Turkey
🕌 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary
Where two continents meet
Your 3-Day Istanbul Plan
Three days in Istanbul gives you the Ottoman and Byzantine highlights on the European side — the essential monuments, the Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus. You won't see everything, but you'll understand why people call it one of the world's greatest cities.
Day 1
Sultanahmet — Heart of Empires
Hagia Sophia first thing in the morning before the crowds (it's now a mosque — cover your shoulders and head, remove shoes). The Blue Mosque is directly opposite and free. Walk through the Sultanahmet park between them, then down to the Basilica Cistern (an underground Byzantine reservoir with 336 columns, atmospheric and cool). Evening in the Kumkapı fish restaurant neighbourhood.
Day 2
Topkapi and the Bazaars
Topkapi Palace was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years — the Harem tour is worth the extra ticket, and the Treasury's emerald daggers and diamond-encrusted throne are extraordinary. Walk down to the Grand Bazaar in the afternoon: 4,000 shops, 61 covered streets, and a 550-year history. Cross to the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) for spices, lokum (Turkish delight), and tea.
Day 3
Galata, Istiklal and the Bosphorus
Cross the Galata Bridge (lined with fishermen at all hours) and climb to the Galata Tower for panoramic views. Walk up Istiklal Avenue — 1.5km of shops, cafés, and historic buildings — to Taksim Square. Afternoon ferry up the Bosphorus: a 90-minute round-trip from Eminönü passes under two suspension bridges and beside Ottoman wooden mansions (yalı) on both banks.
Other Itinerary Lengths
This Plan Was Made for Everyone — Yours Is Different
Your budget, travel pace, and interests shape a completely different 3-day Istanbul experience. Let Planawai build the version that's actually yours.
Build My Istanbul Plan →