3 Day in Istanbul: Full Itinerary with Things to See, Do & City Tour (2025)

Welcome to Istanbul, a mesmerizing city where history and modernity collide, leaving you in awe of its breathtaking beauty. Our 3 day itinerary in Istanbul is designed to take you on a wondrous journey through the city’s rich heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and tantalizing culinary scene. With so much to see and do, let us guide you through Istanbul’s captivating tapestry of culture, art, and history.

3 Days in Istanbul – A Snapshot of Itinerary

• Day 1: Dive into the Sultanahmet District’s historical treasures
• Day 2: Discover the European side of Istanbul’s pulsating heart
• Day 3: Unwind along the Bosphorus, shop till you drop, and indulge in relaxation

Our detailed 3-day itinerary in Istanbul will guide you through the city’s must-visit locations, ensuring you make the most of your time in this enchanting metropolis!

If you want to skip the long text, you can check out the short edition of the itinerary >>

Istanbul 3 Day IItinerary: Day 1 – Stepping into the Sultanahmet District’s Timeless Charm

• 08:00-09:30 >Explore Hagia Sophia
• 09:30-10:30 > Walk on Sultanahmet Square
• 10:30-12:00 > Tour of Topkapi Palace
• 12:30-13:30 > Have a Turkish Lunch in
• 13:30-14:30 > Go to Basilica Cistern
• 14:30-15:30 > Blue Mosque
• 15:30-17:00 > Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts
• 17:00-18:30 > Tour of Istanbul Archaeology Museums
• 18:30-19:15 > Have a dinner in
• 19:15-19:45 > Head out to Galata Bridge and Watch Sunset
• 20:00-23:30 >Bosphorus Dinner Cruise or a Night Walk in Old City

Let’s start!

8:00-09:30 > Explore Hagia Sophia

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 90 minutes

Begin your journey through time at Hagia Sophia, a breathtaking architectural marvel that has witnessed the transformation of empires. Marvel at its awe-inspiring dome, intricate mosaics, and rich history as you delve into the heart of Byzantine and Ottoman splendor.

09:30-10:30 > Walk on Sultanahmet Square

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Stroll through the enchanting Sultanahmet Square, where the echoes of ancient civilizations reverberate through the cobblestone streets. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as you admire the exquisite fountains, stunning obelisks, and the buzzing energy that engulfs the heart of Istanbul’s historic district.

10:30-12:00 > Tour of Topkapi Palace

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 90 minutes

Step into the opulent world of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace, a splendid showcase of royal grandeur. Wander through its lavish chambers, treasure-filled courtyards, and the famed Harem, where secrets and intrigue abound.

12:30-13:30 > Have a Turkish Lunch at Turgut Kebab Restaurant

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Savor the flavors of Istanbul with a delectable Turkish lunch at a local eatery, where you can indulge in mouthwatering meze, succulent kebabs, and heavenly baklava.

13:30-14:30 > Go to Basilica Cistern

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Descend into the eerie beauty of the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean marvel that once supplied water to the Byzantine palace. Gaze upon the hauntingly beautiful Medusa head columns and feel the whispers of history in this ancient reservoir.

14:30-15:30 > Blue Mosque

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Witness the majestic beauty of the Blue Mosque, an iconic symbol of Istanbul’s skyline. Marvel at its cascading domes, towering minarets, and delicate Iznik tiles that create an ethereal symphony of color and light.

15:30-17:00 > Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 90 minutes

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Turkish and Islamic art at this fascinating museum. Admire the intricate calligraphy, stunning textiles, and exquisite ceramics that celebrate the artistic prowess of these civilizations.

17:00-18:30 > Tour of Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 90 minutes

Unravel the mysteries of the past at the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, a treasure trove of artifacts and relics from ancient civilizations. Explore the fascinating exhibits, spanning from the Assyrians to the Romans, and feel the eons of history come alive.

18:30-19:15 > Have a dinner in Vefa Bozacisi

Location: Sultanahmet

Time to Spend: 45 minutes

Treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at Vefa Bozacisi, where the city’s culinary heritage comes to life with every bite. Indulge in delectable meze, sizzling kebabs, and sweet Turkish delights as the sun sets over Istanbul.

19:15-19:45 > Head out to Galata Bridge and Watch Sunset

Location: Galata

Time to Spend: 30 minutes

As twilight descends, make your way to the iconic Galata Bridge, where the sun sets over the shimmering waters of the Golden Horn. Revel in the stunning panorama of Istanbul’s skyline, bathed in a warm, golden glow.

20:00-23:30 > Bosphorus Dinner Cruise or a Night Walk in Old City

Location: Bosphorus or Old City

Time to Spend: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Embark on a mesmerizing Bosphorus dinner cruise, savoring exquisite cuisine as you glide past illuminated landmarks. Alternatively, wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old City, immersing yourself in Istanbul’s nocturnal charm.

