A First-Timer's Guide to Istanbul: 3-Day Enchanting Itinerary
Istanbul is a city where the East meets West literally. It offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. If you're a first-time traveler to this beautiful destination, we want to share with you the perfect way to spend three unforgettable days! If you are lucky enough to be a frequent traveler, enjoy our recommendations and let us know what you think!
Day 1: Exploring the Grand and Spice Bazaar and Evening Cultural Show
Grand Bazaar
Start your Istanbul adventure with a visit to the historic Grand Bazaar, an endless amount of shops showcasing beautiful treasures. From vibrant textiles to intricate ceramics it is a vivid marketplace. Be sure to buy the Turkey Tea Cup Sets for yourself and as a gift! If you have not tasted Turkish tea, you will soon be a fan! Don't forget that haggling over prices is all part of the experience.
After your shopping spree, indulge in a flavorful Turkish lunch at local eateries.
Spice Bazaar
After lunch, make your way to the enchanting Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Allow the aromas of exotic spices and sweets to guide you through this sensory experience.
Explore nearby architectural marvels
Suleymaniye Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque
New Mosque
The mosques are always free so if anyone is charging you an entrance fee that is a scam. The mosques are intricate and beautifully constructed. Enjoy the peace and be respectful of the prayer space and culture.
Whirling Dervishes Show
As the evening sets in, don't miss the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Show. Arrive early to witness this spiritual dance performance that transcends time! We watched the one in Kızlarağa Medresesi which had a little museum to read about the rituatls before watching it. It was a very educational and cultural experience that will make a great addition to your trip.
Day 2: Admire the Mosques and Beautiful Architecture
Basilica Cistern
Begin your second day with a visit to the captivating Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir that offers a glimpse into Istanbul's architectural ingenuity. We highly recommend a tour of this for an elevated experience! You might even recognize this space as it is a common film set!
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
The mosque is known for its striking blue tiles and impressive architecture. It was under construction when we went, however, you can still see the beauty from the outside.
Hagia Sophia
Immerse yourself in the history of this awe-inspiring structure that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. It does currently act as a mosque but visitors are welcome. Women just need to have a head covering (can be a hood, scarf, or anything out of respect for the culture and is usually required in all religious places).
As you sit and take in the marvel, do not be surprised if a cat comes and joins you! Stray cats are loved everywhere in Istanbul and are always welcome in mosques.
Stroll the Local Markets
With so many options, take your time to shop, eat, and check out the local markets! You might even run into street vendors selling the popular simit (a must-try!)
Arasta Bazaar
Sultanahmet Square
Explore the charming Beyazit Book Market
Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local spot
Galata Tower
Our next stop is a hike. Climb to the top of this medieval tower for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It is a ticketed entry but worth the experience. Be sure to check out the lively cafes around the tower and do some shopping and eating while there! Also, this is a great spot for pictures.
Galata Bridge
Cross this famous bridge and explore the vibrant Galata and Taksim neighborhoods (known for nightlife). Makes for a lovely walk on a warm day near the water. You may even run into locals fishing along the bridge too.
Istiklal Avenue
Stroll down this bustling pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. It is one of the liveliest streets in town and you can easily spend a few hours here.
Bosphorus Cruise
If you are looking for a popular cruise, consider a cruise on the Bosphorus. There are options for dinner cruises and shows as well. We personally enjoy a short sightseeing cruise and getting dinner at local spots around Istanbul. There are plenty of options, so choose your favorite way to enjoy!
Day 3: Diving into History in Grand Palaces and Crossing Continents for Sunset
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, a true gem of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, offers a captivating journey through history. As you explore its opulent halls and lush gardens, you'll immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, where sultans once ruled. The Ottoman period ended in 1922, so really not that long ago! We loved the tour and were in awe of Turkey’s rich history. This makes for a great place for majestic views and history.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, a sister to Topkapi, is another architectural masterpiece that exudes grandeur. Its opulent interiors, exquisite furnishings, and beautifully manicured gardens make it a must-visit when exploring Istanbul's historical treasures. To truly appreciate the rich culture and history these palaces offer, we highly recommend taking a guided tour or making use of audioguides. This will allow you to add stories and significance to these stunning sites, providing a more enriching experience.
Cats of Istanbul
Our Istanbul journey wouldn't be complete without mentioning the city's beloved and pampered residents: the charming cats! These furry ambassadors are not just part of the city's landscape; they're an integral part of its heart and soul. Istanbul's people and government have embraced cats, ensuring their well-being. Get ready to be greeted by these friendly feline companions as you explore the city – they're as much a part of th'e local culture as anything else! In fact, there’s even a documentary called “Kedi” about the cats of Istanbul.
Cross to the Asia Side
For a unique experience, cross to the Asian side of Istanbul. Take a cruise/boat across. Explore the charming neighborhoods of Uskudar and Kadıköy-Moda, offering a taste of local life. If you time this right, you can even catch a beautiful sunset from Uskudar!
Modifications/tips:
Here are some tips/modifications:
Istanbul is a city that offers so much and to really experience all of it in a well-paced manner, we recommend 3 days. However, if you are tight on time, you can totally do 2 days and pick your favorites from above. If you have the luxury of more time, spend some time exploring other Turkish cities for a perfect Turkey getaway.
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). This is one of the countries where cash will certainly be useful for small transactions. While you can use euros, we recommend using the lira. Credit cards are usually widely accepted too however most markets and small shops prefer cash.
Just like any other city, stay centrally in safe locations or close to public transport making it easy to navigate your stay.
Buy a public transport card (it may be cheaper to load the card vs. getting an unlimited transport card) as transport is very affordable. See what works best for you! If you choose to take taxis, be careful not to take unlicensed or unmarked taxis for safety reasons primarily and also to prevent being overcharged. Limited to no ride shares are available at this time. We found that once we were in Istanbul we could easily walk and use public transport to get wherever we wanted to go.
Be respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites like mosques.
Drink bottled water for health safety.
Be sure to drink lots of delicious Turkish tea!! It is very common to have a cup after dinner too.
As your three days in Turkey come to an end, we reflect on this unforgettable journey filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the ancient marvels of Istanbul to the coastal charm of the Mediterranean, your Turkish adventure is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. We hope you savor the flavors, explore the wonders, and create lasting memories in this beautiful country!
Thank you for reading!
For more European Inspiration check out: Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, and Austria.
