahmet Sq. was a Hippodrome, an historical Greek stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. That’s the reason you may discover the odd form of the park.
Earlier than you head off to the following cease of our 3-day Istanbul itinerary, think about what it was like again then!
See if yow will discover a spot that sells Turkish Ice Cream, in any other case known as dondurma. The Turkish ice cream right here comes with just a little efficiency once you purchase it, and that alone is price each penny (or Lira)!
Afternoon
Basilica Cistern
Minutes away from Sultanahmet Sq. is likely one of the most important buildings for the day-to-day lifetime of the Byzantine Empire – the Basilica Cistern. In-built 532 by Emperor Justinian, the Basilica Cistern is the most important of the a whole lot of cisterns that exist beneath Istanbul.
Many of those cisterns have collapsed over time, however due to the Basilica Cistern’s 336 columns and many maintenance, the cistern is open to guests. Many of the columns got here from salvaged temples and guests can nonetheless see the carvings on lots of them.
The cisterns had been an underground reservoir water system that was designed to carry giant portions of water and acquire rainwater. This water is then equipped to your entire metropolis so that everybody can have clear water to make use of. It’s one of the crucial unbelievable historical Greek applied sciences. This tour gives skip the ticket strains to enter the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern with an area host.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 9 am to 7pm (from November to march 9 am to 5pm) Closed on Tuesdays.
- Price: 72 TL (notice this doesn’t embrace the Harem) To ebook the Harem, it’s one other 42 TL)
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was in-built 1460 after the conquest of Constantinople to function the house and administrative constructing for the Ottoman sultans. It took a complete of 18 years to finish.
The grandeur of the Topkapi Palace is simple, but it surely wasn’t sufficient for the Ottoman sultans. Beginning within the seventeenth century, the sultans began to want spending their time of their palaces alongside the Bosphorus Strait.
Within the mid-Nineteenth century, Topkapi Palace was now not in use and was was a museum. Inside, guests will discover tons of reveals on Turkish historical past, giant courtyards, and exquisite gardens.
However maybe probably the most well-known part of the Topkapi Palace Museum is the Harem, a personal quarter the place the feminine members of the sultan’s household lived. The tiling contained in the Harem is equally gorgeous, if not, extra gorgeous than those within the Blue Mosque.
Together with the stained glass home windows and complicated patterns all through the entire inside, the Harem is nothing lower than breathtaking. Get a skip the road ticket that features a guided tour of the Viewers Corridor, Excessive Court docket, Historic Kitchens, and The Treasury.
Night
Sundown Bosphorus Cruise
No Istanbul itinerary is full with out having fun with a Bosphorus sundown cruise. The cruise departs from the Golden Horn and cruises across the Bosphorus Strait, one of the crucial traditionally necessary our bodies of water.
Right this moment, the Bosphorus Strait acts because the boundary between Europe and Asia, so company technically get a tour of two continents!
All Bosphorus sundown cruises will showcase among the most necessary buildings alongside the Bosphorus Strait, such because the Dolmabahce Palace and Maiden’s Tower. Friends also can go below the spectacular Bosphorus Bridge that connects Istanbul’s European facet and Asian sides.
Relying on the kind of cruise you’ve chosen, there could be meals and leisure on board. We suggest choosing an expensive Bosphorus dinner cruise, so you’ll be able to have the prospect to pattern conventional Turkish meals like meze and raki, in addition to expertise cultural dance just like the Whirling Dervishes whereas sipping on Turkish espresso.
We took a yacht cruise to absorb the sights, and this cruise takes you on a 2.5-hour boat cruise of the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul’s prime sights together with Galata Tower and the Dolmabahçe Palace, each the Asian and European Coasts the Küçüksu Palace which was the searching lodge of the Ottoman Empire.
