3 day itinerary
Istanbul
Personalized with:Things to do istanbul
Itinerary
Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Istanbul:
Day 1:
- Start your day with a visit to the , 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 , head to the , 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 , 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 , 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 and the .
- For dinner, head to one of Istanbul's many rooftop restaurants, such as or , for stunning views of the city and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Day 2:
- Start your day with a visit to the , 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 , head to the nearby , 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 and try some traditional Turkish street food, such as simit (a type of sesame-covered bread) or döner kebab.
- In the afternoon, visit the , 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 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 , 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 , take a short ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and explore the neighborhood of . 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 , 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.
