What to See in Istanbul in 3 Days

We've prepared a very complete 3-day itinerary in Istanbul where you can discover the main monuments, attractions, and most popular activities in the capital of Turkey. Discover what to see in Istanbul in 3 days.

Istanbul, a city that connects two continents, Europe and Asia, is a one-of-a-kind destination where history and culture meet in every corner. Thanks to its rich heritage from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul offers an unparalleled experience for anyone who visits. With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll discover the best of Turkey's capital.

If you’re arriving at Istanbul Airport and are unsure how to get to the city center, you can book a transfer from the airport to your hotel for a quick and hassle-free arrival:

For a budget-friendly option, you can also take a bus:

Day 1: The Essentials in Istanbul

To visit Istanbul in 3 days, the best way is to start by visiting some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Begin with Hagia Sophia, renowned for its massive dome and impressive architecture. We recommend dedicating a few hours to exploring the grandeur of this iconic monument:

Mezquita de Santa SofíaMezquita de Santa Sofía

Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, you’ll find the Blue Mosque, famous for its 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles and six minarets. Be sure to observe the dress code as you explore one of the city's most significant religious sites:

    Next, visit Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. This magnificent palace symbolizes the grandeur of Constantinople as the heart of the Ottoman Empire. From this monumental complex, you'll be able to explore the lavish chambers, the Harem, and the Imperial Treasury, and enjoy excellent views of the Bosphorus

      Palacio Topkaki de EstambulPalacio Topkaki de Estambul

      Wrap up your first day by visiting the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir. Its magical lighting and mysterious atmosphere make it a must-see. You can discover this hidden gem on a guided tour:

        Day 2: The Bosphorus, Ottoman Istanbul, & the European Side

        Begin your second day with a relaxing boat ride along the Bosphorus. With its scenic views of the city and its landmarks, these cruises are an excellent option to discover Istanbul from the water.

        Crucero por el Bósforo al atardecerCrucero por el Bósforo al atardecer

        After the cruise, we'll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built in the 16th century under Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Then, we'll stroll over to the Spice Bazaar, a traditional market offering everything from exotic spices to Turkish delights. Next, head to Dolmabahçe Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.

        Mezquita de SüleymaniyeMezquita de Süleymaniye

        For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the Galata Tower, a medieval lookout offering stunning vistas of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

        Explore the European side of Istanbul, starting with the lively neighborhood of Beyoglu, one of the city's most cosmopolitan neighborhoods. From Istiklal Avenue, you can visit Taksim Square, Çiçek Pasajı (the Flower Passage), and Sahaflar Çarşısı, a historic marketplace with old books. Beyoglu is also home to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

        End your day in Karaköy, a trendy area known for its vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at one of its traditional Turkish restaurants overlooking the Bosphorus.

        Day 3: Explore the Asian Side

        On your final day, cross the Bosphorus Bridge to explore Istanbul’s Asian side. Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, you'll see the Üsküdar neighborhood, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, and the Kadıköy neighborhood, filled with shops and a market to explore. While discovering the Asian side of Istanbul, don't miss the Beylerbeyi Palace and the Eyup neighborhood, the third most important Islamic pilgrimage site after  Mecca and Jerusalem.

        To get the most out of this part of the city, we recommend joining a guided tour:

        Vistas al barrio de Eyup

        Wrap up your trip with a relaxing Turkish bath. This rejuvenating experience is the perfect way to rest your mind and body after spending some nice days in Istanbul.

          To explore Istanbul and its main attractions comfortably on your 3-day visit, consider using the sightseeing bus. You can purchase tickets for the sightseeing bus in Istanbul at this link:

          Express Cappadocia Tour

          If you’d like to visit the stunning region of Cappadocia but only have a day to spare, you can book an express day trip, where you'll embark on a flight to this majestic site with transportation, and an English-speaking guide included. 

          Visita a la Capadocia en globoVisita a la Capadocia en globo

          If you’re arriving in Istanbul on a cruise, you can book a guided tour for cruise passengers where you'll visit the city's main attractions without having to worry about anything.