Hotels in Sultanahmet or Karaköy HotelSultanahmet is close to major sights and Karaköy suits those who prefer cafés and nightlife.
3Days
13Stops
9Meal tips
About £60-110 a day, mid-range, flights excludedBudget
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Three days across Istanbul's two continents: the great monuments of Sultanahmet, the bazaars and Galata, then a day on the Bosphorus and the Asian side. Pack modest clothing for mosques and plan around prayer times. Best in April to June and September to November.
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Where Mohammed Ali stayed and what to book
Bosphorus cruise ActivityA popular way to see both continents.
Turkish hammam experience ActivityA traditional bathhouse experience for relaxing after sightseeing.
Day by day
Sultanahmet, the imperial core
08:30
Hagia Sophia
A 6th-century cathedral, later a mosque and now a mosque open to visitors again. Foreign visitors may need a ticket for the upper gallery, so check current rules.
View on map ↗💡 Dress modestly and cover your hair if you are a woman.
10:30
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known for its blue tiles and six minarets. It is closed to visitors during prayer times.
View on map ↗💡 Remove shoes and wear modest clothes. Check prayer times.
12:00
Basilica Cistern
A vast underground Roman water cistern with 336 columns and two Medusa heads. Cool and atmospheric.
View on map ↗💡 Buy tickets online to skip queues.
14:30
Topkapı Palace
The palace of the Ottoman sultans, with treasury, courtyards and harem. Allow plenty of time.
View on map ↗💡 Closed on Tuesdays. The harem has a separate ticket.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastTurkish breakfast with cheese, olives and teaTurkish · $
lunchKöfte in SultanahmetTurkish · $
dinnerMeze and grilled fishTurkish · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 1Tickets and tours: Hagia Sophia 🏨 Find a hotel
Bazaars, Galata and the Golden Horn
09:00
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, lamps and jewellery. Closed on Sundays.
View on map ↗💡 Bargain politely and compare prices before buying.
10:30
Spice Bazaar and Eminönü
A market of spices, teas and Turkish delight, beside the busy ferry docks.
View on map ↗💡 Ask for samples before buying.
12:30
Fish sandwich on the Galata Bridge
A classic Istanbul lunch: grilled fish in bread, eaten by the water.
View on map ↗💡 Pick vendors with fresh fish and a queue.
14:30
Galata neighbourhood and Istiklal Avenue
Climb the lanes of Galata, with its tower and cafés, then walk along pedestrian Istiklal Avenue with its vintage tram.
View on map ↗💡 Galata Tower has a ticket and queue; the views from nearby cafés are free.
19:00
Dinner in Karaköy
A trendy waterfront district of cafés, bakeries and restaurants. Good for a modern take on Turkish food.
View on map ↗💡 Book at weekends.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastSimit and tea from a street vendorTurkish · $
lunchFish sandwichTurkish · $
dinnerModern Turkish dinnerTurkish · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 2Tickets and tours: Grand Bazaar
The Bosphorus and the Asian side
09:30
Dolmabahçe Palace
A grand 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus with crystal chandeliers and a huge ceremonial hall. Visits are by guided tour.
View on map ↗💡 Closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Check hours.
12:00
Bosphorus ferry
Take a public ferry or a short cruise along the strait, passing palaces, mosques and wooden mansions.
View on map ↗💡 Public ferries are much cheaper than tourist cruises.
15:00
Kadıköy and its market
Ferry across to the Asian side for Kadıköy's food market, bookshops and lively cafés.
View on map ↗💡 Try the pickles, fish and Turkish sweets.
18:00
Moda seaside sunset
A relaxed seaside promenade with ice cream and tea gardens, popular with locals.
View on map ↗💡 Take the ferry back to the European side in the evening.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastHotel breakfastTurkish · $
lunchMarket food in KadıköyTurkish · $
dinnerDinner by the waterTurkish · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 3Tickets and tours: Dolmabahçe Palace
Good to know
✈️ Getting thereIstanbul Airport is about 45-60 minutes from the centre by Havaist bus, metro (M11 plus transfer) or taxi.
🚆 Getting aroundBuy an Istanbulkart for trams, metro, buses and ferries. Taxis are inexpensive, but use the meter or a ride-hailing app.
💷 CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small shops and tips.
🗣 LanguageTurkish. English is spoken in tourist areas.
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Photos: Sami Aksu, Engin Akyurt, Brett A on Pexels.
Mohammed Ali
Mohammed Ali is the Founder and CEO of Tripsora, an AI-powered travel companion transforming how people discover and plan their journeys worldwide. Driven by a passion for authentic exploration, tech innovation, and seam
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