Day 2 – Sultanahmet and Taksim
You’ll be strolling loads on the second day of our 3-day Istanbul itinerary, so be sure to put on one thing comfy right now! On the second day, you’ll end exploring the sight in Sultanahmet and head throughout the Galata Bridge into Taksim, the so-called trendy middle of Istanbul.
Morning
Grand Bazaar
Begin your second day in Istanbul with one of many oldest and largest coated markets on the planet – Grand Bazaar. It has an estimated complete of 61 streets and over 4000 retailers, that means that guests can spend a complete day right here and doubtless not see every little thing.
An interesting reality about Grand Bazaar – it’s thought of the primary shopping center on the planet, which makes it the right place to buy some souvenirs!
You will discover quite a lot of stuff right here – from low cost counterfeits to antiques. However in case you are on the lookout for one thing to recollect your journey by, then we suggest getting a pleasant Turkish rug, a Turkish lantern, or a nazar amulet.
When you find yourself drained from strolling up and down the streets, calm down in one of many native tea retailers. Have a pleasant Turkish Tea (çay in Turkish) and an area snack earlier than you proceed.
When you determine to buy one thing (which you completely ought to), don’t neglect to barter! The Turkish are excellent salesmen and you’ll pay much more than what the merchandise is price!
- Hours: 10 am to 6pm
- Tram Cease – Beyazit Kapaliçarsi
Spice Bazaar
Positioned a couple of minutes from the Grand Bazaar is the Spice Market. Not like the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is moderately small. There are solely two streets, they usually type the letter L.
Constructed within the seventeenth Century, the Spice Bazaar is far newer than the Grand Bazaar and guests can instantly inform by the second they stroll in. It’s far more modern-looking and chic than the Grand Bazaar.
However maybe probably the most hanging function of the Spice Bazaar is the scent. Once you go in, your scent is straight away overwhelmed by the completely different spices. A mixture of sweat, tea, spices, and herbs create a novel scent that’s iconic to the Spice Market. If you wish to buy Turkish tea, the Spice Bazaar is a superb place to take action.
- Hours: 10 am to 6pm
- Tram Cease – Beyazit – Kapaliçarsi
Afternoon
Lunch At Eminonu
Upon getting completed your buying spree in these bazaars, it’s time to pattern some native meals. Fortunately, Eminonu, the neighborhood the place the Spice Bazaar is situated, is the right place to take action.
This bustling neighborhood is a superb place to pattern Turkish meals. Not like eating places in Sultanahmet which are focused towards vacationers, the eating places right here entice locals due to their inexpensive costs and easy Turkish flavors.
The easiest way to expertise Eminonu is to stroll round and see what you want. Our favourite restaurant in Eminonu is Sehzade Cag Kebap. Its lamb sis kebap is so wealthy in taste and melts in your mouth!
Galata Bridge
After a hearty lunch, it’s time to proceed exploring Istanbul. Head over to the Galata Bridge, which connects the historic middle of Istanbul with its trendy middle. The bridge spans throughout the Golden Horn, an iconic physique of water and one of the crucial in style spots for fishing.
It isn’t unusual to see native fishermen lined up from one facet of the bridge all the way in which to the opposite.
All of the fishermen carry forth a ton of seagulls. Mixed with the multitude of pedestrians and boats coming from out and in, strolling throughout Galata Bridge is an iconic second. Although solely 490 meters lengthy, it will probably take a little bit of time to get throughout!
Galata Tower
Maybe probably the most well-known attraction within the trendy middle of Istanbul is Galata Tower within the Beyo?lu District. The tower was in-built 1348 below the rule of the Byzantine Empire. At 63 meters above the bottom, it was the tallest tower again then and served as a part of Constantinople’s fortification.
These days, the Galata Tower is likely one of the finest locations in Istanbul for panoramic views of town. From the balcony, you’ll be able to see Sultanahmet, Golden Horn, Bosphorus Strait, and even the Asian facet of Istanbul on a very good day.