Istanbul 3 Day Itinerary: Day 2 – Unveiling the European Side’s Urban Allure

• 09:00-10:30 > Start with Dolmabahce Palace
• 10:30-11:30 > Stroll by the Seaside and Have a Turkish Breakfast in Servet Babanın Yeri
• 11:30-12:00 > Head out to Taksim through Cihangir
• 12:00-12:15 > Stroll around Taksim Square
• 12:10-15:00 > Turn to Istiklal Street for Shopping and Gazing
• 15:00-18:30 > Explore the Contemporary Museums (Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum)
• 18:30-19:00 > Have a Dinner in Guney Restaurant
• 19:00-21:00 > Explore Karakoy, Galata Neighbourhood and Galata Museum
• 21:00-22:00 > Top Up on Galata Tower
• 22:00-01:00 > Pub Crawl in Taksim (optional)

09:00-10:30 > Start with Dolmabahce Palace

Location: Besiktas

Time to Spend: 90 minutes

Begin your second day of a 3-day itinerary inn Istanbul with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, the epitome of Ottoman opulence and European elegance. Wander through its lavish halls and immaculate gardens, and immerse yourself in the world of sultans and their grandiose lifestyles.

10:30-11:30 > Stroll by the Seaside and Have a Turkish Breakfast in Servet Babanın Yeri

Location: Besiktas

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the seaside, where the salty breeze and glistening waters awaken your senses. Savor an authentic Turkish breakfast at Servet Babanın Yeri, and let the symphony of flavors dance on your palate.

11:30-12:00 > Head out to Taksim through Cihangir

Location: Cihangir

Time to Spend: 30 minutes

Meander through the bohemian neighborhood of Cihangir, a haven for artists and writers, where charming cafés and colorful street art reflect the area’s creative spirit.

12:00-12:15 > Stroll around Taksim Square

Location: Taksim

Time to Spend: 15 minutes

Discover the pulsating heart of modern Istanbul at Taksim Square, a bustling hub of activity where the city’s vibrant energy is palpable.

12:15-15:00 > Turn to Istiklal Street for Shopping and Gazing

Location: Istiklal Street

Time to Spend: 165 minutes

Lose yourself in the bustling labyrinth of Istiklal Street, where enticing shops, lively street performers, and mouth-watering eateries create an unforgettable sensory feast.

15:00-18:30 > Explore the Contemporary Museums (Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum)

Location: Karakoy

Time to Spend: 210 minutes

Delve into Istanbul’s thriving art scene at Istanbul Modern and Pera Museum, where contemporary masterpieces and thought-provoking exhibitions will ignite your imagination.

18:30-19:00 > Have Dinner in Guney Restaurant

Location: Beyoglu

Time to Spend: 30 minutes

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Guney Restaurant, where the tantalizing aroma of Turkish delicacies will leave you craving more.

19:00-21:00 > Explore Karakoy, Galata Neighbourhood, and Galata Museum

Location: Karakoy and Galata

Time to Spend: 120 minutes

Wander through the atmospheric streets of Karakoy and Galata, where the echoes of the past intertwine with the city’s cosmopolitan vibes. Marvel at the ancient treasures in the Galata Museum and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s history.

21:00-22:00 > Top Up on Galata Tower

Location: Galata Tower

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Ascend the iconic Galata Tower and witness a breathtaking panorama of Istanbul, where the city’s timeless charm unfolds beneath a blanket of stars. Drink in the mesmerizing views of the Bosphorus and the city’s skyline, and let the cool evening breeze carry you away to the tales of the Genoese and Ottoman past.

3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary: Day 3 – Bosphorus, Asia & Relaxing Day Out

• 09:00-11:30 > Start a day with Grand Bazaar
• 11:45-12:30 > Spice Bazaar and see Yeni Cami
• 12:30-13:30 > Lunch at Orient Express Restaurant
• 13:30-13:45 > Walk Through Sirkeci to Eminonu Pier
• 13:45-14:30 > Take a Ferry to Kadikoy
• 14:30-15:30 > Go to Kadıköy Market
• 15:30-18:30 > Explore Moda Neibourhood
• 18:30-19:30 > Have a Dinner at Tahin
• 20:00:20:30 > Head to Eminonu by Ferry
• 21:00-22:00 > Turkish Bath (Hammam) at Cağaloğlu Hamam

09:00-11:30 > Start a Day with Grand Bazaar

Location: Grand Bazaar

Time to Spend: 150 minutes

Embark on a sensory adventure at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Immerse yourself in a labyrinth of vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, and the symphony of sounds as you explore its 4,000 shops brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered.

11:45-12:30 > Spice Bazaar and See Yeni Cami

Location: Eminönü

Time to Spend: 45 minutes

Continue your enchanting expedition at the Spice Bazaar, where the aroma of exotic spices and dried fruits beckons you to indulge in the essence of the Orient. En route, don’t miss the captivating Yeni Cami, a majestic mosque adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles and cascading domes.

12:30-13:30 > Lunch at Orient Express Restaurant

Location: Sirkeci

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Relish a sumptuous lunch at the Orient Express Restaurant, where the spirit of the legendary train lives on in the form of delectable Turkish and international cuisine.

