3 Days In Istanbul Itinerary

Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was once famously named, was the ancient capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empires. It was referred to as Basileousia, or “Queen of Cities” and even today, it’s easy to see why.

3 days in Istanbul is just enough time to see this vibrant and bustling city is a huge city that spans two continents; Asia and Europe. As the capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, you can expect to find a plethora of historic and fascinating attractions, from the iconic Blue Mosque, the ancient Hagia Sophia, the world’s oldest and largest covered market, The Grand Bazaar, and the underground cisterns. In this Istanbul itinerary, you’ll see all of these top attractions and more when you visit this amazing city.

The Perfect 3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

If you only have three days in Istanbul but want to make the most out of your visit, don’t fret. In this three-day Istanbul itinerary, you’ll be able to explore all the major sights that make this great city so magical. We enlisted the help of The Turkey Traveler, the #1 travel blog on all things Turkey-related. Offering insider tips, recommendations, and guides, The Turkey Traveler is your ultimate resource to help you plan the perfect trip when you visit Istanbul Turkey.

So, when you’re ready for the perfect Istanbul Itinerary? Let’s get started…

• Day 1 in Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, a Sunset Bosphorus Cruise
• Day 2 in Istanbul – Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Lunch At Eminonu, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street and Taksim
• Day 3 in Istanbul – Turkish Bath (Hammam), Kadikoy, Camlica Mosque, Uskudar

A great way to explore Istanbul is to purchase an Istanbul Card. It is valid for 7 days from the first interaction and includes skip-the-line tickets to Istanbul’s top attractions. It also includes 10 rides for public transportation and vouchers to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and a Bosphorus Cruise.

Day 1 – Sultanahmet – Historic Center

There is no better way to start exploring Istanbul than jumping straight into its historic center – Sultanahmet. It is home to some of the most iconic historical landmarks in Turkey – from the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque. No itinerary is complete without a visit to this neighborhood.

Istanbul

After enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast, you’ll have plenty of energy to explore the old city. Better known as…