3 Days in Istanbul: Top Sites and Experiences
Day 1: Iconic Istanbul
1. Hagia Sophia
• Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
• Overview: Begin with the architectural masterpiece, Hagia Sophia, a historic marvel of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
2. Topkapi Palace
• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Cost: 200 TL (~$10 USD)
• Overview: Explore the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire in the sultan’s former residence, with highlights including the Harem and treasury.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Sultanahmet Köftecisi
• Address: Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish meatballs (köfte) and grilled meats
• Cost: 150 TL per person ($8 USD)
• Luxury: Pandeli Restaurant
• Address: Misir Carsisi, No:1, 34110 Eminönü/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Classic Turkish with a historic ambiance inside the Spice Bazaar
• Cost: 400 TL per person ($20 USD)
3. Basilica Cistern
• Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Cost: 30 TL (~$1.50 USD)
• Overview: A mysterious underground cistern with striking architecture, featuring columns and the famous Medusa heads.
4. Grand Bazaar
• Address: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: Free (shopping optional)
• Overview: One of the world’s largest covered markets, where you can shop for Turkish delights, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Karaköy Lokantası
• Address: Kemankeş Cd. No:37/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish dishes with a modern twist
• Cost: 250 TL per person ($12 USD)
• Luxury: Neolokal
• Address: Bankalar Cd. No:11, 34420 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Fine dining, featuring contemporary Turkish cuisine
• Cost: 700 TL per person ($35 USD)
Day 2: Bosphorus and Beyoğlu District
1. Bosphorus Cruise (Morning)
• Starting Point: Eminönü Ferry Terminal
• Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Cost: 50 TL ($2.50 USD) for a traditional ferry
• Overview: Take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, soaking up views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline, bridges, and seaside palaces.
2. Dolmabahçe Palace
• Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Cost: 90 TL (~$4.50 USD)
• Overview: This ornate palace showcases a blend of Ottoman and European styles, with crystal chandeliers, gold decorations, and lush gardens.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Çiya Sofrası
• Address: Güneşlibahçe Sk. No:43, 34710 Kadıköy/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Traditional Turkish, with unique dishes from Anatolian regions
• Cost: 200 TL per person ($10 USD)
• Luxury: Sunset Grill & Bar
• Address: Kuruçeşme Mh., Yol Sk. No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: International with Bosphorus views
• Cost: 900 TL per person ($45 USD)
3. Istiklal Street and Galata Tower
• Address (Galata Tower): Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, 34421 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost (Galata Tower): 100 TL (~$5 USD)
• Overview: Stroll along Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s vibrant pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historical sites. End at Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Asmali Cavit
• Address: Asmalı Mescit, Asmalı Mescit Cd. No:16/D, 34430 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Mezze plates with a local vibe
• Cost: 300 TL per person ($15 USD)
• Luxury: Ulus 29
• Address: Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd. Ulus Parkı İçi, 34340 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Turkish fusion, with an extensive wine list and great views
• Cost: 800 TL per person ($40 USD)
Day 3: Historic Istanbul and Hidden Gems
1. Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
• Address: Dervişali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• Cost: 65 TL (~$3.50 USD)
• Overview: Famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, Chora Church offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s early Christian heritage.
2. Süleymaniye Mosque
• Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: This grand mosque complex, designed by architect Sinan, provides a serene atmosphere and exceptional views of the Golden Horn.
Lunch Options
• Mid-Range: Lades Menemen
• Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Sadri Alışık Sk. No:11, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Known for its menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers)
• Cost: 120 TL per person ($6 USD)
• Luxury: Mürver Restaurant
• Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:11/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: High-end Turkish with stunning Bosphorus views
• Cost: 700 TL per person ($35 USD)
3. Spice Bazaar
• Address: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: This aromatic bazaar has been trading spices, teas, and sweets for centuries. It’s a great place to shop and experience local flavors.
4. Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Views
• Address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Koyu Cd. No:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey
• Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: Free
• Overview: End your day at Ortaköy Mosque, a picturesque mosque right on the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy street food and take in the waterfront views.
Dinner Options
• Mid-Range: Zubeyir Ocakbasi
• Address: Şehit Muhtar, Bekar Sk. No:28, 34435 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
• Cuisine: Traditional grilled meats and kebabs
• Cost: 250 TL per person ($12 USD)
• Luxury: Nicole
• Address: Tomtom Kaptan Sk. No:18, 34433 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
Hotel Recommendation:
Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul: If you have an unlimited budget, this is the place to stay in Istanbul... And if it's not - it is definitely worth a visit... have a drink out back overlooking the water after a long day of seeing the sights!
You can find your own favorite place here:
Annual Events in Paris to Consider:
1. Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): This month-long festival celebrates Istanbul’s symbolic flower, the tulip, with millions of blooms decorating city parks, especially Emirgan Park, Sultanahmet Square, and Gülhane Park.
2. International Istanbul Film Festival (April): Held every April, this prestigious film festival attracts international filmmakers and cinema lovers. Screenings are hosted in theaters across the city, primarily in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy.
3. Istanbul Music Festival (June): Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, this festival showcases classical music performances at historic venues like the Hagia Irene, the Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center, and Topkapı Palace.
4. Istanbul Jazz Festival (July): This event draws jazz, soul, and blues fans from all over the world, with performances in historic sites and cultural centers throughout the city.
5. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar): These religious festivals bring a unique atmosphere to Istanbul, with mosques decorated, and local events and meals shared among families and friends.
6. Istanbul Biennial (Every two years in September-November): This contemporary art exhibition, held at various venues throughout the city, showcases innovative works from local and international artists.
7. Republic Day (October 29): A national holiday with parades, concerts, and fireworks along the Bosphorus, marking the founding of the Turkish Republic.
8. International Istanbul Book Fair (November): This event gathers book lovers and publishers from around the world, offering a rich program of readings, signings, and workshops at the TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center.
Do you have a travel tip for your favorite place(s) to visit when in Istanbul, Turkey? If so... drop us a comment below!