Moreover admiring the spectacular views, be sure to discover the reveals that element the historical past of the Galata Tower. This tower was an necessary a part of each the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire’s historical past.
- Opening Hours of Galata Tower: 9 am to 7 pm
- Price: 35 TL
Night
Istiklal Road and Taksim
The final exercise on the second day of our 3 days in Istanbul itinerary is to discover Istiklal Road and the Taksim neighborhood.
Istiklal Road is a 1.4-kilometer (0.87-mile) pedestrian-only road in Istanbul that’s at all times bustling. Dwelling to quite a few eating places, fashionable bars, and stylish cafes, you’ll be able to spend hours right here and never see among the finest issues it has to supply.
Right here you’ll discover the historic Istiklal tram that covers half the span of Istiklal Road. Although it could be tempting to get on it and save your self a while, the tram could possibly be slower than strolling due to all of the pedestrian visitors!
The easiest way to see Istiklal Road is to only stroll round and go into any retailers which may fancy you. Don’t miss the dessert retailers and the prospect to check out baklava, the nationwide dessert of
Turkey. There are various flavors to it however you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with the unique pistachio taste.
As you stroll up Istiklal Road, you’ll finally end up in Taksim Sq.. Many individuals take into account Taksim Sq. to be the center of recent Istanbul, and also you’ll actually see much more worldwide manufacturers comparable to Mcdonald’s, Burger King, Marriott, and the likes right here.
On the western facet of Taksim Sq. (close to the doorway of Istiklal Road) are a number of doner kebabs retailers. When you haven’t gotten the prospect to strive them but, that is the place to go. Simply anticipate a protracted queue and lots of hungry folks shoving round!
Earlier than you allow, take pleasure in a pleasant dinner at one of many rooftop eating places close to Taksim. Our favourite is 360 Istanbul, and it has earned its title for the 360-degree views its penthouse gives. 360 Istanbul often turns into a pleasant nightlife venue later within the evening.
If you wish to try the nightlife in Istanbul, it is a excellent place to take action. In any other case, there are quite a few choices alongside Istiklal road!
An amazing journey tip is to get an Istanbul Museum Move to skip the road to in style museums like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Harem, Nice Palace Mosaics and extra in style museums in Istanbul with the guided tour app. Take a look at this move right here.
Day 3 – Asian Aspect Of Istanbul
Our final day in Istanbul covers the Asian facet of Istanbul and in addition gives one thing just a little extra stress-free.
Morning
Turkish Tub (Hammam)
After a protracted day of strolling round Istanbul, I believe it’s time to calm down. Fortunately, there may be the right place in Istanbul to take action – a Turkish Tub, or Hammam in Turkish.
Turkish Baths had been an necessary a part of Islamic tradition, serving as a spot the place guests can cleanse themselves earlier than getting into a mosque, and a spot the place company can socialize.
These days, a Turkish Tub is extra of a soothing expertise the place company can come out fully refreshed and one of many finest issues to do in Istanbul.
There are many Hammams in Istanbul, however we suggest Ca?alo?lu Hammam. In-built 1741, it is likely one of the final baths constructed below the Ottoman Empire. The inside of the Ca?alo?lu Hammam is beautiful and appears like a museum of its personal.
On the subject of experiencing a Turkish Tub, there are various packages to select from. Relying on the way you wish to be pampered, you’ll be able to select one thing that’s extra complete or one thing shorter.
Earlier than you go, be sure to try the completely different packages Ca?alo?lu Hammam gives on their official website!
Afternoon
Kadikoy
Now that you just’ve skilled the principle sights on Istanbul’s European facet, it’s time to head over to the Asian facet. The Asian facet is thought for its unbelievable meals and extra laid-back way of life. With loads of residential areas, it is likely one of the finest locations to remain in Istanbul for households.
Our first cease on the Asian facet is Kadikoy, a neighborhood identified for its inexpensive eating places with genuine flavors. Seafood is a specialty on the Asian facet, so don’t miss out on the prospect to strive some stuffed mussels and fish sandwiches!
