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 access other days from the link below:
Plan Your Three-Day Itinerary of Istanbul: Day 1
Plan Your Three-Day Itinerary of Istanbul: Day 2
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 location vary. For example, it is not a good idea to visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in the afternoon due to 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 3
Since you'll likely need some extra time to pack and catch your airport transfer, it’s best to keep your third day light, smooth, and stress-free.
Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
Step into the heart of Dolmabahçe Palace, where each section tells a story of imperial grandeur and national legacy. The Ceremonial Hall dazzles with the world’s largest crystal chandelier, a 4.5-ton marvel that bathes the space in light, once used to welcome sultans' most prestigious guests.
In the Harem (Private Room) , the palace takes on a softer tone, with intimate bedrooms and sitting rooms where the royal family lived in privacy and comfort.
Perhaps the most moving part is Atatürk’s Room, preserved exactly as it was in 1938 when the founder of the Turkish Republic passed away here.
Before leaving, stroll through the lush gardens and admire the elegant clock tower near the waterfront, where the stunning Bosphorus view offers a tranquil end to your visit.
If you are eager to learn at your own pace, please check out our detailed blog here. Also, you can buy your ticket below with a free audioguide.
Ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul
After you visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, it’s a great idea to explore nearby neighborhoods to get a more local feel of Istanbul. And what better way to do that than by hopping on a ferry and crossing the Bosphorus? It’s not only scenic and peaceful, but also one of the most affordable and authentic ways to experience the city.
The closest ferry piers to the Dolmabahçe palace are Kabataş and Beşiktaş. From either one, you can take the Şehir Hatları (City Lines) ferry to Kadıköy, one of the liveliest districts on the Asian side, via your Istanbulkart. In the table below, you can click to view departure locations and timetables for each pier. Enjoy the breeze, the tea, and the city from the water, just like the locals do.
| Kabataş Pier | Beşiktaş Pier |
|---|---|---|
Location | Opposite to the T1 Kabataş Station | On the edge of the Beşiktaş Square |
Schedule | Kabataş - Kadıköy Ferries Timetable | Beşiktaş - Kadıköy Ferries Timetable |
Kadıköy Market
Step off the ferry at Kadıköy Pier and dive into a distinctly local rhythm. As you make your way toward the famous Bull Statue (Boğa Heykeli), the market unfolds like a living mosaic of daily Istanbul life—fishmongers shouting prices in chorus, spice vendors offering tastes of sumac or dried mint, and regulars debating politics over tea on rickety stools.
For a culinary detour, stop by Çiya Sofrası, the legendary restaurant where forgotten Anatolian recipes—from sour plum kebab to stuffed lamb intestines are revived with care. It’s beloved by locals and chefs alike, and often cited as a must-visit by food critics worldwide.
Just a few minutes away, dessert awaits at Baylan Pastanesi, a Kadıköy institution since 1923. Here, the iconic Kup Griye, a decadent caramel-and-cream sundae, has been savored by generations, from film stars to ferry commuters, offering a sweet pause in the city’s hustle.
Further down, explore Antikacılar Sokağı, where vinyls, Ottoman coffee grinders, and 70s film posters sit under colorful awnings. This area isn’t curated for tourists—it is the local experience.
As the sun sets, the buzz shifts toward Kadife Sokak, known as Barlar Sokağı (The Bars Street), where the day’s final rakı is poured and bands tune guitars for underground gigs. Kadıköy never sleeps, but it does hum with authenticity
Dinner Cruise
After a full day exploring Kadıköy Market and the lively streets of the Asian side, take the ferry from Kadıköy to Kabataş, where your evening continues aboard the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Guests staying elsewhere, such as Taksim, Galata, Sultanahmet, or Fatih, benefit from round-trip hotel transfers, but from Kadıköy, it’s just a scenic ferry ride away.
As night falls, enjoy a three-course Turkish dinner with unlimited local drinks—including rakı, wine, and beer. Imported beverages are available upon request for an additional fee.
While cruising between the sparkling shores of Europe and Asia, the night unfolds with captivating performances:
🎭 Whirling dervish ceremony
💃 Belly dancing
🎉 Henna night and folk dances from across Turkey
The cruise departs at 20:30 from Kabataş Pier, right next to Dolmabahçe Palace, and ends at the same place.
Airport Transfer
Skip the stress of crowded buses and long taxi lines. With our VIP private transfer service, you'll travel between Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and your hotel in comfort and style.
✅ Clean, air-conditioned Mercedes Vito vehicles
✅ Licensed drivers, meet-and-greet at the arrival hall
✅ Up to 6 passengers per vehicle
✅ Free cancellation up to 12 hours before arrival
✅ Covers all central districts: Sultanahmet, Taksim, Galata, Beşiktaş, and more
Flight delayed? No problem. We track your landing time and guarantee an on-time departure to or from your accommodation, door to door.
🕐 Travel time: Approx. 45–60 minutes, depending on location and traffic.
👉 Book your transfer easily using the widget below and start your trip with peace of mind.
Istanbul Airport Transfer
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) Transfer
