3 day itinerary for Istanbul
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Itinerary
Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Istanbul:
Day 1:
- Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. This former church and mosque is now a museum and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
- After the Hagia Sophia, head to the Blue Mosque, which is just a short walk away. This stunning mosque is known for its intricate tile work and is a great place to learn about Islamic architecture.
- For lunch, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs.
- In the afternoon, take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and take in some of Istanbul's most famous landmarks, such as the Maiden's Tower and the Dolmabahce Palace.
- For dinner, head to one of Istanbul's many rooftop restaurants, such as Mikla or 360 Istanbul, for stunning views of the city and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Day 2:
- Start your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Here you can see the palace's stunning architecture, as well as its impressive collection of artifacts and treasures.
- After the Topkapi Palace, head to the nearby Basilica Cistern, an underground water storage system that dates back to the 6th century. This eerie and atmospheric site is a great place to escape the heat and learn about Istanbul's history.
- For lunch, head to the nearby neighborhood of Sultanahmet and try some traditional Turkish street food, such as simit (a type of sesame-covered bread) or döner kebab.
- In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, which is home to a vast collection of artifacts from Turkey's ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Greeks, and Romans.
- For dinner, head to the trendy neighborhood of Beyoglu and try some modern Turkish cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 3:
- Start your day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, another famous covered market in Istanbul. Here you can find a wide variety of spices, teas, and sweets, as well as souvenirs and Turkish delight.
- After the Spice Bazaar, take a short ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the neighborhood of Kadikoy. This vibrant and bustling area is known for its street food, markets, and cafes.
- For lunch, try some of the local specialties, such as lahmacun (a type of Turkish pizza) or pide (a type of Turkish flatbread).
- In the afternoon, visit the Istanbul Modern Museum, which is dedicated to contemporary art from Turkey and around the world.
- For dinner, head back to the European side of Istanbul and try some seafood at one of the many restaurants along the Bosphorus.
Places of interest
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is a stunning palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 19th century and served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace features a blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles and is known for its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens.