The Perfect 3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

Istanbul truly is a great city. It’s bustling with excitement, culture, food, and stunning history. It’s the largest city in Europe and the only city that straddles two continents, so you’d certainly expect it to be something special. And, I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 days in Istanbul.

We visited in mid-June, so it’s safe to say it was hot. It was just before peak season truly hit, but was also pretty busy. But that’s kind of something you have to embrace when going somewhere like this.

It’s like visiting Bangkok or New York – you expect it to be a little mental. But what you don’t necessarily expect is the beauty of the city. 

The sights of mosques lit up against the Bosphorus, and the sparkling skylines of the city have a beauty to them that I loved.

So, whether you’re whizzing through Istanbul on a layover, having a long weekend in Istanbul, or spending longer in the city while exploring more of Turkey, here’s the perfect Istanbul itinerary for 3 days.

How to get to Istanbul

Being the largest city in Europe, Istanbul is pretty well connected. You can reach the city in several ways:

1. Plane: Arguably the most popular way to reach the city and possibly the easiest too, is to fly. Istanbul has two main airports, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). IST is the newest airport and the closest to the city centre, however, both are well-connected to many major cities around the world.
2. Bus: Istanbul is also well connected to other Turkish cities by bus, with many local bus companies operating routes to and from the city. I recommend using Flixbus to buy bus tickets, however, travelling to Istanbul by bus can add a lot of time to your journey. Bus travel can be cheaper, although you can also find very cheap fares with Pegasus or Turkish Airlines between cities in Turkey and elsewhere in Europe. So, I’d look into this before booking buses.
3. Boat: Istanbul is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. As such, if you’re coming from the Bursa region or other cities along the Black and the Aegean Sea coastlines, it is possible to book a ferry to Istanbul. 

Where to stay for 3 days in Istanbul

Being such a vast city, there’s a lot to offer in terms of accommodation type and location. Ideally, if you only have a short time in Istanbul, you’ll want to stay near the city centre. Not necessarily the very centre (as this can rack up costs), but near enough so that you can easily get public transport.

Some popular areas to consider staying in include:

1. Sultanahmet: The historic heart of Istanbul is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. We stayed here when we visited Istanbul in winter and it was super convenient. 
2. Taksim: This is the modern, cultural, and commercial centre of Istanbul, and is a great choice if you want to be close to shopping, dining, and nightlife. 
3. Beyoğlu: This is another popular neighbourhood to stay in Istanbul. It is known for its cultural and historical landmarks, as well as its trendy cafes and nightlife.
4. Galata: Famous for the Galata Tower, this neighbourhood has a cool, hip vibe. Located across the river from the Old Town, it is full of hilly streets and historical buildings. This is where we stayed during our time in the city.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as rooms can fill up quickly.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Istanbul, here.

How to get around Istanbul

Despite its size, it’s fairly easy to get around Istanbul. The city has a very good public transport network and (once we’d worked out how to use it), it was pretty simple. 

To use public transport, you have to purchase something called an IstanbulKart from a machine at the station. It turns out though, that you can only buy these from specific machines in the city – the ones that have the IstanulKart sign on them.

We made the mistake several times of trying to buy a card from the wrong machine and, quite simply, nothing happened!

The cards cost about 13 TL and come without any credit on them. You then have to top them up to use them, scan them at the turnstiles in the stations, and pay per journey. It’s only about 4 TL per journey (about £0.20) so it’s an incredibly cheap way to get around.

You can then use the card on buses, metro, ferries, and trams around the city.

An alternate way to get around the city is to use a City Card to save money on public transport. These usually come with free transportation and also include entrance and discounts on many of Istanbul’s top attractions. So, it’s a win-win!

Of course, if you’d prefer, you can also use the Taxis to get around. However, traffic in Istanbul is quite frankly terrifying, so I’d recommend public transport at all costs.

3 days in Istanbul – Day 1

So, without further ado, here’s the ideal itinerary for 3 days in Istanbul. For your first day in the city, let’s start in the old town.

Here, you’ll find some of Istanbul’s most famous and most photographed landmarks, plus, it will allow you to get to know the city on foot.

