Istanbul itinerary: if you are wondering whether it is possible to visit Istanbul in three days, the answer is “absolutely yes!” This city, a crossroads of cultures with unparalleled historical value, enchants with its beauty and its extraordinary mix of East and West. In this three-day itinerary, designed to immerse you in its culture, you will discover a unique place that spans two continents, Europe and Asia.

For millennia, Istanbul has been the meeting point of different civilizations, thanks to its strategic location that made it a gateway between the East and the West. If you’re planning a trip here, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do-from fascinating historical and cultural attractions to delicious local cuisine, not to mention the many experiences that make this city so magnetic. But never fear!

With this 3-day Istanbul itinerary, you can fully experience all the excitement this city has to offer. For me, this was the case: Istanbul has been the setting for countless firsts and feelings never experienced before in travel! By following my itinerary, told as a travelogue full of insights and practical advice, I am sure you will be able to enjoy a complete experience. It will leave you fascinated and satisfied–perhaps a little tired, but after all, there is a millennial heritage to explore!
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Istanbul itinerary in Turkey, in three days

Day 1: Discovering the historic heartland

Your adventure in Istanbul begins in the beating heart of the city: Sultanahmet, the quintessential historic district. We devoted the first day to the great classics, the must-see attractions that attract most visitors to Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Start the day with a visit to St. Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments. Open to the public from 8:30 a.m., this ancient basilica, transformed into a Mosque and then a Museum, will leave you breathless with its Byzantine mosaics and imposing dome.
Take your time to visit it at your leisure while listening to the audio guide who will reveal all the secrets of this fascinating place!

For this visit I opted to purchase a skip-the-line ticket, which turned out to be a very wise choice given the huge amount of people in front of the Basilica under the August sun!

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

A short walk from the Hagia Sophia, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, this architectural masterpiece owes its name to the 21,043 turquoise ceramic tiles that adorn its walls and majestic dome. Turquoise is the dominant color in this magnificent temple, with majolica tiles from İznik (ancient Nicaea) covering every surface from the walls to the columns, shading from blue to green. The light that penetrates through 260 small windows creates a play of reflections that transforms the prayer hall into an evocative, almost surreal environment.

Inside, the view of the prayer area under the main dome is breathtaking. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is also famous for its six minarets, a record surpassed only by the Kaʿba Mosque in Mecca, which has seven.

Legend has it that this unique architectural feature arose from a misunderstanding: Sultan Ahmed I, in an attempt to compete with the grandeur of the Suleiman Mosque and St. Sophia, wanted golden minarets (“altın” in Turkish). However, the architect misinterpreted the request, understanding “altı” to mean “six.” Thus were born the six distinctive minarets of the Blue Mosque.

The sultan even had a private loggia on the upper floor, which he could access directly on horseback, a detail that adds to the magnificence of this extraordinary place of worship.

Topkapi Palace

In the afternoon I recommend that you take the time to visit the majestic Topkapi Palace, and the Harem, a true gem of architecture and charm.
Topkapi Palace served as the Ottoman sultan’s residence and administrative center of the Empire until 1856. Built at the behest of Muhammad II on the “Seraglio Promontory,” it was originally called “Yeni Saray” or “New Seraglio.”
Here you can explore the splendid courtyards, richly decorated halls and admire imperial treasures, including the famous Topkapi dagger and the Kasikci diamond.
Inside are several rooms with different exhibits, such as pottery, crockery, weapons and authentic clothing.

Even for this visit, I had purchased the ticket in advance on the official website but unfortunately you still have to wait for one of the organizers to take you inside at designated times.

Pay attention to the opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (last entry)

Cistern Basilica

End the day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, one of the largest underground cisterns in Istanbul.
The cistern is an underground space measuring about 140 by 70 meters, with 336 columns arranged in twelve rows, 9 meters high and spaced 4.80 meters apart. The columns, in Corinthian and Doric styles, are made of reused materials, including two huge Gorgon heads used as bases for the columns. The walls, 4 meters thick, are built with bricks and a special waterproof mortar. Despite recent restoration, the cistern still retains water at the bottom.

This evocative place, with its rows of columns and almost mystical atmosphere, will make you feel as if you are in another world.

The Basilica Cistern was built in 532 by Emperor Justinian I, expanding an older structure dating from the time of Constantine. It formerly carried water from the Belgrade Forest, and could hold up to 80 million liters of water, serving the imperial palaces in the area. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the water was used to irrigate the gardens of the Topkapi Palace.
Forgotten during the Middle Ages, the cistern was rediscovered between 1544 and 1550 by Dutch archaeologist P. Gyllius, who made it known to the world. The cistern has been restored several times, but the latest restoration in 2022, included a new tour route and renewed lighting to enhance its archaeological structures.

