3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

Are you spending 3 days in Istanbul?  This is the itinerary for you!  

Last summer, I spent four days in Istanbul for a 10-day Turkey trip.  I only wish I had the opportunity to spend more time in this incredible, metropolitan, bustling city!  

I have curated this detailed 3-day Istanbul itinerary using my experiences paired with routes to maximize your time exploring and minimize time spent traveling back and forth to different parts of the city.  

From historic landmarks like the Blue Mosque to the vibrant streets of Cihangir and the colorful corners of Balat, you’ll get a mix of culture, food, and stunning views.

Whether you’re into photography, food, or just exploring, this itinerary is packed with the best spots to make the most of your time in this dynamic city.

Some of the best things you can do during 3 days in Istanbul include: classics like Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square, neighborhoods like Balat, Cihangir, and Karaköy, and taking a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asia side of Istanbul

3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary

Day 1: Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet

Morning: Grand Bazaar 

These classic first-day activities include some of the most highly rated Istanbul sites, which are recommended even if you have only one day in Istanbul.  

Start your first day by exploring the iconic Grand Bazaar.  This is one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions and one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! 

It can be overwhelming and I did get lost several times… but it’s worth the experience (even if only for a little bit).  

I recommend snapping a photo of the shop numbers that you are interested in so that you can return later for shopping if you choose.  It took me over an hour to return to a previous shop that I was interested in!  

Tip: I recommend stopping in the shops on the high streets leading up to the market to get an idea of some general prices.  They sell similar goods, but often at lower prices. 

After exploring the Grand Bazaar, walk to Buyuk Valide Han coffee shop.  

This hidden gem is super tucked away and has amazing views over Istanbul. Order a coffee or lemonade, and enjoy the panoramic view of the old city, away from the crowds.

Afternoon: Sultanahmet Square & Blue Mosque

Take the tram from Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı to Sultanahmet (2 stops) to explore the Sultanahmet Square area. 

This is one of the most popular areas for tourism in Istanbul due to its proximity to famous mosques and museums.

One of the most famous is the Blue Mosque, an iconic 17th-century mosque known for its stunning blue tiles. Spend time admiring the interior and the architecture, and take photos of the surrounding gardens. 

Afterward, you can stroll around the square and visit the Hagia Sophia, just a short walk away.

There are so many other iconic buildings and museums in the Sultanahmet Square area like:

•  Topkapi Palace Museum
•  Basilica Cistern

Evening: Seven Hills Rooftop

Finally, end your first day in Istanbul with panoramic views at Seven Hills Rooftop Café.  

Perched on one of the city’s highest points, it offers stunning vistas of Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus Strait. 

Seven Hills is also a luxurious hotel you can splurge at if your budget is not a concern for you.  

Day 2: Balat, Kadıköy, and Karaköy

Morning: Ferry to Kadıköy (Asia Side)

Begin your second day in Istanbul by catching the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy on the Asia side of the city. The ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait offers a beautiful view of Istanbul’s skyline.

Tip: This ferry ride doubles as a money-saving alternative to a Bosphorus cruise!  

The ferry ride is about 15 minutes, and it’s an affordable way to experience the Bosphorus.  One of the most popular activities recommended by guides is the Kadıköy Market, but my friend and I could not find the market anywhere.  

From Kadıköy, take a 15-minute walk to Moda, a trendy and artistic neighborhood along the Bosphorus.  The area is known for its picturesque streets lined with cafes, galleries, and independent boutiques. 

Moda is also home to vibrant street art, and you’ll pass murals and installations as you explore the area.

⭐Tour Option: If you want everything organized for you, consider a highly rated Bosphorus Yacht Cruise that stops on the Asia side of Istanbul.  

Afternoon: Balat

After your time in Kadıköy, take the ferry back to the European side of Istanbul, and make your way to the Balat neighborhood. From the Karaköy tram station, take a taxi or bus (approximately 10-15 minutes) to Balat. 

Known for its cobblestone streets and colorful houses, Balat is a charming neighborhood for photos. 

Explore the Rainbow Stairs and St. George’s Church while wandering through the area’s vibrant streets.

Directly next to the set of Rainbow Stairs is the Balatantik Café.  It’s a trendy spot with colorful umbrellas, an old-fashioned pink car, and igloo seating!  It’s honestly over-priced, but I think it’s worth a quick coffee stop to relax in this beautiful aesthetic.  

I took a free walking tour when I visited Balat and loved my experience learning about each of the nooks and crannies of the neighborhood with a local.  

Evening: Evening: Dinner in Karaköy

After Balat, take a taxi or tram back to Karaköy for dinner. Head to Karaköy Lokantası, a popular spot for seafood and traditional Turkish mezes. 

The stylish ambiance and great food make it the perfect end to your day.

Day 3: Taksim and Cihangir

Morning: Taksim

Begin your final day in one of Istanbul’s major commercial hubs: Taksim Square.  

Walk along Istiklal Avenue, a lively pedestrian street lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, make a pit stop at Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage), a beautiful 19th-century filled with boutiques and cafés.

It’s a perfect hidden Instagram spot in Istanbul!  

My favorite part of Taksim Square is its iconic Red Trolley.  This charming, vintage tram has been operating since 1996, running along Istiklal Avenue from Taksim Square to Tünel Square. 

While you can take a ride on the trolley ride, it wasn’t worth it to me.  It’s more for tourist appeal and runs pretty slowly.  I preferred to snap some photos when I noticed it stopped- which happens frequently!  

Afternoon: Cihangir

Take a detour from Istiklal Avenue to Serdar-ı Ekrem Street.  

This cobblestone street is the perfect spot for photography, offering views of Galata Tower and picturesque buildings. 

Serdar-ı Ekrem Street is located in Istanbul’s Cihangir neighborhood. Known for its artistic vibe and narrow streets lined with cafes, Cihangir is a great place to relax. 

Wander through the peaceful streets and enjoy lunch at one of the many local cafes.

Tip: I recommend delicious Helva at Helvaca Ali for a tasty sweet, local treat!  

Evening: Dinner at Oses Gurme

End your day with a meal at Oses Gurme, located in Karaköy. 

This place is known for its delicious kofte rolls, which make for a satisfying and flavorful dinner. It’s a great spot to savor authentic Turkish street food before concluding your Istanbul adventure.  

This is my favorite restaurant I ate at during my Istanbul trip!  

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city where history, culture, and modern life meet. 

From the iconic buildings of Sultanahmet to the hidden gems in Cihangir and Balat, every neighborhood in Istanbul offers something unique. 

Whether you’re strolling down cobblestone streets, taking in panoramic views, or savoring delicious local food, Istanbul is worth visiting.  

With a mix of popular landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures, this 3-day itinerary will help you explore the best Istanbul has to offer!