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3 Days In Istanbul Itinerary


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 this moment, it’s simple to see why.

3 days in Istanbul is simply sufficient time to see this vibrant and bustling metropolis is a large metropolis that spans two continents; Asia and Europe. Because the capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, you’ll be able to look forward to finding a plethora of historic and interesting points of interest, 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 high points of interest and extra if you go to this wonderful metropolis.

The Good 3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

Should 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 main 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 if you go to Istanbul Turkey.

So, if 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

An effective way to discover Istanbul is to buy an Istanbul Card. It’s legitimate for 7 days from the primary interplay and consists of skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul’s high points of interest. It additionally consists of 10 rides for public transportation and vouchers to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and a Bosphorus Cruise.

Day 1 – Sultanahmet – Historic Heart

There isn’t a higher method to begin exploring Istanbul than leaping straight into its historic middle – Sultanahmet. It’s dwelling to a number of the most iconic historic landmarks in Turkey – from the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque. No itinerary is full with out a go to to this neighborhood.

Istanbul

After having fun with a conventional Turkish breakfast, you’ll have loads of vitality to discover the outdated metropolis. Higher often called 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

3 days in istanbul itinerary hagia sophia

Probably the most well-known landmark in Istanbul is arguably Hagia Sophia, one of many oldest buildings in Istanbul. 

In actual fact, the constructing was inbuilt 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 became some of the vital mosques within the metropolis.

In 1934, the mosque was transformed right into a museum by the federal government. In 2020, the Hagia Sophia turned 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 attractive with hints of pink and gold, however the inside will amaze you even additional. It has huge 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 cross or 72TL if paying on the entrance.
  • Tram cease – Sultanahmet

The Blue Mosque

Best Things to do in Istanbul Blue Mosque

Simply minutes away from the historic Hagia Sophia is one other certainly one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks – The Blue Mosque also referred to as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Although the Blue Mosque would possibly 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.

Elements of the Grand Palace of Constantinople had been destroyed to construct The Blue Mosque. There isn’t quite a lot 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’ Struggle.

From the outside, you would possibly marvel how The Blue Mosque received its identify. None of its exterior is blue. Guests will perceive as soon as they step inside this spiritual landmark how the mosque received its identify. 

The dome of the mosque is roofed with ornamental blue ceramic tiles that characteristic conventional Ottoman patterns. Together with the Islamic-style ornaments that dot this huge constructing, the Blue Mosque is just an architectural masterpiece. 

Although it won’t be as historic as Hagia Sophia, its charming decor goes to make you fall in love!

Sultanahmet Sq.

istanbl itinerary 3 days sultanahment square

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.

Try 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 in the course of the Ottoman interval. They served as consuming water for vacationers and a spot the place Muslims may purify themselves earlier than coming into a mosque to hope.

Earlier than the Ottomans took over Istanbul, Sultanahmet Sq. was a Hippodrome, an historic Greek stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. That’s the reason you would possibly 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 you’ll find a spot that sells Turkish Ice Cream, in any other case referred to as dondurma. The Turkish ice cream right here comes with somewhat efficiency if you purchase it, and that alone is price each penny (or Lira)!

Afternoon

Basilica Cistern

3 days in istanbul itinerary basilica cistern

Minutes away from Sultanahmet Sq. is among the most important buildings for the day-to-day lifetime of the Byzantine Empire – the Basilica Cistern. Inbuilt 532 by Emperor Justinian, the Basilica Cistern is the most important of the lots of of cisterns that exist beneath Istanbul. 

Many of those cisterns have collapsed over time, however because of 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 a lot of them.

The cisterns had been an underground reservoir water system that was designed to carry massive portions of water and acquire rainwater. This water is then equipped to the whole metropolis so that everybody can have clear water to make use of. It’s some of the unbelievable historic Greek applied sciences. This tour affords 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

3 days in istanbul itinerary topkapi palace

Topkapi Palace was inbuilt 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 plain, but it surely wasn’t sufficient for the Ottoman sultans. Beginning within the seventeenth century, the sultans began to desire spending their time of their palaces alongside the Bosphorus Strait.

Within the mid-Nineteenth century, Topkapi Palace was not in use and was became a museum. Inside, guests will discover tons of reveals on Turkish historical past, massive courtyards, and delightful gardens.

However maybe essentially the most well-known part of the Topkapi Palace Museum is the Harem, a non-public 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 Courtroom, Historic Kitchens, and The Treasury.

