How to Spend 3 Days in ISTANBUL, Turkey | The Perfect Travel Itinerary

September 4, 2025 6 dakika okuma

Hi — I’m the creator of Exotic Vacation, and I’m excited to guide you through a compact, unforgettable 3-day itinerary for Istanbul. This city is where East meets West: centuries of empires, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class food, and buzzy nightlife. Below you’ll find practical tips, insider secrets, estimated costs (converted to USD), and a day-by-day plan that balances iconic sights with local flavor.

Quick Essentials: Getting Around, Where to Stay & Airport Tips

How to get around Istanbul

Pick up an Istanbulkart — the city’s reloadable transit card. It works on trams, buses, ferries and the Metro and makes moving around simple and affordable. Expect to spend roughly $5 per day on local transport if you use public transit regularly.

Where to stay

For an immersive experience, choose Sultanahmet (historic heart) for immediate access to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. If you prefer a more energetic, artsy nightlife scene, stay in Beyoğlu (around Istiklal Street and Galata). Accommodation ranges widely; mid-range hotels and guesthouses typically cost about $50–$150 per night.

Airport tips

Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. Check-in at least two hours before departure for domestic and international flights as a safe rule. The Havaist buses and private transfers connect both airports to the city center reliably and affordably.

Day 1 — Journey Through Time and Taste (Sultanahmet & Bosphorus)

Start your Istanbul story among the city’s oldest stones and end with a sunset view over the Bosphorus.

Morning — Hagia Sophia: Arrive at dawn to experience Hagia Sophia in quiet light. This monument spans centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history; don’t miss the awe-inspiring dome. Insider tip: visit early to avoid crowds and catch sunlight streaming through the windows.
Breakfast — Sultanahmet Café: Walk to a nearby café for a traditional Turkish breakfast. Try menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers). Expect to pay around $5–$10.
Blue Mosque: A short stroll from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque’s interior tiles create a calming, reflective space. Respect prayer times and dress modestly when entering.
Afternoon — Bosphorus Cruise: Board a ferry for a scenic Bosphorus cruise (European and Asian shores glide by). Cost: about $15–$20. The contrast of palaces and modern mansions is pure Istanbul.
Lunch — Hamdi Restaurant (near the Spice Bazaar): Famous for hearty kebabs and baklava; ask for a table by the window to enjoy views of the Golden Horn. Typical meal: $20–$30.
Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in this historic covered market — carpets, lamps, ceramics and jewelry. Haggling is expected: try starting at half the asking price and enjoy the playful banter with shopkeepers.
Evening — Galata Tower & Istiklal Street: Climb Galata Tower for a panoramic sunset view (entry around $6), then stroll Istiklal Street for street performers, shops and the nostalgic tram. Dinner in Beyoğlu — try MZ by Lemon Tree for a refined shared platter; dinner runs about $25–$35.

Day 2 — Hidden Gems & Local Neighborhoods (Beyoğlu, Dolmabahçe, Asian Side)

On day two we explore contemporary culture, imperial opulence, and Istanbul’s lively Asian shore.

Morning — Istanbul Modern & Breakfast at Karabatak: Start in Beyoğlu at Istanbul Modern to see contemporary Turkish art (admission ~$8). Nearby Karabatak offers a bohemian breakfast for ~$10 — think cheeses, olives, bread and strong Turkish coffee.
Dolmabahçe Palace: A short walk brings you to Dolmabahçe Palace. Entry to this lavish 19th-century imperial residence is around $15; imagine the sultans hosting dignitaries in its ornate rooms and gardens.
Afternoon — Ortaköy: Head to Ortaköy for a relaxed waterfront vibe. Enjoy a lunch by the Bosphorus (House Café is a popular choice; ~$20), and try the famous kumpir (stuffed baked potato) for a street-food snack (~$5).
Topkapı Palace: Spend your afternoon at Topkapı Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years (admission about $12). Don’t miss the Imperial Treasury for intricate jewels and relics.
Evening — Kadıköy & Moda (Asian Side): Ferry to Kadıköy for a different, energetic atmosphere. Dine at Çiya Sofrası (local favorite — ~$15) to taste regional Turkish dishes and mezes. Finish with an evening walk along Moda’s seaside promenade and a dessert from a patisserie (~$5).

Day 3 — Grand Finale: Markets, Mosques & Miniatures

Finish your visit with aromatic markets, hidden mosaics and a celebratory Bosphorus night.

Morning — Eminönü & Spice Bazaar: Start at the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü. Let the scent of spices, teas and Turkish delight draw you in. Small bags of spices or Turkish delight make perfect souvenirs (~$2–$5).
Breakfast — Pandeli: Eat above the Spice Bazaar at Pandeli for a traditional breakfast in a historic setting (~$15), and try menemen or su böreği for authentic flavors.
Süleymaniye Mosque: A short walk away, this masterpiece by architect Mimar Sinan offers peaceful views and harmonious design. Entry is free and it’s a moment of calm in the bustling city.
Afternoon — Kariye (Chora) Museum & Asitane: Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Museum) to see breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and frescoes (~$10). For lunch, Asitane near the museum serves recreated historic Ottoman dishes — try their lamb stew with apricots (~$25).
Miniatürk: Spend a fun hour at Miniatürk to see Turkey’s landmarks in miniature (entry ~$5), a quirky and educational stop.
Evening — Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: For a memorable final night, book a Bosphorus dinner cruise (around $50) — expect live music, traditional dance and nighttime views of illuminated palaces and bridges.
Nightcap — Back in Beyoğlu: Return to Beyoğlu for nightlife: rooftop bars are plentiful, with cocktails around $10–$15. For authentic local flavor, try tasting rakı (an anise-flavored spirit) in a lively meyhane.

Insider Tips & Practical Notes

Best time to visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild temps and fewer crowds — ideal for exploring outdoor sites and historic neighborhoods.
Timing for attractions: Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and major museums early in the morning to avoid long lines and to experience them in quieter light.
Haggling: At the Grand Bazaar and markets, haggling is part of the fun — start at around half the asking price and enjoy the exchange.
Dress & etiquette: For mosques, wear modest clothing and carry a scarf to cover shoulders; remove shoes where required.
Money: We converted prices to USD in this guide for convenience; carry a mix of cash and card. Small vendors often prefer cash for modest purchases in markets.

Conclusion — Make Istanbul Yours

Istanbul is a city that rewards curiosity. In three days you can taste its food, touch its history, and soak in the variety of neighborhoods that make this metropolis endlessly fascinating. Follow this itinerary for a balance of iconic sights and local experiences — and leave a little time for wandering: the best memories often come from spontaneous discoveries.