3-Day Istanbul Itinerary… It can never be enough but it is always a start… Istanbul is one of these cities that you can visit at any time of the year!
Lively with plenty of activities that are not limited to just sightseeing. Istanbul is a joy for anyone loving shopping!
A unique experience for gourmands! Perfect destinations for lovers of nightlife and a magical place for everyone that wishes to enjoy and take in the beauty of the Bosporus.
Our recommended itinerary has a little bit of everything and is easy-going but fulfilling. So here we go.
DAY 1 – Sightseeing and Shopping
Start your day and tour the Sultanahmet district.
The heart of old Istanbul at Haghia Sophia Museum.
Hagia Sophia was once a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral.
Later an Ottoman imperial mosque. Then a museum. And now again a mosque.
Built-in AD 537, it is definitely considered one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul.
Next, move on to the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets.
By the time you will have seen Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque it will be time for lunch. So enjoy something local at one of the many lovely places you will come across.
The next stop is definitely a tour of Topkapi Palace which. Going to Istanbul without visiting it will be a pity.
As the evening approaches head on to the Grand Bazaar to enjoy some shopping for Turkish souvenirs.
The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and to this day the 4000 shops are full of treasures.
Here you will find carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the Turkish Deserts that are on offer even in the Grand Bazaar.
DAY 2 – Explore Princess Islands
Even if you do not feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul, visiting the Princess Islands is an experience that you should not miss out on.
It is such an easygoing and relaxing activity.
You can either take the ferry or go on an organized tour. Both are good options.
All the islands of this complex are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation, and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them, cars are banned.
DAY 3 – More Istanbul and a boat ride in Bosporus
Visit City Walls the go to the Golden Horn.
As a natural and extremely secure harbor, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul.
Then go on to the Spice Bazaar where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and every other conceivable herb and spice.
After you finish your exploration of the Spice Bazaar the time has arrived for a magical boat trip on the Bosporus.
A traditional excursion by boat (a lot are on offer) along the waterway separating Europe and Asia is a unique experience.
The shore is lined with mansions, villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages.
On the way, you will be able to admire the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace.
On the coastal edge of this park, you will see Ciragan Palace and its 300 meters marble facade facing the shore.
Reaching Ortakoy which is the place where a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their art along the street, you will admire the Rumeli Fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 and completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus.
It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.
Enjoying a meal at a local restaurant in Oktakoy is a lovely experience.
Moving on you should visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans.
Bosphorus Bridge where you will have a unique experience to step from one continent to another.
And at around sunset time do visit Camlica Hill which is the highest point in Istanbul.
Go to the top to rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
Flavours of Istanbul that we will never forget…