For this visit I opted to purchase a skip-the-line ticket, which turned out to be a very good choice given the huge amount of people in front of the entrance!

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Karaköy District and Istiklal Caddesi

After the Tower, explore the Karakoy neighborhood, one of the trendiest in the city, full of cafes, art galleries and trendy stores. Then continue along Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street, which will lead you to Taksim Square, the beating heart of the city’s modern life.

Don’t forget to take a couple of photos of the traditional streetcars that run through it!

Lunch and walk in Karaköy

As you approach the Sultanamet neighborhood again, I recommend stopping for lunch in the picturesque Karaköy district, a charming harbor area characterized by an eclectic mix of unique cafes, local bakeries and patisseries, and family-run stores. Buildings dating from the Ottoman era, now embellished with vibrant graffiti, house ateliers and boutiques of up-and-coming young designers. Nearby, the Istanbul Modern, located in a former naval warehouse, displays an extensive collection of contemporary Turkish and international art.

Yeni Cami (New Mosque)

In the afternoon, visit the Yeni Cami, also known as the New Mosque. This beautiful mosque, with its striking location on the Golden Horn, is one of the most fascinating examples of 17th-century Ottoman architecture.
It is also located a few meters from the Egyptian Bazaar, which I found very nice if less well-stocked than the Grand Bazaar.

Authentic Turkish Hamman and Treatments.

Our second day ended with a pampering with an exotic and traditional flavor. We treated ourselves to an evening of beauty and massage treatments in the Hamman at the Beethoven Senfoni Hotel, found almost by accident on Get your Guide.
The treatment is extremely relaxing and lasts about 50 minutes and includes everything you need, such as towels, slippers, water, coffee and tea. The common areas are public, but the steam room and massage rooms will be reserved . Link to book here! 

Day 3: Colors, History and a Cruise on the Bosphorus

The last day of the trip I recommend you devote to discovering Istanbul’s most colorful neighborhoods, to end on a high note then, I absolutely recommend you set sail on a mini cruise on the Bosphorus.

Balat and Fener neighborhoods

Early in the morning we hopped in a cab to the Balat and Fener neighborhoods, known for their colorful houses and bohemian atmosphere. These neighborhoods, among the oldest in the city, offer picturesque views and a rich history. In addition, they have become destinations for instagrammers around the world because of their bright colors, hanging umbrellas and colorful staircase!
Being a bit far from our neighborhood, we decided to walk back but to divide the route into stages: the first two were the Fatih Mosque and the Suleiman Mosque-two degree mosques that really fascinated us.

Fatih Mosque

The Fatih Mosque (with “Fatih” meaning “the conqueror,” an appellation of Mehmed II) is an imposing Ottoman mosque located in Istanbul’s Fatih district.
Rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1766, it is considered the first major Turkish-Islamic architectural work in Istanbul, marking a crucial point in the evolution of Ottoman architecture.

​Suleyman Mosque

The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, commonly known as Suleymaniye, is a majestic Ottoman mosque, built between 1550 and 1557. It is one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, this mosque is known for its grandeur and its panoramic position over the city.

Its courtyard, surrounded by well-kept gardens and bordered by a wall with gratings on three sides, houses an ablution fountain topped by a dome.

The mosque’s design was inspired by the church of St. Sophia, which was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Inside, the mosque is striking in its grandeur and simplicity. The decorations are restrained, except for the miḥrāb, adorned with İznik (ancient Nicaea) faience, and the polychrome stained glass windows.

Rainbow Stairs

Don’t miss the Rainbow Stairs, a colorful staircase on which souvenir stores and eateries teem, which has become one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul.

Grand Bazaar of istanbul

Not to be missed then is a visit to the Bran Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with more than 60 streets, over 4,000 stores with more than 20 entrances.
I must admit that when I first read about the size of the Grand Bazaar I was seriously overwhelmed by the size: would I have been able to find my way around? Would I have found a way out? My technique for not getting lost in the maze of the Grand Bazaar was to decide on a direction and stick to it. I certainly missed a few stores but I did not risk losing my compass!

So stroll serenely among the countless stalls selling really everything from clothing to food, carpets to jewelry, spices to souvenirs.

Three days for an Istanbul itinerary may seem like a limited amount of time, but with shrewd planning, it is possible to have a truly memorable experience in this vibrant metropolis.

Every experience in Istanbul is an opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of this city that combines East and West. Whether admiring architectural wonders, enjoying traditional dishes, or simply strolling through its historic streets, Istanbul is an enriching and fascinating journey.
Make the most of these three days and let the magic of Istanbul remain in your heart.

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