Sultanahmet Square

Located in the centre of the Sultanahmet district, Sultanahmet Square is a historic public square. Funnily enough, it actually used to be a circus arena where chariot races and other sporting events took place. 

This is an ideal place to start your 3 days in Istanbul as the square is located near several of those top landmarks I just mentioned.

It also contains plenty of history itself and you’ll find a few ruins, and the Column of Constantine, a historic obelisk that is also worth a look at. 

Hagia Sophia

Once you’ve had a wander around Sultanahmet Square, head to your first attraction in Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia. This is the Grand Mosque of Istanbul. It’s an incredibly historic building having been built in 360 AD. It also had a very varied history.

It served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for almost 1,000 years and was considered one of the most important religious buildings in the world.

In 1453, after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. In 1935, the Turkish government transformed it into a museum. It remained that way for over 80 years, until 2020 when it was converted back into a mosque.

Today, it is a working mosque, but also one of the most popular attractions in the city. As such, women will be asked to cover their heads and everyone will have to remove their shoes before entering the building.

The Hagia Sophia is a truly beautiful building, renowned for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The dome inside and the intricate details that went into the decoration are stunning and it’s an absolute must-see in the city.

✅ Book a guided tour of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, here.

Basilica Cistern

After you’ve explored Hagia Sophia, head to Basilica Cistern. The largest of several underground cisterns that are scattered underneath Istanbul, Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century. This was without a doubt one of my favourite things we did in Istanbul.

Located in the Sultanahmet district, it was originally created to provide water to the city. Today, you can explore the cistern and admire its unique architecture.

And it’s an incredibly impressive feat of architecture. Approximately 9,800 square meters in size, you’ll find brick vaults and lots and lots of columns.

The entire chamber is lit with low light, creating an almost eerie glow, and is filled with clear water. There are also raised walkways that allow you to get a closer look at the columns and water below.

✅ Book tickets to Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, here.

Blue Mosque

Next head over to The Blue Mosque, another of Istanbul’s most famous buildings. Created in the 17th century, much later than Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque is known mostly for its unique design which, as you can probably guess, is blue.

The interior of the mosque features a large central dome and six surrounding domes and the walls of all of these are covered in pretty, blue tiles. You’ll also find an intricate design of marble pillars, elaborate calligraphy, and stained glass windows.

The Blue Mosque is still used as a mosque and is an important place of worship for Muslims in Istanbul. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in the city and a must-see within 3 days in Istanbul.

As with the Hagia Sophia, you will be asked to dress modestly when visiting the mosque and to remove your shoes before entering.

Grand Bazaar

The final stop on day one of this Istanbul itinerary is possibly one of the most famous marketplaces in the world. The infamous Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets.

In operation since the 15th century, it consists of 61 streets and around 4,000 shops. It’s an incredible place, a strangely beautiful place, and another great photography spot.

Inside, you’ll find a wide range of products, including textiles, jewellery, pottery, spices, and souvenirs. You can literally spend hours exploring the maze-like streets of the bazaar, and bargaining with shopkeepers for the best prices. 

The Grand Bazaar is not only a shopping destination but also an important cultural site. The Ottoman architecture is beautiful and it has been a centre of trade and commerce in Istanbul for many centuries.

The bazaar is also a great place to find unique and authentic Turkish souvenirs, enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of Istanbul’s bazaar culture, and experience the local culture and traditions of Istanbul.

However, be prepared for crowded conditions, as the bazaar can get very busy, especially during peak tourist season.

✅ Book a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

3 days in Istanbul – Day 2

For day 2 of this Istanbul itinerary, we’re heading back into the old town to dive deeper into some of the histories of the city. Finish the day with a spectacular cruise on the Bosphorus.

Topkapi Palace

After some breakfast at your accommodation, head to the Topkapi Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul. Constructed in the 15th century, It was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. 

Since then, it’s steadily expanded through a complex of buildings, courtyards, high walls, and several gates. It now includes several residential buildings, administrative buildings, a mosque, a hospital, and several museums.

Easily a building you could spend several hours exploring, Topkapi Palace is a great place for history buffs, lovers of architecture, and culture, and certainly photographers.

