3 Days in Istanbul: Your Ultimate Travel Guide (+ food recommendations!)

How to spend three days in Istanbul – the perfect itinerary to visit landmarks, immerse in rich history and indulge in local delicacies.

Istanbul is a beautiful melting pot of culture, history, and food—a city that uniquely straddles both Europe and Asia, separated by the stunning Bosphorus River. Over the course of just three days in Istanbul, I managed to capture its essence and charm, and I can’t wait to share my perfect itinerary with you. And of course, some food recommendations!

Editor’s Note: I pieced together this itinerary from 2 separate trips – I visited recently on a layover in October 2024, and this time round had some food recommendations from you! Compiling it all in this updated post. 

The first time I visited was as a solo traveller, on one of my work trips to Europe. Istanbul, Turkey was a stopover, and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to extend a few days to explore this city. The second time I visited I was with my friend, and it was also part of our layover from Europe. We took the opportunity to visit the places I didn’t manage to hit before.

Based on the two trips, I pieces together this itinerary. If you need the perfect 3-Day itinerary for a first-time visit to Istanbul, this is it!

Table of Contents

• Where to Stay in Istanbul
• Getting Around / Getting to Istanbul
• Day 1: Exploring the Historic Heart
• Day 2: The Bosphorus and Beyond
• Day 3: Markets, Bazaars, and Culinary Delights
• What to Eat in Istanbul
• Safety in Istanbul – My Thoughts
• Bonus Tips!
• Summary and Final Thoughts

Where to Stay in Istanbul

When choosing where to stay in Istanbul, the historic Sultanahmet area is a top recommendation, especially for first-time visitors. I stayed in the touristy Sultanahmet area both times I visited.

This district is home to Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, so staying here means you’ll be just a short walk from these stunning sites! It’s super easy to start your day early or return to your hotel for a quick break between activities.

Having been to Istanbul twice, and taken a good look around everywhere else, I also can’t quite recommend anywhere else to stay besides the Sultanahmet area.

Sultanahmet offers a range of accommodations to suit your budget, from luxurious boutique hotels with rooftop views of the Bosphorus to charming, budget-friendly guesthouses. Generally, the reviews on Booking.com are accurate for Istanbul, and these were the two hotels that I’ve stayed in: Dosso Dossi Hotels Old City and Obelisk Hotel & Suites.

Getting Around / Getting to Istanbul

Getting Around

I walked EVERYWHERE in this itinerary! If that’s not your speed, Istanbul’s public transport system is efficient and easy to use. You can get around by tram, ferry, metro, and even funicular. You can purchase the tickets on the spot; there were ticketing machines at all the tram stops that we passed by. For a more convenient option, the Istanbulkart is your key to the city’s transport system.

There are plenty of taxis, and they are easy to flag down. However, to minimise your chances of getting ripped off, I recommend using the Uber app for a less stressful experience. Make sure you ask for the meter.

Getting to Istanbul

For travelers arriving at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), there are multiple ways to reach the city center.

• Airport Shuttles: The Havaist Airport Shuttles are an affordable, comfortable option, taking passengers directly to major city points like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Besiktas.

• Metro: There’s also the new metro line, apparently the M11 line is the fastest in Istanbul! If you have lots of luggage, I can’t imagine this would the most comfortable option. At least you won’t have to worry about traffic.

• Taxis: There are plenty of airport taxis at the airport to get you to the city centre. The journey typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic and the airport.

• Private Transfer: For convenience, we requested the hotel to arrange for the airport shuttle. This way we don’t have to stress about getting a taxi, or even bothering with any bargaining. Just to give you an idea on cost, we were quoted 50 Euros for one-way, and 90 Euros for two-way.

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Heart

Kick off your adventure in Sultanahmet, the historical heart of Istanbul. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is packed with landmarks that are hard to miss. Here’s what your day could look like:

Morning: The Old City

HAgia Sophia

Start with a visit to the Hagia Sophia—an architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque throughout its storied past. It was first built as a church and was considered to be one of the greatest. Before St Peter’s Basilica was built in the Vatican City, this was the largest church ever built. When Istanbul was conquered by Mehmet the Conqueror, he turned the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. 

Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again (hope you’re still following?), it’s a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s blend of cultures.