Night

Sundown Bosphorus Cruise

Cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey

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, some of the traditionally essential our bodies of water.

Right this moment, the Bosphorus Strait acts because the boundary between Europe and Asia, so visitors technically get a tour of two continents!

All Bosphorus sundown cruises will showcase a number of the most essential buildings alongside the Bosphorus Strait, such because the Dolmabahce Palace and Maiden’s Tower. Friends can even go below the spectacular Bosphorus Bridge that connects Istanbul’s European aspect and Asian sides.

Relying on the kind of cruise you’ve chosen, there is likely to be meals and leisure on board. We advocate choosing an expensive Bosphorus dinner cruise, so you’ll be able to have the possibility 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 high points of interest 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 so much on the second day of our 3-day Istanbul itinerary, so be sure you put on one thing comfy right this moment! On the second day, you’ll end exploring the sight in Sultanahmet and head throughout the Galata Bridge into Taksim, the so-called fashionable middle of Istanbul.

Morning

Grand Bazaar

3 days in istanbul itinerary grand bazaar

Begin your second day in Istanbul with one of many oldest and largest coated markets on this planet – Grand Bazaar. It has an estimated complete of 61 streets and over 4000 outlets, which means that guests can spend a complete day right here and doubtless not see every thing.

An interesting truth about Grand Bazaar  – it’s thought-about the primary shopping center on this planet, which makes it the right place to buy some souvenirs! 

Yow 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 advocate getting a pleasant Turkish rug, a Turkish lantern, or a nazar amulet.

If you end up drained from strolling up and down the streets, chill out in one of many native tea outlets. Have a pleasant Turkish Tea (çay in Turkish) and an area snack earlier than you proceed.

Should you determine to buy one thing (which you completely ought to), don’t overlook to barter! The Turkish are superb salesmen and you may pay much more than what the merchandise is price!

  • Hours: 10 am to 6pm
  • Tram Cease – Beyazit Kapaliçarsi

Spice Bazaar

3 days in istanbul itinerary spice bazaar

Positioned a couple of minutes from the Grand Bazaar is the Spice Market. Not like the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is reasonably small. There are solely two streets, they usually kind 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 essentially the most placing characteristic of the Spice Bazaar is the scent. Once you go in, your scent is instantly overwhelmed by the completely different spices. A mixture of sweat, tea, spices, and herbs create a singular scent that’s iconic to the Spice Market. If you wish to buy Turkish tea, the Spice Bazaar is a good place to take action. 

  • Hours: 10 am to 6pm
  • Tram Cease – Beyazit – Kapaliçarsi

Afternoon

Lunch At Eminonu

3 days in istanbul itinerary lunch where to eat

After you have completed your purchasing 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 good place to pattern Turkish meals. Not like eating places in Sultanahmet which are focused towards vacationers, the eating places right here entice locals because of their inexpensive costs and easy Turkish flavors. 

One of the best ways 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

3 days in istanbul itinerary 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 fashionable middle. The bridge spans throughout the Golden Horn, an iconic physique of water and some of the fashionable spots for fishing. 

It’s not unusual to see native fishermen lined up from one aspect 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 may well take a little bit of time to get throughout!

Galata Tower

3 days in istanbul itinerary galata tower

Maybe essentially the most well-known attraction within the fashionable middle of Istanbul is Galata Tower within the Beyo?lu District. The tower was inbuilt 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 among 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 aspect of Istanbul on a very good day.

Apart from admiring the spectacular views, be sure you discover the reveals that element the historical past of the Galata Tower. This tower was an essential 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

istiklal street istanbul itinerary

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 avenue in Istanbul that’s all the time bustling. Dwelling to quite a few eating places, stylish bars, and stylish cafes, you’ll be able to spend hours right here and never see a number of 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 is likely to be tempting to get on it and save your self a while, the tram may very well be slower than strolling due to all of the pedestrian site visitors!

One of the best ways to see Istiklal Road is to only stroll round and go into any outlets which may fancy you. Don’t miss the dessert outlets and the possibility to check out baklava, the nationwide dessert of 

Turkey. There are various flavors to it however you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with the unique pistachio taste.

As you stroll up Istiklal Road, you’ll ultimately end up in Taksim Sq.. Many individuals contemplate Taksim Sq. to be the center of contemporary Istanbul, and also you’ll actually see much more worldwide manufacturers reminiscent of Mcdonald’s, Burger King, Marriott, and the likes right here.

istanbul itinerary 3 days kebabs

On the western aspect of Taksim Sq. (close to the doorway of Istiklal Road) are a number of doner kebabs outlets. Should you haven’t gotten the possibility to attempt them but, that is the place to go. Simply count on a protracted queue and quite a lot of hungry folks shoving round!

