Istanbul in 3 days: a route through the main places

Three days in Istanbul is enough to see the main sights without running, if you split them by area from the start. The plan below is built so that you do not cross the city more than necessary. Where to stay to make the route convenient is covered in Istanbul: which area to stay in.

Day 1: the Old City

You spend the whole day on the historic peninsula, on foot or on the T1 tram.

• Morning. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which stand next to each other. Arrive at opening, because queues grow by lunchtime. In the mosque you need covered clothing: shoulders and knees, and a headscarf for women.
• Afternoon. Topkapi Palace. Allow at least two or three hours. Check the day off and the ticket prices on the official website, because they change.
• Evening. The Grand Bazaar and the surrounding streets, then dinner by the pier in Eminonu.

The T1 tram connects these places, but at rush hour (roughly 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:30) it is very crowded, so it is better to travel outside that time.

Day 2: the Bosphorus and the European shore

• Morning. A ferry or a sightseeing cruise on the Bosphorus from the Eminonu or Karakoy pier. A walk on the water shows the palaces and bridges and rests your legs after the first day.
• Afternoon. Besiktas and the palace waterfronts, and if you like Ortakoy with its mosque by the water.
• Evening. The Galata Tower, Istiklal and Taksim. Here you can have dinner and walk around the shops.

Day 3: the Asian side

• Morning. A ferry to Kadikoy in about 20 minutes.
• Afternoon. The markets and coffee shops of Kadikoy and the Moda waterfront. A good day to see how locals live.
• Evening. A ferry back at sunset. Or a trip to the Princes' Islands, which are on a separate route.

Ferries leave from the main piers: Eminonu, Karakoy, Besiktas, Kabatas, Uskudar and Kadikoy.

Practical tips

• Istanbulkart. Buy it on the first day: it works on the metro, trams, buses and ferries.
• Museum tickets. Check opening hours and closed days in advance.
• Shoes. Cobblestones and hills: you need comfortable shoes.
• Season. According to Wikivoyage, it is best to go in late May and early June or in late September and early October. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter is rainy and cold.

Compare fares in the HotTrip flight search.

Frequently asked questions

Are three days enough for Istanbul?

For the main places, yes. If you want more museums and a calmer pace, take one more day.

How do I avoid queues?

Arrive at opening or after lunch, and book entry tickets in advance if the site allows it.

Do I need covered clothing?

For mosques, yes: shoulders and knees covered, and women need a headscarf. You can take one at the entrance or carry your own.

How do I get to the Asian side?

Best by ferry, which is inexpensive and beautiful. You can also take the metro on the Marmaray line.

How much does a tram ride cost?

The price depends on the fare, and it is easier to pay with an Istanbulkart than to buy single tickets.

Cover: photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels