3 days in Istanbul | The Ultimate Guide

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Istanbul: Where East Meets West in a Symphony of History, Culture, and Flavor

Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents, is a captivating blend of East and West, a place where ancient history whispers from every cobblestone and vibrant culture explodes in every bazaar. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an architecture enthusiast, Istanbul has something to enthrall you.

It’s a place everyone should discover at least once, and this guide will help you find out more about what to see in this city Find out in this article how to visit Istanbul in 3 days.

How do I get to Istanbul?

There are several ways to get from Istanbul Airport (IST) to the city center, depending on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Here are the main options:

1. Metro:

The fastest and most economical option is the Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11, which takes approximately 24 minutes to reach the city center (specifically, Kağıthane station).
From Kağıthane, you can transfer to other metro lines to reach your specific destination.
A single ticket costs 50 Turkish Liras (TRY).

2. Bus:

Two main bus companies offer services from the airport: Havaist and IETT.
Havaist: Offers comfortable shuttles with various routes covering major areas of the city. The journey time can vary depending on the chosen route (around 1-1.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 15.33 TRY to 85 TRY.
IETT: Operates public buses that are a more budget-friendly option but may be slower and less comfortable than Havaist. Ticket prices are around 5 TRY.

3. Taxi

Download the BiTaksi application, which is a bit like Uber. The price will be fixed in advance.

How do I get around?

The local public transport network is very comprehensive. Metro, bus, … you’ll find everything you need to get around.

If you want to take a cab, make sure you only use the yellow taxi ranks and that the cab turns on the meter. If the cab doesn’t turn on the meter, get out. I advise you to download the BiTaksi application, which is a bit like Uber. The price will be fixed in advance.

Save money with an Istanbulkart

Before arriving, consider purchasing an Istanbulkart, a travel card that allows you to use public transportation (including the metro, buses, trams, and ferries) at a discounted rate. You can purchase and top up the card at kiosks located at the airport and metro stations.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

You may be confused when you consult the map to find the best places to stay in Istanbul. There are numerous accommodation options all over the city.

I recommend accommodation in the Beyoglu district, including the area around Galata, which is very lively and perfect for going out in the evening. What’s more, you’re close to the Karaköy area, which is also a great place to go out at night. You can also opt for accommodation around Taksim Square (where we stayed).

If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, I’d also recommend the historic Sultanahmet district.

Visiting Istanbul: Istanbul’s main sights

Istanbul is a huge city, so here’s an overview of the main sights you can explore on your visit.

Sultanahmet: The city’s historic district, with monuments such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Taksim Square and Istiklal Street: A lively and exciting atmosphere, with bars and cafés all along the way. Istikal Street is the city’s main shopping street.
Galata: Famous for its tower, Galata is a great place to immerse yourself in Turkish culture, as this is where you can see many of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, such as the whirling dervishes. It’s possible to rent beautiful apartments with Airbnb in Galata, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Karaköy: A trendy district built into the ancient ruins of Istanbul. A hot spot for modern Turkish culture. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants here.
Arnavutköy: This is the nightlife district, home to high-end businesses, nightclubs and bars. In addition to parties, Arnavutköy is also known for its high-end seafood restaurants.

Discover more about city trips on this blog.

Visit Istanbul in 3 days: My itinerary

We’re starting this Istanbul itinerary with some of the city’s most iconic landmarks! All these places are located in roughly the same area, and you should be able to get to them on foot. It’s a long day, so take as many breaks as you need!

Visit Istanbul in 3 days: Day 1

Historic Sultanahmet

Known as Istanbul’s historic old town, Sultanahmet will take you back in time. Here are the must-see sights:

Blue Mosque: This is one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve ever seen. It is closed to non-believers 45 minutes before the call to prayer, 30 minutes after, and all Friday morning (until 2:30/2:30 p.m.), the Muslim holy day. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted.
The Hagia Sophia: One of the most important monuments in Istanbul, Turkey, welcomes millions of visitors every year. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Formerly an Orthodox church, it is now a mosque. Admission is free.
Topkapi Palace (optional): Topkapi Palace was once the majestic seat and residence of the Ottoman sultans. After the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, the palace was transformed into a museum. When visiting busy museums such as Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, you’ll need to buy a museum pass to avoid queues. For more information on this subject, you can also read the article Museum Pass Istanbul.
Get lost in the Grand Bazaar: Get lost in the colorful labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. Here you can buy and haggle over traditional Turkish carpets, oriental cushions, hanging lamps, and much more!
Suleymaniye Mosque: The Suleymaniye Mosque is currently one of the world’s best-known tourist attractions and the second-largest mosque in Turkey. What a marvel! Admission is free.