Head in the direction of the sub-neighborhood of Moda, the place yow will discover a promenade alongside the Bosphorus Strait. Go for a brief stroll and take within the spectacular views and refreshing sea air earlier than heading to your subsequent vacation spot!
Camlica Mosque
In-built 2019, the Camlica Mosque is a brand new attraction you don’t usually discover in any guidebooks. However in case you are following our Istanbul itinerary, you’ll not miss out on this hidden gem.
The Camlica Mosque is the most important mosque in all of Turkey and its trendy building makes it a spectacular landmark. Moreover being a mosque, it options an artwork gallery, a library, and a museum.
All the things within the Camlica Mosque simply speaks of luxurious and opulence.
Don’t miss out on the huge courtyard that boasts spectacular views of the Bosphorus Bridge. Perched on prime of a hill, the views from there are gorgeous. The Camlica Mosque is located in Camlica Park, a large inexperienced house that’s in style for households to benefit from the outside.
If you’re nonetheless early within the afternoon, spend a while strolling round. You’ll be glad about some contemporary air after the previous 2 days on the European Aspect.
Night
Uskudar
After you might be carried out exploring the Camlica Mosque and its large grounds, head over to the quaint neighborhood of Uskudar on the Asian Aspect. This neighborhood is thought for its bustling fish markets and a long-stretching promenade with tons of cozy cafes.
Dealing with west, the shores of this seaside neighborhood is likely one of the finest locations to catch the sundown in Istanbul. However what makes Uskudar much more gorgeous is the historic Maiden’s Tower that sits only a few hundred meters off the shore.
On the proper spot, the solar units behind this Byzantine-era fortification and its silhouette is simply spectacular.
After the solar units, stroll across the neighborhood and discover a seafood restaurant with a view for dinner!
The place to Keep in Istanbul
- Swissotel The Bosphorus – This five-star luxurious resort proper is within the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. It’s a good location for exploring Istanbul with a rooftop pool and free WiFi. Take a look at Availability & Costs at Reserving.com/Journey Advisor
- Sura Hagia Sophia – Positioned in Sultanahmet, this 5-star resort is completely located to all the principle sights. The resort additionally gives a well-designed backyard with a horny pool space and Free Comfortable Hour. Take a look at Availability & CostsReserving.com/Journey Advisor
- Elite World Europe Lodge – Located near the airport, this newly-opened resort gives luxurious at funds costs. Good for a layover or to keep away from Istanbul visitors when you’ve got a flight leaving within the early morning hours. Take a look at Availability & Costs Reserving.com/Journey Advisor
Ideas For Visiting Istanbul
- Carry comfy footwear – Istanbul is a metropolis that’s finest found on foot. The town has a nickname of “Metropolis on the Seven Hills”, so be sure to carry some comfy footwear to stroll across the metropolis!
- Costume conservatively – Although Turkey is barely extra liberal than most Muslim nations, it’s nonetheless a Muslim nation. Ensure you received’t put on one thing too revealing. For the mosques, males can not put on tank tops and their pants should cowl their knees. Hats are additionally not allowed. Girls should cowl their heads, shoulders, and knees. You’ll must put on a shawl to cowl your head earlier than you enter.
- Be Aware of the Prayer Occasions – When you plan on visiting the mosques, be sure to try the prayer occasions. Guests usually are not welcome throughout this time.
- Get an Istanbulkart – The Istanbulkart is a necessity when utilizing Istanbul’s transportation system. It’s a good contactless card that’s used to pay the fare. You may get one from most main public transportation stations.
- You may additionally like: Etiquette within the Center East- Journey for Males and Girls
To get to and from the airport, we (Dave and Deb) took TransferExpert.com. Their companies had been skilled and pleasant! It was good to have an indication with our title on it ready for us once we landed on the hectic airport.