Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Istanbul
Cross the continents in Istanbul, a vibrant transcontinental metropolis where historic mosques and bustling bazaars bridge the cultures of Europe and Asia.
Istanbul is served by Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen; check which is closer to your accommodation. The Metro, tram, and ferries cross the Bosphorus and connect neighbourhoods. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Book Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, and popular restaurants ahead. Allow time for the Grand Bazaar, spice market, and neighbourhoods like Kadıköy and Beyoğlu. Ferries are a great way to see the city. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and be prepared for vibrant, sometimes chaotic streets.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Istanbul.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
Spring
17°C / 9°C
Mild and beautiful, tulip season
Summer
29°C / 20°C
Hot and humid, excellent Bosphorus weather
Fall
20°C / 13°C
Pleasant temperatures, great for walking
Winter
10°C / 4°C
Chilly, damp, and occasionally snowy
Day 1
Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
Morning activity: Hagia Sophia.
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
Long-running confectioner offering traditional Turkish sweets & pastries, plus coffee & tea.
Lunch nearby: Hafiz Mustafa 1864.
Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
Afternoon sightseeing: Basilica Cistern.
Mikla
Fine dining restaurant with contemporary styling & rooftop terrace, offering a tasting menu.
Dinner in the area: Mikla.
Bosphorus Cruise
Evening experience: Bosphorus Cruise.
Day 2
Topkapi Palace
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
Morning activity: Topkapi Palace.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi
Lunch nearby: Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi.
Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
Afternoon sightseeing: Grand Bazaar.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Swanky spot for meat-centric Turkish fare from a chef with a flamboyant serving style.
Dinner in the area: Nusr-Et Steakhouse.
Whirling Dervishes Show
Evening experience: Whirling Dervishes Show.
Day 3
Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
Morning activity: Galata Tower.
Karakoy Gulluoglu
Baklava & other traditional Turkish desserts offered in a classic setting with counter-service.
Lunch nearby: Karakoy Gulluoglu.
Dolmabahce Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
Afternoon sightseeing: Dolmabahce Palace.
Neolokal
Dinner in the area: Neolokal.
Istiklal Street
Bustling city thoroughfare known for its boutiques, galleries, theaters & numerous eateries.
Evening experience: Istiklal Street.