Bonus: head to the Seven Hills for a beautiful view of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

To reach the historic center, you can take a stroll over the Galata Bridge, which links the Old Town (Sultanahmet) to the New Town. You can also do it in the opposite direction on the way back, as the view of the Galata Bridge is best at sunset when the pink sky serves as a backdrop to the city.

Visit Istanbul in 3 days: Day 2

The colorful districts of Fener and Balat (morning)

Located side by side and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, they are still rarely visited, despite being among the most fascinating and important in the city’s history. Balat, Istanbul’s former Jewish quarter, and Fener, historically the city’s most important Greek quarter.

Organized like little villages, the tangle of cobbled lanes running up and down gives the impression of being in a treasure-filled labyrinth. The colorful Ottoman houses, some perfectly restored, religious buildings, the small craftsmen and tradesmen, the children playing in the street, and the laundry hanging in the windows give this area a unique, timeless charm that will allow you to discover a new facet of Istanbul.

Beyoglu district (afternoon)

During your visit to Istanbul, the Beyoglu district is a must-see for its monuments and other sights. It’s a must-see district. Here are some of the highlights.

Galata: Best known for the 68-meter-high Galata Tower, with its incredible panoramic view of the whole city. Admission is charged.
Taksim Square: Considered the heart of modern Istanbul. Taksim Square is a district of bars, restaurants, and luxury hotels. It is also home to the Monument to the Water Bearer and the Monument to the Republic.
Istikal Street: From Taksim Square runs one of the city’s main commercial arteries, Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), a pleasant pedestrian shopping street that can be crossed by the nostalgic streetcar to the Tünel funicular.

Karakoy district (Nevizade Sokak) – In the evening

It’s in the bars and restaurants of this lively Beyoglu district that half of Istanbul’s population meets for an evening beer. Nevizade Sokak is the name of a particular street, but it’s mostly used to refer to this district.

Visit Istanbul in 3 days: Day 3

Ortaköy and surroundings (Besiktas district)

Located on the European side of Istanbul, Ortaköy is a charming, historic district that has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, Ortaköy is known for its breathtaking views, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Below are the must-sees in this district.

Ortaköy Mosque: This iconic mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, was built in 1854 and features a striking blend of Ottoman and Baroque styles. It is located on the waterfront and offers a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus Strait.
Bosphorus Bridge: Spanning the Bosphorus Strait, this impressive suspension bridge links Europe and Asia and offers panoramic views of the city. Stroll across the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Place Ortaköy: This lively square is the heart of the district, home to numerous cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as a weekly market on Sundays. You’ll find souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Turkish cuisine.
Nightlife: Ortaköy has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars, cafés and clubs.
Optionnel : Boat tour on the Bosphore. See below.

Besiktas district

The Beşiktaş district is one of Istanbul’s oldest. It stretches from Dolmabahçe Palace to the village of Bebek. Today, Beşiktaş is one of Istanbul’s liveliest districts, with its busy shopping streets. In the center is the famous “Çarşı”, the shopping area, of which the fish market, with its famous eagle statue symbolizing the Beşiktaş soccer team, represents the heart.

Dolmabahce Palace, located on the European bank of the Bosphorus, was once the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. This is one of the most popular historic sites to visit in Istanbul and a must-see destination.

Istanbul street food to try

During a trip to Istanbul, it’s essential to try some of these specialties.

Pilav: A hearty Turkish rice dish that’s neither too dry nor too sticky! You can add meat or chickpeas to the rice, for example.
Sebastián cheesecake: The street in front of the Galata Tower is the most popular place in Istanbul to sample the cheesecake of Saint-Sébastien.
Simit (sesame bread): You’ll find plenty of street vendors.
Balik Ekmer: A fish fillet like mackerel, which is usually grilled but can also be fried, served with onions and lettuce inside a Turkish roll.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels): Mussels are stuffed with aromatic herbed rice, and then steamed. You’ll find them everywhere in the streets of Istanbul.
Kumpir: This baked potato stuffed with cheese, meat or fish, corn, olives, mayonnaise, and other condiments is a legendary street food dish in Istanbul. You’ll find dozens of stalls in the Ortaköy district.
Roasted corn and hot chestnuts: you’ll find plenty of street vendors.

In general, you’ll find a variety of canteen restaurants (lokantas) in Turkey. Istanbul’s lokantas, or “shopkeepers’ restaurants”, are where locals go to enjoy fast, fresh home cooking in a lively atmosphere. The food is presented in buffet style. It’s a great place to try all kinds of Turkish food. One I can recommend is the restaurant Osmanoğlu. It was delicious!

We hope you enjoyed this article, Visiting Istanbul in 3 days. Feel free to check out all our other articles about other cities in Europe and outside Europe if you’d like more inspiration.