The Best of the Bazaars and Shopping in Istanbul

13:30-13:45 > Walk Through Sirkeci to Eminönü Pier

Location: Sirkeci Time to Spend: 15 minutes

Stroll through the bustling streets of Sirkeci, where the old-world charm of Istanbul meets its modern energy, and make your way to the Eminönü Pier.

13:45-14:30 > Take a Ferry to Kadıköy

Location: Kadıköy

Time to Spend: 45 minutes

Board a ferry and set sail to Kadıköy, a vibrant neighborhood on Istanbul’s Asian side. Let the Bosphorus’ gentle waves serenade you as you admire the city’s captivating skyline from the water.

14:30-15:30 > Go to Kadıköy Market

Location: Kadıköy

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Stroll through the bustling Kadıköy Market, a food lover’s paradise brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and mouthwatering street food. Savor the tastes of Istanbul as you sample local delicacies and immerse yourself in the area’s lively atmosphere.

15:30-18:30 > Explore Moda Neighborhood

Location: Moda Time to Spend: 180 minutes

Wander through the picturesque streets of Moda, a bohemian haven filled with chic cafés, trendy boutiques, and verdant parks. Unwind in this charming enclave as you sip on a cup of Turkish tea, watch the world go by, and let the day’s adventures inspire your soul.

18:30-19:30 > Have a Dinner at Tahin

Location: Moda

Time to Spend: 60 minutes

Conclude your day with a scrumptious dinner at Tahin, where the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East intertwine to create a symphony of gastronomic delights.

20:00-20:30 > Head to Eminönü by Ferry

Location: Kadıköy Time to Spend: 30 minutes

As twilight descends, embark on a magical ferry ride from Kadıköy to Eminönü. Embrace the cool breeze as the city’s shimmering skyline unfolds before your eyes, casting a spell of enchantment over the glistening waters.

21:00-22:00 > Turkish Bath (Hammam) at Nova Plaza Pera Hotel & HammamHistorical Vezneciler Bath

Location: Eminonu Time to Spend: 60 minutes

End your day with the ultimate relaxation experience at Historical Vezneciler Bath, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most prestigious Turkish baths. Immerse yourself in the warmth and serenity of this timeless ritual, as you cleanse your body and soul amid the steam and whispers of centuries past.

How to Get Around During Your 3 Days in Istanbul

Navigating the labyrinthine streets of Istanbul is an adventure in itself. Make use of the city’s extensive public transportation network, which includes trams, buses, ferries, and the metro. Taxis are also available, but be prepared to haggle for a fair price.

Read also: Transport for Tourists in Istanbul: the Main Routes of Tram, Metro, Funicular and Ferry (2025)

Istanbul.Tips Advice: Skip The Lines

Don’t waste precious time waiting in long queues. Consider purchasing a Istanbul E-Pass or booking guided tours to gain priority access to Istanbul’s most popular attractions. It is a valuable option for travelers, as it offers free entry and guided tours to the famous museums, along with 50+ other attractions, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.

Conclusion: What to See and Do in Istanbul in Three Days

In conclusion, Istanbul’s enchanting tapestry of history, culture, and modernity offers an unparalleled experience for travelers. Our meticulously crafted 3 day itinerary in Istanbul guides you through the city’s most awe-inspiring attractions and hidden gems, ensuring you create memories that will last a lifetime. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling markets and serene Bosphorus shores, this extraordinary city promises a mesmerizing adventure at every turn. So, embark on your unforgettable journey through Istanbul, and let the city’s magic captivate your heart and soul, leaving you longing to return and explore even more of its timeless allure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 3 Days Enough in Istanbul?

While three days in Istanbul allows you to explore its most famous attractions, the city’s allure will undoubtedly leave you yearning for more.

How to Plan 3 Days in Istanbul?

Our detailed 3-day itinerary in Istanbul will guide you through the city’s must-visit locations, ensuring you make the most of your time in this enchanting metropolis.

How Many Days is Ideal for Istanbul?

To truly immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture, we recommend spending at least 3 to 7 days in the city.

How Much Money Should I Take to Istanbul for 3 days?

A daily budget of $150-$200 per person should suffice for accommodation, meals, transportation, and entrance fees to attractions.

Can You Wear Shorts in Hagia Sophia?

As Hagia Sophia is a religious site, modest attire is recommended. Shorts may be considered inappropriate, so opt for longer pants or skirts instead.

Is Dolmabahçe Palace Worth Seeing?

Absolutely! Dolmabahçe Palace’s opulent interiors and stunning views of the Bosphorus make it an unmissable attraction in Istanbul.

Is 4 Days in Istanbul Too Much?

Four days in Istanbul allows you to delve deeper into the city’s history, culture, and cuisine, making it an ideal length of time to spend in this captivating city.

Which is the Best Month to Visit Istanbul?

Usually, the best months to visit Istanbul are April, May, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are thinner.

Is Istanbul Closed on Sunday?

While some attractions and businesses may be, unfortunately, closed on Sundays, many popular sites, restaurants, and shops remain open for visitors to explore.

Find out what places are closed on Sunday in Istanbul >>

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