Turkey · 3 days · 15 stops
3 days in Istanbul – a ready-made itinerary
Istanbul sits on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. One day covers the old town of Sultanahmet, one the bazaars and the area around Galata Tower, one the Bosphorus and the Asian side. The stops are in walking order; across the water you take the ferry.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 15 stops
- Highlights
- Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome
- Where to stay
- Sultanahmet, Karaköy and Galata
- Getting around
- Explore the old town on foot; a tram runs past the main sights.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to November are the most pleasant.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia
First a church, then a mosque, for 1,500 years. Foreign visitors pay for entry, and the route runs through the gallery.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Hagia Sophiaabout 5 min on foot
Blue Mosque
A mosque with six minarets and blue tiles inside. Cover shoulders and knees; women wear a headscarf.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Blue Mosqueright next door
Hippodrome
The old chariot-racing track is now a long square, with an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpent Column.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Hippodromeabout 5 min on foot
Basilica Cistern
An underground reservoir with hundreds of columns and two Medusa heads. Often a queue at midday – buy tickets ahead.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Basilica Cisternabout 10 min on foot
Topkapı Palace
The sultans' palace with courtyards, treasury and harem. Allow about three hours; closed one weekday.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Topkapı Palace
Day 2
The bazaars, Süleymaniye and Galata
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops. Closed on Sundays; haggling is normal.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Grand Bazaarabout 10 min on foot
Süleymaniye Mosque
The great mosque by the architect Sinan, quieter than the Blue Mosque. From the garden you look over the Golden Horn.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Süleymaniye Mosqueabout 10 min on foot
Spice Bazaar
The spice market with Turkish delight, tea and dried fruit. In the lanes around it, locals do their shopping.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Spice Bazaarabout 5 min on foot
Galata Bridge
A bridge over the Golden Horn, with anglers along the top. Walk across to Karaköy.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Galata Bridgeabout 10 min on foot
Galata Tower
The round tower from the Genoese era. At the top you walk right round the city; the queue gets long towards evening.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Galata Towerabout 15 min on foot
İstiklal Avenue
The long pedestrian street up to Taksim Square, with its heritage tram. Very busy at night – watch your bag.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): İstiklal Avenue
Day 3
The Bosphorus and the Asian side
Dolmabahçe Palace
The palace of the late sultans right on the Bosphorus, with a huge crystal chandelier. Visits only with a guide or audio guide.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Dolmabahçe Palaceabout 2.3 km as the crow flies – by bus, train or taxi
Ortaköy Mosque
A small mosque on the water beneath the Bosphorus Bridge. For lunch, the stalls nearby sell kumpir, stuffed baked potatoes.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ortaköy MosqueBus to Beşiktaş, then ferry to Kadıköy, about 45 min in total.
Kadıköy Market
Market lanes with fish, olives, cheese and sweets on the Asian side. Good for tasting and eating.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Kadıköy Marketabout 15 min on foot
Moda
A residential area with cafés and a waterfront park. At sunset you look across to the old town; then take the ferry back.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Moda
Good to know
Best time to go
April to June and September to November are the most pleasant. July and August are hot and crowded; winter is cool and often wet. During Ramadan mosques and evenings are especially lively, and some routines change.
Getting around
Explore the old town on foot; a tram runs past the main sights. Ferries link Europe and Asia. A rechargeable Istanbulkart pays for tram, metro, bus and ferry. Buses and metro run from both airports into the city, often taking over an hour.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet
In the heart of the old town, with Hagia Sophia and Topkapı on foot. Quieter at night – good for a first visit.
Karaköy and Galata
Cafés, bars and galleries, close to ferries and the tram. Livelier in the evening, with short walks to the old town.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.
Istanbul: frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Istanbul?
For the main sights, yes. With more time, a long Bosphorus cruise, the Princes' Islands or the Chora Church are worth it.
What should I wear in mosques?
Cover shoulders and knees and take off your shoes. Women wear a headscarf; large mosques often lend scarves at the entrance.
Can I visit mosques at any time?
No – during prayer times access for visitors is limited, especially at Friday midday. Leave some buffer in your plan.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
Buses and metro run from both airports into the city. Allow over an hour, depending on traffic.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Hunanuk, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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