Some of the buildings here are simply magnificent with a wonderful fusion of Ottoman and Islamic styles. From the upper gardens, you’ll also be treated to stunning views over the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

✅ Book tickets to Topkapi Palace and the Harem Museum

Istanbul Archeological Museum

Next, walk just a short distance to find the Istanbul Archeological Museum. This will take you on a fascinating tour of Istanbul’s history. It’s another place you could easily spend a few hours. 

Founded in the late 19th century, it’s considered one of the most important museums of archaeology in the world.

The museum’s collections include artefacts from ancient civilizations such as the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, as well as artefacts from ancient civilizations in the surrounding region. 

Go on a Bosphorus Cruise

Finally, head down to the riverside. If you want to see the city of Istanbul from a different light, joining one of the many cruise boats that tour the Bosporus Strait is a great way to do it. 

The Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia in Istanbul. A cruise along the Strait offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, as well as its lush hillsides, palaces, and fortresses.

Typically lasting between 1 and 2 hours, it offers a unique perspective on the city, its history, and its culture. You might also be able to spot several landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, the Maiden’s Tower, and the Ottoman palaces and villas that line the shore.

They will also typically include commentary in several languages, which provides a relaxing and scenic way to learn about the city’s history and culture. Some cruises also offer traditional Turkish entertainment, such as music and dance performances, as well as food and drinks.

We went on a dinner cruise and, as well as a 3-course meal, were treated to Turkish dancers, a fire eater performance, and great music. The views from the boat were also magnificent.

✅ Book a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul

3 days in Istanbul – Day 3

For your final day in Istanbul, head north of the old town to the Galata district. This time, we’ll be exploring ancient fortresses and a few more famous landmarks.

Rumeli Fortress

Start your day with a trip to Rumeli Fortress. Out of all of these wonderful things to do in Istanbul, Rumeli Fortress is located furthest away from the city centre. Nonetheless, it’s still easily reachable by public transport.

This historical fortress was built by the Ottoman Empire’s conqueror in 1452, in preparation for the conquest of Constantinople. Situated on the European banks of the Bosphorus, it was used to block the passage of enemy ships.

The fortress played a key role in the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It has since been an important symbol of Ottoman power and military might.

Today, you can walk around the castle’s fortified walls, explore the old mosque, and climb the towers for wonderful views across the Bosphorus. Once you’ve explored the fortress, you could also go for a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus and take in the views of the Faith Sultan Bridge.

Galata Tower

Next, head back south towards the centre of Galata. The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower and another of Istanbul’s most photographed spots. It was built in 1348 and was originally used as a watchtower.

Popular with photographers (both from up high and down on the ground), it offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus from its 67-meter-high observation deck. 

Galata Bridge

Finally, head back towards the Bosphorus for our final stop in this 3 day Istanbul itinerary. The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn in Istanbul and is a very photogenic spot.

Constructed in the 19th century, it connects the old city on the historic peninsula of Istanbul with the Galata region.

The bridge has several appeals. On the lower deck, you’ll find a bustling street-level fish market. Here, you can sample fresh seafood from one of the many seafood restaurants, and watch the local fishermen bring in their catch.

Overall…

I didn’t really know what to expect when I decided to visit Istanbul, but it really surprised me. There’s so much to explore and so much excellent history and culture, you could easily spend days just wandering the streets of the old town.

Nonetheless, 72 hours is a great way to get a feel for the wonderful Turkish city. But, if you have less time, here is my 1-day itinerary and 2-day itinerary for the city.

This itinerary will allow you to see some of Turkey’s most famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and the Grand Bazaar. You can get a feel for the culture and dip your toe into the rich history of this place.

All in all, this is my recommendation of how to spend 3 days in Istanbul if it’s your first time visiting the city. So, whether you’re a history and culture buff or just want to relax and enjoy its beauty, I hope you have a wonderful time in Istanbul. I certainly did and I can’t wait to go back.

👉 Haven’t chosen where to stay yet? Here are all of my favourite places to stay in Istanbul including all the hotels we’ve stayed at in the city.