How to Make the Best Out of Istanbul in Three Days
There’s no place in the world quite like Istanbul. Spanning both Europe and Asia, it’s a city layered with thousands of years of history—from Roman emperors to Ottoman sultans—yet still very much alive with vibrant street life, rich traditions, and a fast-moving modern pulse.
Three days may not be enough to explore everything, but with the right approach, you can still uncover the essence of Istanbul. Our professional guides who walk these streets every day, have crafted a balanced, practical three-day itinerary that brings together the city’s most iconic sights, local flavors, and lesser-known corners. Here is our vision of how to make the best out of Istanbul in three days.
Day 1: Dive into the Heart of History – Sultanahmet
Begin your journey in Sultanahmet, the historic core of Istanbul. This is where the city once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople took root. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of emperors, sultans, and saints.
Start your morning at the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church in the 6th century, later turned into a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque once more, it’s a living timeline of Istanbul’s shifting history.
Step inside and you’ll find Christian mosaics peeking through Islamic calligraphy, enormous domes floating above the marble floor, and a hushed reverence that transcends time.
Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid long security lines, especially in high season.
Just across the square stands the Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful and beloved mosques in the Islamic world. With its six slender minarets and interior lined with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles, it’s both a spiritual space and a visual feast.
Remember to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, women with a scarf), and respect prayer times—non-Muslim visitors are welcome between them.
Pro tip: Five times a day, the call to prayer echoes throughout the city. Be respectful-mosques will briefly pause tourist entry during these times.
Take a moment to stroll through the Hippodrome, which once hosted chariot races in the Roman era. Though the stadium itself is gone, monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column still stand where ancient crowds once roared.
By midday, you’ll want to explore Topkapi Palace, once the opulent home of Ottoman sultans. The complex is vast, with lush courtyards, ornate chambers, and the famed Harem, a more private section rich with some controversial storytelling.
This is where you’ll glimpse the lives of royalty, eunuchs, and court intrigue. It’s wise to pre-book tickets or go with a guide to avoid waiting in long queues and to navigate the sprawling site efficiently.
After a traditional Turkish lunch nearby—perhaps lamb kebabs or lentil soup with warm bread—descend into the shadowy beauty of the Basilica Cistern. This ancient underground reservoir is like something out of a movie set (and it’s been featured in several!).
Giant columns rise from dark waters, and in the corner, the stone face of Medusa stares from the base of a pillar—still an unsolved mystery.
The perfect wrap up for your first day would be a Turkish coffee in a rooftop café, watching the sun dip behind the minarets. For an unforgettable evening, consider a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus—Istanbul’s best views come from the water, especially as the city lights begin to sparkle.
Day 2: Markets, Mosques, and the Magic of the Bosphorus
On your second day, you’ll want to try out the city’s lively markets and neighborhoods. A good starting point is the Grand Bazaar. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from handmade carpets to lanterns and spices, it’s one of the world’s oldest covered markets.
While it’s perfectly fine to browse, don’t be afraid to haggle—it’s all part of the local tradition. It is best to arrive when it opens to enjoy the calm before the crowds swell.
Pro tip: Haggling is expected in the Grand Bazaar, but always keep it friendly and respectful. A smile goes a long way, and so does walking away if the price isn’t right.
Next, make your way to the Spice Bazaar, a smaller and more scenic cousin to the Grand Bazaar, where you’ll find Turkish delight, saffron, dried fruits, teas, and more. The exotic aromas alone are worth the visit, and vendors are usually happy to offer samples.
Just uphill lies the Süleymaniye Mosque, a true architectural masterpiece by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It’s less crowded than the Blue Mosque but just as awe-inspiring, with sweeping views over the Golden Horn and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reflection.
Take time to sit in the courtyard and listen to the call to prayer—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
You’ll want to stop for lunch in the area—there are several traditional restaurants tucked behind the mosque where you can enjoy meze and grilled fish, away from the tourist rush.
In the afternoon, it’s finally time to cruise the Bosphorus. Whether you choose a guided tour or hop on a local ferry, seeing Istanbul from the water is essential.
If you have time, consider hopping off at Ortaköy, a charming waterside neighborhood known for its mosque, art stalls, and baked stuffed potatoes (called kumpir).
Return in the evening and head to Karaköy or Galata for dinner. These neighborhoods are rich with character—cobblestone streets, stylish wine bars, family-run taverns, and excellent rooftop terraces. A walk across the Galata Bridge at night, watching fishermen cast their lines and ferries move under your feet, is a beautiful way to end the day.
Pro tip: For an authentic experience (and a great deal), ride the local ferry between Eminönü and Üsküdar or Kadıköy. You’ll pay a fraction of the cost of a private Bosphorus cruise and mingle with locals along the way.
Day 3: Modern Istanbul and Local Treasures
Your final day brings you to modern Istanbul, full of contrast, color, and surprise. Begin at Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century residence of the last Ottoman sultans.
With its Baroque architecture, sparkling chandeliers, and gilded rooms, it’s often described as the Ottoman Empire’s answer to Versailles. It’s a guided-tour-only site, so joining a timed tour is the best way to experience it smoothly.
From there, head to İstiklal Street, the city’s most iconic pedestrian avenue. Hop on the nostalgic red tram and explore the mix of old and new: historic cinemas, bookstores, galleries, street performers, and hidden arcades. When you reach the end, climb the Galata Tower for one of the best panoramic views of the entire city.
For lunch, wander into the Çukurcuma or Balat neighborhoods—less touristy, more authentic. Think colorful facades, vintage shops, hidden courtyards, and friendly street cats. This is where locals live, and the slower pace is a welcome contrast to the city’s grand sites.
End your Istanbul adventure on the Asian side in Kadıköy, a young and lively district full of cool cafés, eclectic shops, and a thriving food scene. Grab dinner at a neighborhood tavern and then catch the ferry back to the European side.
Pro tip: Many small shops, street vendors, and taxis don’t accept cards, so it’s smart to carry some Turkish lira, especially for snacks and tips.
Your Best Three Days in Istanbul
Three days in Istanbul can be as overwhelming as it is rewarding. But with a thoughtfully paced itinerary, you can discover its wonders in a way that feels immersive—not rushed. Each day in this city offers a different mood, a different flavor, and a different piece of the puzzle.
To make your visit truly stress-free and enriching, consider booking a guided tour. At Walks in Istanbul, we offer expertly crafted, small-group and private tours of the city’s top sites and hidden gems. To make the best out of Istanbul, you can see all our tours here.
Our licensed local guides are storytellers, historians, and cultural insiders—ready to make your three days unforgettable.