Background
Trip Planner Logo

3-Day Adventure in Istanbul: Exploring the Rich History and Stunning Landmarks

Anett Magyar

Anett Magyar

3 Oct 2023

Embark on a thrilling 3-day journey through Istanbul, Turkey, where you'll immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and discover its magnificent landmarks. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the enchanting Blue Mosque, this itinerary is packed with awe-inspiring sights that will leave you in awe.

Trip to Istanbul

Day 1
+

$175

·

$ 15

Bosphorus
Boat tours provide visitors with unique city views from this strait separating Europe & Asia.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
49 - 59 min

~

Directions

Beylerbeyi Palace
This 19th-century palace with gardens was once a summer residence for Ottoman sultans.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$88
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Restored Baroque Revival mosque featuring windows designed to capture the Bosphorus' changing light.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Yıldız Park
Suburban public park with cafes & a hilltop museum in an Ottoman palace dating from the 1880s.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Basilica Cistern
Huge underground Roman water source held up with 336 marble columns covering 9,800 sq. meters.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$88
Day 2
+

$88

·

$ 11

Galata Tower
Restored 14th-century tower and former prison overlooking the Bosphorus with a top-floor restaurant.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$88
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Galata Bridge
Bustling bridge across the Golden Horn with pedestrian walkways & street vendors, with cafes below.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Grand Bazaar
Historic sprawling network of indoor souks & market streets peddling leather, jewelry & gifts.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Suleymaniye Mosque
Ornate 16th-century mosque with gardens, plus a terrace with views over the Golden Horn.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Fatih Mosque
Huge hilltop mosque rebuilt in the 1700s, with 4 semi-domes around a central dome, plus 2 minarets.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A friend of the prophet Muhammad is thought to be buried at this 15-century mosque rebuilt in 1800.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$525

·

$ 8

Dolmabahçe Palace
Grand, domed sultan's palace, now a museum, including collections of art, calligraphy and carpets.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$175
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Maiden's Tower
Structure linked with legend & once used as a lighthouse, housing a small museum & a restaurant.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$88
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Topkapi Palace Museum
Huge, opulent 15th-century palace, occupied by sultans for 400 years, housing Ottoman treasures.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$131
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Hagia Sophia
Iconic, storied mosque set within a vast, domed former Byzantine church with stained-glass windows.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$131
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

The Blue Mosque
Well-known site, also known as the Blue Mosque, built in 1616 & containing its founder's tomb.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sultanahmet Square
Public square with remnants of an ancient hippodrome, plus prominent & historic buildings.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $821 In total

Activities & Food:$788
Transport:$33