3 Days in Istanbul

Day 1 — Old Istanbul & Sultanahmet
Explore the historical heart of the city.
Morning

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Blue Mosque, İstanbul

Basilica Cistern, İstanbul

Afternoon
Have lunch in Grand Bazaar restaurants. Hear  you can find steakhouse,  Italian restaurant, Indian restaurant,  seafood, coffee, tea, different desserts.

Walk through Grand Bazaar

Visit Topkapi Palace

Evening

Sunset at Galata Bridge

Watching the sunset from the Galata Bridge is one of Istanbul’s most iconic experiences.
Dinner in Karaköy

Day 2 — Bosphorus & Asian Side

Morning

Take a Bosphorus cruise.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Afternoon

Kadıköy
Try Turkish tea, desserts, and street food

Evening

Watch sunset at Maiden’s Tower
Rooftop dinner with Bosphorus view
Day 3 — Modern Istanbul & Hidden Gems
Morning
Galata Tower
Walk along Istiklal Avenue
Afternoon
Choose one:
Luxury shopping in Nişantaşı
Visit colorful Balat
Evening
Turkish meze dinner
Night Bosphorus walk or rooftop café
Foods to Try
Simit
Iskender kebab
Baklava
Künefe
Turkish breakfast
Balık ekmek (fish sandwich)
Tips
Use an Istanbulkart for transport
Ferries are cheap and scenic
Wear comfortable shoes — Istanbul is very hilly
Best months: April–June and September–October