To visit Hagia Sophia, it is recommended to book a guided tour. The queues in can be long. You will also need to cover up now to enter Hagia Sophia since it is a mosque now. These are available at the entrance. 

Once you’re done at Hagia Sophia, directly across you’ll find the Blue Mosque. Along the way, you can grab some Turkish street snacks such as grilled corn or simit (a a sesame-crusted bread ring) for breakfast as you stroll along. 

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or as its more officially known as, the Sultanahmet Mosque, is Istanbul’s most iconic landmark. The mosque still functions as a place of worship today, so you do need to be modestly dressed. There will be coverups provided at the entrance.

With its six towering minarets and intricate blue-tiled interiors, this mosque is as impressive inside as it is outside. I arrived just as prayers were about to begin, and the atmosphere was so serene.

It was also the first day of Ramadan when I visited, which meant the mosque had an even more profound sense of community and spirituality.

As you step onto lush red carpeting, you’ll be taking in the high-ceilinged interiors, lovely blue tiled walled and majestic chandelier that hangs low. I sat back here for a while, enjoying the peace of the vast mosque and worshippers prayed further in front.

When I visited Istanbul for the first time, it happened to be the first day of Ramadan as well. It added a layer of experience for me since I was able to witness a celebratory mass break-fast event in front of the Blue Mosque. There was also a handicraft night market which only ran during the fasting month.

Basilica Cistern

While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the nearby Underground Basilica Cistern—a breathtaking ancient water reservoir that feels like you’ve stepped into a hidden, mystical realm.

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by rows of perfectly symmetrical Roman columns rising above shallow waters, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere. I was surprised to see actual fish swimming in the cistern; it is a historical site after all! One of the most intriguing sights here is the upside-down Medusa head tucked away in the back, believed to have been placed that way to neutralize her petrifying gaze.

Lunch: Sultanahmet Eats

By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Head to the many restaurants around Sultanahmet. We loved our meat platter at Turgut Kebap, the service was also impeccable.

For more in-depth look at what to eat in Istanbul, and my top recommended spots, see this post.

Afternoon: Topkapi Palace

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Ottoman history at Topkapi Palace, once the residence of sultans.

The Topkapi Palace was probably my favourite place in Istanbul. I loved all of the gorgeous tiling and tapestry throughout the museum! Once the residence of sultans, it is now a beautiful museum with luxurious courtyards, ornate pavilions, and the famous harem. The Imperial Harem was a complex network of apartments, and home to the ladies of the palace, including the sultan’s mother, wives and concubines.

I believe the harem is a separate museum to pay for; if you like exquisite Turkish tiles as much as I do, I say it’s worth the extra ticket. I recommend hopping on to a guided tour for this, because it brings the place to life – “harem” is named after “haram” which meant forbidden, lots of salacious stories.

There are tours at certain timings that you can hop on, but I rented the audio guide which worked just as well. The Topkapi also overlooks the azure blue of the Bosporus River, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!

While you’re at the vicinity of the Topkapi, pop into the Hagia Irene church. Located at the first courtyard of the Topkapi, it is a former church that now functions as a museum and concert hall. It’s small; I spent no longer than 10 minutes in here.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Also located nearby Topkapi and worth a visit: the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. I stumbled upon it after leaving Topkapi and was pleasantly surprised by its vast collection of ancient artifacts from Turkey, Greece, and beyond.

There are three museums here: the Archeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Tiled Kiosk. Some parts of the museum were under construction when I visited, so I was never sure if I visited the Archeological Museum or Museum of the Ancient Near East. Perhaps I unknowingly wandered into both. The Tiled Kiosk was the most discernible, as it’s a separate building with stunning blue Turkish mosaic tiles on its front.

There are a lot of cats throughout Istanbul, but there was a huge concentration of cute cats and kittens loitering about the museum compound!

Dinner: Rooftop Restaurants for Sunsets

As the sun sets, head to one of the many rooftop restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus for gorgeous views. Seven Hills Restaurant is a popular spot offering one of the best rooftop views of both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – but it is crowded. We chose the nearby En La Luna Terrass, which offers nice views of the mosques illuminated against the night sky.

Day 2: The Bosphorus and Beyond

Morning: Galata Bridge or Bosporus Cruise

Day 2 starts out relaxed and slow, with brunch and good coffee at North Art Coffee. If you’re staying around the Sultanahmet area, I highly recommend it!

