3 Days in Istanbul | Attractions to See, Travel Tips & More!
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Istanbul Attraction Tickets

Istanbul in 3 Days

Sultanahmet Square, Spice Bazar, Suleymaniye Mosque, Sunset Cruise over Bosporus, Chora Church, Camlıca Mosque, Galata Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Basilica Cistern and many more.

Also known as Constantinople, 3 days in Istanbul reward you with an amalgamation of rich culture and history. Istanbul, part of unforgettable Turkey tours, is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe or Asia, and is home to magnificent sunsets, the distant sounds of the Namaaz, magnificent towers, and charming cats. Istanbul has the character of a narrator who gradually reveals its beauty, people, food, architecture, and culture. Istanbul features magnificent shorelines with cutting-edge restaurants like Ulus 29 and Mikla and the historical appeal of Hagia Sophia, the beautiful architecture of the Blue Mosque, and magnificent shorelines that  make it a city to remember.

The Istanbul 3 days itinerary is ideal for visitors who have never been there, giving you a taste of many aspects of this amazing city and includes many of the major sights and attractions like Sultanahmet square, blue mosque, Grand Bazaar, etc. However, depending on your travel schedules or interests, you might choose to mix and match or omit some activities. With every passing day, Istanbul city will continue to fascinate you with a variety of experiences and give you the time of your life, from sipping Turkish chai to unwinding in the Hammam to enjoying a hot air balloon tour of the city, boating the Bosphorus, and cycling around the Prince Islands.
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Day 1 in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also famously known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most visited tourist places and applauded for its great architecture. The mosque shines like a blue diamond at night due to the beautiful reflection it creates from the falling lights from minarets.

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Hagia Sophia is one of the treasured heritage monuments in Istanbul that reminisces of the Byzantine era of architecture. It had been a multi-faceted monument with first being a Greek orthodoxy cathedral, then a mosque and now, a museum.

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Discover Topkapı Palace, where Ottoman sultans ruled for centuries. In the heart of Istanbul, this grand Palace features opulent courtyards and a fascinating museum. Marvel at treasures like the Spoonmaker's Diamond and explore the secretive Harem. A visit transports you back to the days of imperial splendour and intrigue.

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The Galata Tower, called Christea Turris by the Genoese, is a medieval tower in the Galata Quarter of Istanbul, Turkey , which was built in 1348. It is a high cone capped, cylindrical tower that offers a 360 degree view of the historic town of Istanbul.

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05

Sultanahmet Square

Image Credit : flicker.com/sultanahmet-square
  • The first day of your 3 days in Istanbul is a visit to Sultanahmet Square, which is a major tourist attraction in the center of the city.
  • On your visit to the square, you will discover sights of numerous popular landmarks, churches, museums, mosques, fountains, and historical sights, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Topkapi Palace Museum. 
  • Visitors can take a stroll along the streets of the square and find different cafes and restaurants along the way.

Location: Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Park? No:2, 34122 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey.

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Day 2 in Istanbul

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant labyrinth of culture and commerce. With a history spanning over 500 years, it stands as one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. 

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Discover the Basilica Cistern, Istanbul's hidden gem beneath the city's bustling streets. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, this ancient underground reservoir features 336 majestic columns and mysterious inverted Medusa heads. It captivates visitors with its atmospheric charm and historical grandeur. Explore this underground wonder and step back in time amidst its Gothic arches and echoing waters.

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08

Suleymaniye Mosque

Image Credit : flicker.com/suleymaniye-mosque
  • Suleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque that was commissioned work of the architect, Suleyman I.
  • It is among the most adorable places to visit in Istanbul in 3 days as it sits on top of one of the seven hills in the city and dominates the Golden Horn.
  • This mosque is renowned for its breathtaking size, constituting four minarets and ten gorgeous ?erefes.
  • You can pay a visit to the attraction to admire the fine izník tiles in the mihrab and the window shutters decorated with the mother-of-pearl.  
Location: Süleymaniye, Prof. S?dd?k Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing: 8 am to 9.30 pm

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09

Sunset Cruise over Bosporus

Image Credit : flicker.com/istanbul-sunset-cruise
  • Enjoying the sunset cruise over Bosphorus is another one of the best things to do in Istanbul in 3 days to explore the city from a unique perspective.
  • Through this cruising experience, you can witness the prominent coastal areas and the magnificent skyline of Istanbul which offers beautiful photo opportunities with a backdrop of the evening sky.
  • On your journey, you can sip your welcome drink and savor the taste of delectable canapes on board while sailing on an elegant yacht.
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10

Spice Bazar

Image Credit : flicker.com/specie-bazar-istanbul
  • On the second day of the Istanbul 3 days itinerary, you will pay a visit to the Spice Bazar, which is among the most atmospheric, colorful, and fragrant places in Istanbul. 
  • Also known as the Egyptian Market, the Spice Bazar is renowned for selling spices, dried nuts, Turkish delights, caviar, and much more.
  • Upon visiting the attraction, you will witness heaps of saffron, teas, pepper, and dried apricots beside the shops selling Turkish delights, glass mosaic lamps, and silk scarves.

