Istanbul-3-day-itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Start the day at Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Be sure to dress modestly.
- Address: Ayasofya, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Transportation: Metro or tram from Sultanahmet stop
- 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque that’s now a museum.
- Address: Ayasofya, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Ticket price: 72 TL (around $12 USD) per person
Lunchtime
- Grab lunch at Pudding Shop, a historic restaurant serving traditional Turkish cuisine.
- Address: Binbirdirek St No. 9, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Price range: 20-50 TL ($3-$7 USD)
Afternoon
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years.
- Address: Cankurtaran St No. 4, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Ticket price: 75 TL (around $12 USD) per person
Evening
- Head to Gülhane Park for a relaxing walk and stunning views of the Golden Horn.
- Address: Beyoğlu Caddesi No. 3, 34060 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Free admission
Nightlife
- Enjoy dinner at Nusr-Et, a famous steakhouse with high-quality meat and a lively atmosphere.
- Address: Istiklal Cd No. 161, 34122 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Price range: 50-100 TL ($7-$15 USD)
- Visit the rooftop bar 360 Istanbul for stunning views of the city.
- Address: Çiçek Pasajı No. 12, 34242 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
Accommodation
- Stay at The Marmara Pera, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
- Address: Teşvikiye Cd No. 15, 34347 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Price range: around $150-$200 USD per night
Day 2: Wednesday
Morning
- Visit Chora Church (Kariye), a Byzantine church famous for its stunning mosaics.
- Address: Edirnekapi Cd No. 47, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Ticket price: 15 TL (around $2 USD) per person
Lunchtime
- Enjoy lunch at Mimo Patisserie, a popular spot for delicious pastries and sandwiches.
- Address: İkdam Cd No. 17, 34122 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Price range: around 10-20 TL ($1-$3 USD)
Afternoon
- Explore the bustling streets of Karaköy, known for its trendy cafes, shops, and street art.
- Address: Karaköy Cd No. 12, 34347 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Free admission
- Visit the Beyoğlu Pier for stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse, a famous restaurant serving high-quality meat.
- Address: Istiklal Cd No. 161, 34122 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Price range: around 50-100 TL ($7-$15 USD)
Day 3: Thursday
Morning
- Visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul’s most famous bazaars.
- Address: Yenicarşi Cd No. 22, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul
- Ticket price: free admission, but some stalls may charge for samples or services
Lunchtime
- Enjoy lunch at Karabatak, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Turkish cuisine.
- Address: Istiklal Cd No. 63, 34122 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Price range: around 20-50 TL ($3-$7 USD)
Afternoon
- Visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, a museum showcasing Turkey’s industrial and technological history.
- Address: Hasköy Cd No. 5, 34445 Beyoğlu/Istanbul
- Ticket price: 25 TL (around $4 USD) per person
Evening
- Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus Strait at sunset.
- Free admission
- Head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Things to Know
- Istanbul has a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
- Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June-August) if possible.
- Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water instead.
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting mosques or churches.
Tips
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases, such as “merhaba” (hello), “teşekkür ederim” (thank you), and “günaydın” (goodbye).
- Haggle politely at bazaars and markets.
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
Transportation
- Use public transportation, such as metro or tram, to get around the city.
- Consider purchasing an Istanbul Tourist Pass for discounted access to attractions and public transportation.
- Take a taxi or ride-hailing service if you’re short on time.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul!