3-day itinerary
The Perfect 3 Days in Istanbul
A balanced 3-day plan for Istanbul, built around its top-rated sights so each day flows without backtracking — plus a bite to eat along the way. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.
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Customize it free →Day 1 — The Big Highlights
Morning
Hagia Sophia
A breathtaking 1,500-year-old architectural wonder that has served as cathedral, museum, and now grand mosque.
Afternoon
Basilica Cistern (Exit)
Walk among forest of columns in this hauntingly beautiful Byzantine cistern beneath Istanbul's streets.
Evening
Blue Mosque
Marvel at the Blue Mosque's six soaring minarets and breathtaking tilework, an icon of Istanbul's skyline.
Where to eat: beyti lokanta — A well-loved local spot.
Day 2 — Culture & Icons
Morning
Topkapı Palace
Explore the opulent heart of the Ottoman Empire, where sultans ruled and treasures dazzle at every turn.
Afternoon
Tomb of Hatice Turhan Sultan
Rest alongside Ottoman royalty in this stunning 17th-century mausoleum beside the iconic New Mosque.
Evening
Tomb of Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana)
Honor the legendary Roxelana, the powerful Ukrainian-born queen who captivated and transformed the Ottoman Empire.
Where to eat: Haci Abdullah Lokantasi — Turkish — a well-loved local spot.
Day 3 — Culture & Icons
Morning
Mausoleum of Suleiman the Magnificent
Stand before the magnificent turbesi honoring Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman empire's most celebrated ruler.
Afternoon
Site of Gezi Park protests
Site of Turkey's defining 2013 protests, this park pulses with political history and urban resilience.
Evening
Dolmabahçe Palace
A breathtaking imperial palace where sultans once ruled, perched majestically on the Bosphorus waterfront.
Where to eat: Nicole — A well-loved local spot.
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Build my Istanbul itinerary →Built from Istanbul's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.