3 Day Istanbul Itinerary: 10 Iconic and Unforgettable Experiences
A Trip to Asma’s Major Bucketlist Destination
Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, Istanbul offers a magical blend of ancient culture and modern energy. In January 2017, we embarked on one of our first major travel adventures to this historic city. Even with the chilly winter air and recent snowfall, the city felt warm and welcoming. If you are planning your first trip, this guide covers our personal journey through Sultanahmet and beyond.
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Arriving in Istanbul
- Via Bus: Istanbul is the primary gateway to the rest of Turkey, offering frequent connections to cities like Ankara and Bursa. To compare intercity routes and secure your tickets, you can book through busbud here.
- Via Flight: Most travelers arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), a major global hub, or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the city’s Asian side. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Planning Your Stay in Istanbul
Before diving into the daily schedule, here are the essentials you need to book to ensure a smooth journey.
- Where to Stay: Finding the right base is key for families. Book a hotel here.
- Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land with a local eSIM. We recommend:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans.Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: The Historic Heart of Sultanahmet
Our hotel provided a free shuttle to Sultanahmet Square, which became our daily starting point. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Pro Tip: Planning to see it all? Consider the Istanbul Tourist Pass. It covers over 100 attractions and saves you a fortune on individual entry fees. Grab yours via the widget below.
Obelisk of Theodosius
As soon as we stepped off the shuttle, we encountered the Obelisk of Theodosius. Mehran is an enthusiast of Egyptian civilization, so he was immediately fascinated. We learned that this structure was originally erected in Egypt but was later transported to Constantinople by Roman Emperor Theodosius I. It is a stunning piece of history standing tall in the middle of the old city.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque is perhaps the most iconic religious site in Istanbul. Built during the Ottoman era, it features a grand central dome and six towering minarets. A beautiful fountain sits in front of the mosque, adding to the scenic atmosphere.
We spent about 45 minutes exploring the interior. Entry is free for everyone, but you must follow the dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must cover their heads. The walls are adorned with thousands of blue Iznik tiles, which give the mosque its famous nickname. While there are many mosques in Istanbul, this one truly stole our hearts.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)
A short 4 minute walk from the Blue Mosque brings you to the Hagia Sophia. Originally a Byzantine church built by Emperor Justinian I, it later became a mosque, then a museum, and was re-designated as a mosque in 2020.
Because it is an active mosque, the same dress code applies. The entrance fee for international tourists is 25 Euros. We spent 90 minutes inside, mesmerized by the sophisticated marble, decorative stones, and grand calligraphy. After our visit, we grabbed lunch near the square. We paid over 50 Euros for a shared mixed grill, which taught us an important lesson: restaurants directly on the square are delicious but much more expensive than those just a few blocks away.
Basilica Cistern
As a fan of Dan Brown’s book Inferno, I was incredibly giddy to visit the Basilica Cistern. This underground reservoir was built by Emperor Justinian I to provide water to the city.
The entry fee is 1500 Turkish Lira for daytime visits and 2400 Turkish Lira for nighttime visits. The atmosphere inside is dark, mysterious, and slightly chilly. The two famous Medusa head pillars add a layer of intrigue to the experience. We spent 45 minutes here, skipping the Ottoman dress up photo booths to simply soak in the architecture.
Pro Tip: To skip the infamous ticket lines, book your Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern entry in advance. Use the widget below to secure your spot and save hours of waiting.
Day 2: Markets, Prayers, and Panoramic Views
On our second day, we ventured a bit further to experience both the spiritual and modern sides of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
A 12 minute walk from Sultanahmet Square led us to the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the largest covered markets in the world and free to enter. You can find everything here from rugs and tea mugs to traditional fabrics and ornamental knives. We kept our tradition alive by purchasing a souvenir mug to add to our collection. We spent about 40 minutes navigating the vibrant stalls.
Tomb of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari
Our Uber driver recommended this hidden gem for our Friday prayers. It is the burial place of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The mosque was peaceful and filled with local worshippers. Afterward, we found a local restaurant nearby where we enjoyed an incredible mixed grill and fresh Turkish bread. It was one of the most memorable meals of our trip.
Galata Tower
Pro Tip: Don’t waste your afternoon standing in line! Book your Galata Tower tickets in advance using the widget below to secure your spot and head straight for those 360-degree views.
For the best panoramic views of Istanbul, we headed to Galata Tower. The entrance fee is 30 Euros. From the top, we could see the Bosphorus Strait and the silhouettes of the mosques we had visited the day before. The clear weather made for perfect photography.
Istiklal Avenue, Madame Tussauds and Taksim Square
From the tower, we walked to Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops and restaurants. We briefly visited Madame Tussauds Istanbul, which featured wax figures of Ottoman icons and global stars like Lionel Messi and Albert Einstein. (Note: This specific location has since closed).
We ended our day at Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. We spent 30 minutes at the Republic Monument and enjoyed the lively evening atmosphere before heading back to our hotel.
Day 3: Palaces and the Bosphorus
For our final day, we focused on two major highlights before our evening flight.
Topkapi Palace Museum
The Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entry fee is 2400 Turkish Lira. The complex is massive, featuring royal kitchens, living quarters, and a museum housing sacred Islamic relics. We spent 2.5 hours here but honestly could have used much more time to see everything.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait in line for Topkapi Palace. Use the widget below to book your entry and head straight inside to see the Treasury.
Bosphorus Tour
To end our trip, we took a 2 hour Bosphorus cruise. Many vendors sell tickets near the water, and we simply picked a large ship. Watching the city glide by and passing under the Bosphorus Bridge (which connects Europe and Asia) was the highlight of our journey. Even though the January wind was biting, the views were worth every second.
Pro Tip: Use the widget below to book your Bosphorus cruise ahead of time. You’ll save money on walk-up prices and guarantee your spot for that perfect sunset view.
Final Thoughts on Istanbul
Our 3 day trip was a relaxing and eye opening experience. The people were incredibly hospitable, and most locals in tourist areas spoke fluent English, making navigation easy. Turkish food is extremely delicious and having access to unlimited Halal food spoilt us rotten. Istanbul is a city where history lives on every corner, and we cannot wait to return with our children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
While we visited in January and enjoyed the snow, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather for walking.
Is there a dress code for mosques in Istanbul?
Yes. Both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders. Women must also cover their hair with a scarf. Most major mosques provide wraps for free at the entrance.
Is the Istanbul Museum Pass worth it?
If you plan on visiting Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and several other museums, the pass can save you significant money and time spent in ticket lines.