Location: Rüstem Pa?a, Erzak Ambar? Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing: 8 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday), 8 am to 7.30 pm (Saturday), 9.30 am to 7 pm (Sunday)

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Day 3 in Istanbul

11

Chora Church

Image Credit : flicker.com/chora-church
  • One of the best things to do in Istanbul in 3 days is to pay a visit to the Chora Church, which is a medieval Greek orthodox church building well-known for its exemplary Late Byzantine mosaics and frescos
  • It is a beautiful place that attracts a myriad of visitors to the prominent Aya Sofya and offers fascinating insights into Byzantine art.
  • There are five fundamental architectural units in the church with the interiors enveloped with mosaics depicting the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Location: Dervi?ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Price: TRY 65

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12

Camlica Mosque

Image Credit : flicker.com/camlıca-mosque
  • On the third day of the Istanbul 3 days itinerary, you will also be taken to the Caml?ca Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Turkey designed by two female architects, Bahar M?zrak and Hayriye Gül Totu.
  • The 72-meters high main dome in the mosque represents the 72 nations living in the city.
  • Upon visiting the mosque, you can explore the museum, art gallery, conference hall, library, and underground parking lot that can accommodate up to 3500 vehicles.
  • It is an authentic architectural marvel of the modern age that has efficient light, heating, ventilation, and acoustics systems.
Location: Ferah, 34692 Üsküdar/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

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13

Galata Bazaar

Image Credit : flicker.com/galata-bazaar
  • The last attraction to see on your 3 days in Istanbul is Galata Bazaar, which is a distinguished social and cultural center of the city.
  • It is one of the coolest shopping streets in Istanbul that houses some remarkable boutique stores.
  • On your visit to the market, you can pay a visit to the antique showroom at Kashif Sofa, the Turkish designer showroom at Arzu Kaprol, and the elegant boutique Atelier 55 on the end.
  • You can also enjoy your coffee and delicious homemade chocolate cake at Mavra or climb to the terrace of Georges Hotel Galata to grab some refreshing drink while enjoying the sweeping views of the city.
Location: Müeyyedzade, Galip Dede Cd. No:95, 34425 Beyo?lu/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing: 9 am to 10 pm (Monday to Saturday)

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People Also Ask About Istanbul

  1. Which are the best museums in Istanbul?


    1. Topkapi Palace Museum: The best museum for rich exhibits, Topkapi Palace is decorated with brightly colored tiles, dazzling marble, and gilded mirrors. It also has a variety of stunning collections, much like a gorgeously adorned set of nested boxes. One of the top places to visit on a 3 days in Istanbul trip.

    2. Carpet Museum: 
    The Carpet Museum, built in a former soup kitchen near the Aya Sofya, has a remarkable collection of Anatolian carpets from the 14th to the 20th centuries that exhibit various techniques, styles, and usage. The panels that interpret the various motifs woven into the rugs add even more intrigue to their exquisite craftsmanship.

    3. Pera Museum: 
    The historical images of Istanbul are found in the Pera Museum which exhibits an extensive collection of paintings from the 17th to 20th centuries. It has a permanent display of artwork by European and Ottoman/Turkish painters.
  2. What are the famous things to do in Istanbul?

    The famous and best things to do in Istanbul in 3 days include taking a Bosphorus cruise to experience the cultural and natural beauty of both continents at once because Istanbul is located on two of them. Take a cruise tour along the Bosphorus coast if you want to travel to two continents simultaneously without having to pass any borders or deal with customs hassles. Experiencing a Turkish bath or traditional hammam can be intimidating because it is very therapeutic and soothing.

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  3. Are 3 days enough to visit Istanbul?

    Yes, 3 days in Istanbul are sufficient to give you a solid overview of the city. You can explore the city’s major attractions such as the Sultanahmet Square, Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Caml?ca Mosque, and many more while you explore the city over a span of 3 days.
  4. What is the best month to visit Istanbul?

    Istanbul is best visited between the months of March and May and again between the months of September and November. The cheapest months are from December to February.
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It was an amazing tour. We enjoyed a lot on this trip as everything was perfect on time
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We were very satisfied with the arrangement of the tour during our stay in Istanbul. the tour guides were very friendly. The transport transfer was efficient. The hotels where we stay was great and comfortable.
Great experience! Everything was perfectly organized and they helped us with everything since the beggining
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All went smoothly....the internal flights,the taxi pick ups and the hotel in Kusadasi. The tour guides were great and knew their history. Would recommend this
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We had a very adventurous trip which was filled with lots of joy and most of the tourist attraction places were covered.
It is beautiful country to visit, with various beautiful places with natural diversity. Loved the places and how it was managed.
It was truly one magical trip we had with the team of Thrillophilia. As also we were completely dependent upon them and I must say they are reliable and trust worthy for your trip and everything related to it. Thank you.
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Keeping in mind the no. of days we had and everything we wanted were almost included in this package. Everything was already planned beautifully executed and managed by the people. It was amazing!
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We love visiting cultural heritage places and Turkey is one truly packed with it! We loved the experienced and its beauty. And admire how we were supported by the team person who helped us in ever possible aspect, Thank you.

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