The short version: Three days lets you see the best of Istanbul across two continents. Day one for imperial Sultanahmet, day two for the bazaars and the Bosphorus, day three for the local Asian side and colourful Balat. Here is the plan.
Day 1: Imperial Sultanahmet
Start early at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, tour the sultans’ Topkapi Palace, and cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern. End with a traditional Turkish hammam.
Day 2: Bazaars and the Bosphorus
Haggle through the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, cross the Galata Bridge and climb the Galata Tower. As the sun drops, take a Bosphorus cruise and dine at Karakoy Lokantasi.
Day 3: The Asian side and Balat
Ferry to Kadikoy for a food tour and a feast at Ciya Sofrasi, then photograph the rainbow houses of Balat. Back on the European side, stroll Istiklal Avenue and catch the whirling dervishes.
Got a 4th day?
Escape to the car-free Princes’ Islands for pine forests and sea views.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Istanbul?
Yes. Three days covers Sultanahmet’s great monuments, the bazaars, a Bosphorus cruise and the local Asian side. A fourth day suits the Princes’ Islands.
Is Istanbul walkable?
The historic core of Sultanahmet is walkable, but Istanbul is huge and hilly. Trams, ferries and the metro make crossing the city and the Bosphorus easy.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to May and September to November offer mild weather and thinner crowds. Summer is hot and busy; winter is cool and atmospheric.
Do I need to book Hagia Sophia and Topkapi in advance?
Booking skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour is strongly recommended, as queues at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can be very long in peak season.
See where to eat, stay and explore in the full Istanbul guide.
Plan your trip to Istanbul
Compare places to stay and book tours and experiences, all in one map.