From there, take a leisurely stroll toward the Galata Bridge, a must-visit spot that offers stunning views of the city and a unique glimpse into everyday Istanbul life. This bridge is always bustling with activity—you’ll see locals lined along the bridge… fishing!

The walk along the Galata Bridge is lovely, but the views are even better! On one side, you’ll have an incredible view of the Old City, including the majestic domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. On the other side, you’ll see the modern skyline, representing Istanbul’s blend of old and new.

Bosporus Cruise

Alternatively, take the Bosporus Cruise. This is usually on the Istanbul bucket list, but I skipped it – it just doesn’t seem interesting to me. But if this is up your alley, you can start your day with a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus. There are private boat tours and public ferry rides that can take you between the European and Asian sides of the city.

Lunch: Seafood along Galata Bridge

For lunch, take advantage of the many delightful restaurants lining the Galata Bridge. There’s no shortage of options offering fresh seafood with incredible views of the Bosphorus.

I highly recommend dining at Galata Sanat, where I had a fantastic meal. The grilled sea bream here was simply incredible—perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dish called Atom for the first time like I did! It’s a spicy yogurt dip that packs a punch—creamy and rich, with a fiery kick that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. Pair it with some fresh bread or as a side to the fish.

Afternoon: Exploring Galata

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the Galata Tower, another of Istanbul’s historic landmarks. From the top of the tower, you’ll get an unbeatable panoramic view of the city that will take your breath away.

Once you’ve crossed, head for the iconic Galata Tower. This ancient stone tower has stood watch over Istanbul for centuries and offers breathtaking panoramic views from the top. You can either climb up or take the elevator!

After taking in the views, take a quick break at the many cafes around Galata Tower, especially along the charming Buyuk Hendek Street.

Gallant Galata is a cafe I highly recommend for good coffee and Saint Sebastian Cheesecake, otherwise known as Basque Burnt Cheesecake. The Saint Sebastian Cheesecake is popular in Istanbul, and here they’re served with melted chocolate. Highly decadent!

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming Galata district. This area is full of narrow, cobblestone streets, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Take your time wandering through the streets—you’ll find hidden gems around every corner, from quirky shops to local street art. We got some cute souvenirs from this area!

Cross the bridge back over, but before that grab a fish wrap snack at Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balik Durum. This came highly recommended by several of you, so of course, I HAD to try!

This was delicious – grilled fish in a wrap, with plenty of ingredients to provide amazing layers of flavours. I asked for a spicy version, and boy, it was such a good kick! I had this as a snack, but I felt like this could easily be a full meal.

Evening: Watch A Whirling Dervish Performance

This whirling dervish is fully clad in white as he spins effortlessly, as if in a trance. It was believed this is one of the ways to get closer to God.

You can pay to watch a whirlish dervish ceremony, but there’s plenty of restaurants or cafés in Sultanahmet, that lets you watch the hypnotic Whirling Dervish performance accompanied by enchanting live instrumental music. These places are easy to spot – they would have standing billboards advertising this at the storefront. All you need to do is order something!

Your day begins at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Spend the morning exploring the maze of shops selling everything from spices to textiles, jewelry, and traditional Turkish crafts. Practice your bargaining skills and pick up some unique souvenirs.

I wanted to get just one Turkish lamp, but ended up with three because the deal was too good! Lots of Turkish carpet stores here – but they’re definitely not cheap – and I felt the most stressed in carpet stores. Turkish bathrobes and towels are unique, and I would recommend these. I also purchased some beautiful tile coasters.

Other colourful souvenirs you can find are a delicious array of Turkish delights and aromatic teas. Best of all, most shops allow sampling. I bought a box of Turkish Delights for family, and they loved all of it! Halwa is another sweet treat that would be a perfect souvenir.

Since I cook (hello!), I got some spices as well, specifically Za’atar and Sumac. If you don’t know what kind of spices to get, simply ask the shopkeeper what you would like to use them for. For example, “what spices do you have for chicken?”

I found most of the people friendly (perhaps too friendly), but to be honest I don’t really feel like they were pushy. I had one of the nicest conversation with an old shopkeeper who was so excited to hear I was from Singapore; it was his favourite place ever.

Even if you’re not shopping, it was nice to stroll through the stores with their colourful products out on display.