Earlier than you permit, 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 identify for the 360-degree views its penthouse affords. 360 Istanbul often turns into a pleasant nightlife venue later within the night time. 

If you wish to try the nightlife in Istanbul, it is a good spot to take action. In any other case, there are quite a few choices alongside Istiklal avenue!

An excellent journey tip is to get an Istanbul Museum Go to skip the road to fashionable museums like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Harem, Nice Palace Mosaics and extra fashionable museums in Istanbul with the guided tour app. Try this cross right here.

Day 3 – Asian Aspect Of Istanbul

Our final day in Istanbul covers the Asian aspect of Istanbul and likewise affords one thing somewhat extra enjoyable. 

Morning

Turkish Tub (Hammam)

spa etiquette tips
Dave’s prepared for his Hammam

After a protracted day of strolling round Istanbul, I believe it’s time to chill out. Fortunately, there may be the right place in Istanbul to take action – a Turkish Tub, or Hammam in Turkish.

Turkish Baths had been an essential a part of Islamic tradition, serving as a spot the place guests can cleanse themselves earlier than coming into a mosque, and a spot the place visitors can socialize.

These days, a Turkish Tub is extra of a calming expertise the place visitors can come out utterly refreshed and one of many finest issues to do in Istanbul.

There are many Hammams in Istanbul, however we advocate Ca?alo?lu Hammam. Inbuilt 1741, it is among the final baths constructed below the Ottoman Empire. The inside of the Ca?alo?lu Hammam is attractive and appears like a museum of its personal.

Relating to experiencing a Turkish Tub, there are lots of 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 you try the completely different packages Ca?alo?lu Hammam affords on their official website!

Afternoon

Kadikoy

istanbul itinerary three days european side

Now that you simply’ve skilled the primary points of interest on Istanbul’s European aspect, it’s time to head over to the Asian aspect. The Asian aspect is thought for its unbelievable meals and extra laid-back life-style. With loads of residential areas, it is among the finest locations to remain in Istanbul for households.

Our first cease on the Asian aspect is Kadikoy, a neighborhood identified for its inexpensive eating places with genuine flavors. Seafood is a specialty on the Asian aspect, so don’t miss out on the possibility to attempt some stuffed mussels and fish sandwiches!

Head in the direction of the sub-neighborhood of Moda, the place you’ll find 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

3 days in istanbul itinerary camlica mosque

Inbuilt 2019, the Camlica Mosque is a brand new attraction you don’t sometimes 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 fashionable building makes it a spectacular landmark. Apart from being a mosque, it options an artwork gallery, a library, and a museum.

All the pieces 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 high of a hill, the views from there are gorgeous. The Camlica Mosque is located in Camlica Park, an enormous inexperienced house that’s fashionable 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

3 days in istanbul itineray Uskudar

After you’re performed exploring the Camlica Mosque and its huge 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 among the finest locations to catch the sundown in Istanbul. However what makes Uskudar much more gorgeous is the historic Maiden’s Tower that sits just some 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 lodge proper is within the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. It’s a excellent location for exploring Istanbul with a rooftop pool and free WiFi. Try Availability & Costs at Reserving.com/Journey Advisor
  • Sura Hagia Sophia – Positioned in Sultanahmet, this 5-star lodge is completely located to all the primary points of interest. The lodge additionally affords a well-designed backyard with a lovely pool space and Free Joyful Hour. Try Availability & CostsReserving.com/Journey Advisor
  • Elite World Europe Lodge – Located near the airport, this newly-opened lodge affords luxurious at price range costs. Good for a layover or to keep away from Istanbul site visitors when you’ve got a flight leaving within the early morning hours. Try Availability & Costs Reserving.com/Journey Advisor

Suggestions For Visiting Istanbul

turkish delight in istanbul
Ensure that to attempt Turkish Espresso and Turkish Delight
  • Deliver 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 you carry some comfy footwear to stroll across the metropolis!
  • Gown conservatively – Although Turkey is barely extra liberal than most Muslim international locations, 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 have to put on a shawl to cowl your head earlier than you enter.
  • Be Conscious of the Prayer Occasions – Should you plan on visiting the mosques, be sure you try the prayer occasions. Guests will not be 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 providers had been skilled and pleasant! It was good to have an indication with our identify on it ready for us once we landed on the hectic airport.



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