3 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Istanbul that excludes museums and is old person friendly:

Day 1:

• Start your day by visiting the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul and is a must-visit.
• After that, head over to the Hagia Sophia, which was once a church and then a mosque, and now a museum. Although we are excluding museums, the exterior of the building is still worth seeing.
• Next, take a stroll through the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine Constantinople. You can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.
• End your day by taking a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. You'll get to see the beautiful skyline of Istanbul from the water.

Day 2:

• Start your day by visiting the Topkapi Palace, which was once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Although we are excluding museums, you can still explore the palace grounds and gardens.
• After that, head over to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. You can shop for souvenirs, spices, and Turkish delights.
• Next, visit the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. You can find a variety of spices, teas, and sweets here.
• End your day by taking a walk through the historic neighborhood of Balat. You'll see colorful houses, street art, and local cafes.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir built during the Byzantine era. Although we are excluding museums, the cistern is still worth seeing.
• After that, head over to the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. You can enjoy the stunning views of the city from here.
• Next, visit the Chora Church, also known as Kariye Museum. Although we are excluding museums, you can still admire the beautiful mosaics and frescoes on the exterior of the building.
• End your day by taking a relaxing Turkish bath, also known as a hammam. You'll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after this experience.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul! Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.