Do you have a few days in Istanbul? No worries, it is still enough to see the top spots of the city!
We recommend starting with this 3-day Istanbul itinerary, carefully curated by our expert guides to provide a comprehensive overview of the city. It’s a packed schedule, so you can skip a few stops or spread it over 4 days if you have more time
This itinerary assumes you have three days from Friday to Sunday evening, which means 80 hours to spend in Istanbul. You can also take advantage of our special discounts when you purchase a bundle.
You can access other days from the link below:
Plan Your Three-Day Itinerary of Istanbul: Day 2
Plan Your Three-Day Itinerary of Istanbul: Day 3
Looking for a guide to organize everything for you? Use the booking link below: completely hassle-free!
Things to Consider Before Planning
🚦Traffic: Istanbul has a hectic traffic! That is why you should plan your daily itineraries in a single quarter of the city for each day.
🏛 Popular Spots: The most visited neighborhoods of Istanbul are the Bosphorus, the Historical Peninsula (Sultanahmet), and the Taksim Square (Galata).
⌚️Schedule: The opening hours of each place are different. For example, it is not a great idea to visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the afternoon because of daily prayer times.
⚖️Balance: Istanbul has unique historical treasures found in only a few cities worldwide. On the other hand, it's worth exploring the city through the eyes of those who truly call it home.
The Grand Istanbul Itinerary: Three Days
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Blue Mosque | Spice Market | Ferry to Asian side of Istanbul |
| Afternoon | Topkapı Palace (closed on Tuesdays) | Istiklal Street Galata Tower | Kadıköy Market |
| Evening | Whirling Dervish Ceremony | Turkish Bath - Hammam Experience | Dinner Cruise |
You can buy your tickets for each activity by clicking on the table. Furthermore, you can keep reading the blog post to discover which one suits you the best.
Day 1
The first day is when you delve into the history of the city!
Hagia Sophia
Begin your journey with the majestic Hagia Sophia: an architectural marvel that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, blending the legacies of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations under one breathtaking dome for more than 17 centuries.
Commissioned by Emperor Justinian and completed in 537 AD, this soaring structure brought together the world’s greatest minds in architecture and theology. Its central dome, seemingly weightless, was inspired by the Pantheon of ancient Rome, yet adapted with Eastern engineering genius that changed the course of sacred architecture.
When Justinian first entered the completed basilica, legend says he declared: “Oh Solomon, I have outdone you,” referencing the Temple in Jerusalem and affirming Hagia Sophia as the new spiritual axis of the world. That symbolism still lingers today: it is the ultimate intersection of East and West, Christianity and Islam, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
From its Roman foundation to its Ottoman minarets, Hagia Sophia blends mosaic angels with Arabic calligraphy, light-filled galleries with echoing prayer halls. This layered identity isn’t a relic; it’s alive.
If you’d like to gain deeper insight into Hagia Sophia, please read our blog post here.
The mosque has two sections: Firstly, if you would like to pray in the mosque, it is free of charge. Follow the entrance, looking towards the Blue Mosque and the park with a fountain.
However, if you're eager to see the Byzantine frescoes, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the Gallery section at the kiosk located opposite the gates of Topkapı Palace. Waiting in long queues for hours can be time-consuming, so we recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket. For just a small additional fee, you can upgrade your ticket below the calendar app.
We suggest you check out our guide before visiting the mosque to learn the basics. Alternatively, you can book a tour from a local historian to discover this great wonder of humanity with a deeper insight.
Blue Mosque and The Hippodrome
As you stroll through the open space of the Hippodrome, you're surrounded by lush gardens, playful fountains, and the quiet echoes of centuries past. The air feels calm, yet charged with history.
Then, slowly, the Blue Mosque begins to reveal itself. With its six slender minarets piercing the sky and cascading domes, it doesn’t just come into view: it unfolds like a story. There’s something both imposing and peaceful about it, as if it’s always belonged to the city’s very soul.
After your visit, discover the Hippodrome, an ancient stadium built by the Romans for the chariot races, which now serves as a square with Egyptian Obelisks.
Basilica Cistern
Just steps from the grandeur of Hagia Sophia lies a modest entrance many pass without notice. But descend into the shadows and you’ll discover the Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarnıcı—an underground palace and one of ancient Istanbul’s greatest engineering feats.
This massive reservoir once supplied the imperial palace with water. Holding up to 80,000 cubic meters and supported by 336 marble columns, it was a true technical marvel of its time.
Though no longer in use, the cistern stuns visitors with its eerie beauty and timeless design—a hidden gem showcasing the brilliance of ancient engineering.
Skip the lines, book your fast-track ticket using the calendar below!
Topkapı Palace
For over four centuries, Topkapı Palace was the residence of the Ottoman dynasty in Istanbul. Set within vast grounds enclosed by 15th-century walls, the palace features multiple courtyards and stunningly positioned terraces offering magnificent panoramic views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Today, it stands as a world-class museum complex, captivating visitors with its lavish interiors, rich history, and unmatched imperial collections.
Book your ticket and save your time for the glorious beauty inside this unique museum in Istanbul that reveals the royal heritage of Istanbul with an audioguide. This is the best possible price one could find anywhere!
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Following your visit to Topkapı Palace, immerse yourself in the mystical Whirling Dervishes ceremony at a UNESCO-listed heritage mansion nearby. The venue offers one of the most authentic and atmospheric settings in Istanbul, where you can observe the ceremony exactly as it has been practiced for centuries, with live Sufi music and a deep sense of reverence.
Far more than a performance, the Whirling Dervish ceremony is a living prayer—an ancient ritual that reflects the spiritual heart of Turkish culture. Rooted in the teachings of Rumi, this poetic practice invites you to witness a sacred journey of love, humility, and transcendence in motion.
The doors open at 18:15, and the ceremony begins at 18:30, lasting around an hour. Performances take place every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are limited, so we recommend reserving your fast-track entry through our calendar to secure your place.
Planning your visit? Be sure to read our blog post first, and then book your reservation via the calendar app below.