Lunch: Street Food Extravaganza

For lunch, you can pop into the many restaurants around the Grand Bazaar area, or simply snack!

If you want another bite of grilled fish, grab a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) near Emononu to keep you fuelled for more exploring.

Afternoon: Spice Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque

Just a short walk from the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find the Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar, a sensory overload of fragrant spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delights. If you love to cook, this is the perfect place to stock up on high-quality ingredients to take home.

Afterward, take a short detour to the stunning Yeni Cami or Süleymaniye Mosque. These are lesser-visited mosques that can still offer a peaceful atmosphere and equally stunning interiors.

Snack Break at Hafiz Mustafa

For your mid-afternoon snack, head over to Hafiz Mustafa, an iconic name in Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage known for serving some of the finest traditional Turkish desserts since 1864. Located in several spots around the city, this legendary patisserie offers a vast array of sweets like baklava, Turkish delights (lokum), kunefe, and various cakes.

I HIGHLY recommend the kunefe, I had my best one here! Order it with a side of their pistachio ice cream too.

Bonus Bazaar: Arasta Bazaar

Right by the Blue Mosque, there is a smaller bazaar that turned out to be my favourite! Arasta Bazaar is located near our accomodation, so we ended up visiting it often… because we love how much more calmer it was compared to the more popular bazaars. We found the shopkeepers far less intimidating as well.

I ended up buying the bulk of my souvenirs here too: Turkish delights, coaster tiles and Turkish bath towels and bathrobes are my recommendations!

Dinner: A Turkish Feast

For your last dinner in Istanbul, head back towards the Sultanahmet area and treat yourself to a Turkish feast at Ortaklar kebap Restaurant. This is a local favourite, serving hearty and affordable food.

• Kebabs and Meat Platters: Did you even visit Istanbul if you didn’t indulge in meat platters? Turkey is famous for its kebabs: enjoy döner (thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), şiş kebabs (skewered grilled meat), and İskender kebab (döner served over pita with tomato sauce and yogurt). Don’t forget köfte (meatballs) as well!

• Mezes: Small shared plates that typically include dishes like hummus, haydari (yogurt with herbs), and sigara böreği (crispy cheese rolls). If you ever see Atom on the menu, please try it! This is a spicy yogurt dish that is creamy and rich with a fiery kick, often served with grilled meats or fresh bread.

• Grilled Fish and Grilled Fish Wraps (Balık Ekmek): Having grilled fresh fish is an absolute must in Istanbul!

• Lahmacun or Pides: Often called Turkish pizza, lahmacun or pide is a flatbread topped with a flavourful toppings.

• Manti: Often referred to as Turkish dumplings, manti are small, hand-formed pasta. It’s filled with spiced meat, usually served with yogurt and spices.

• Simit: Often referred to as the “Turkish bagel,” simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring with a slightly chewy texture.

• Roasted Chestnuts and Corn: On warmer seasons, you’ll find grilled corn cobs, which are served with a sprinkle of salt or chili powder. In cooler months, roasted chestnut vendors line the streets with steaming baskets of these warm, sweet nuts.

• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Lokum, or Turkish delight is a chewy, sugar-dusted candy that comes in a variety of flavors, from rose to pomegranate and pistachio. They also make for great souvenirs!

• Künefe: This dessert is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of crispy, savoury and sweet. Shredded phyllo dough filled with melty cheese, soaked in syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios.

• Baklava: These delicate, flaky pastries, layered with phyllo dough, drenched in syrup, and stuffed with pistachios or walnuts, are the ultimate Turkish dessert.

• Saint Sebastian Cheesecake: For dessert lovers, Saint Sebastian cheesecake is a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. This creamy, rich cheesecake, with the signature topping of melted chocolate has gained a loyal following in Istanbul in recent times.

• Turkish Tea: Turkish tea, or çay, is served in small, tulip-shaped glasses often enjoyed throughout the day.

• Apple Tea: A sweet, fruity beverage that’s served hot or cold. I absolutely love Apple Tea!

• Turkish Coffee: No visit to Istanbul would be complete without experiencing the unique (and very strong!) flavour of Turkish coffee.

If you want a more in-depth look at the food in Istanbul, as well as recommended places to eat, make sure to check out this post!

Have you been to Istanbul? Let me know what you think of it OR anything else that I missed out on!