3 days in Istanbul: what to see, where to go and how not to miss anything 

Istanbul never gets tired of tourists. Life in the city boils from morning to night 365 days a year. No matter when and how many times you come to Turkey, Istanbul will never run out of unique places to visit. Summer is the best time to book hot tours to Turkey and organize a dream vacation. We've compiled three-day Istanbul itineraries with descriptions and easy-to-digest tips and tricks. Save them to Google Maps and use them online and offline. 

Day 1 

On the first day, I suggest going on a sightseeing tour of the city and the main locations. On the other hand, I advise you to plan your visits to museums, sights and galleries for the following days. During the walking tour you will get to know Istanbul, feel its pace and rhythm and, perhaps, discover some worthy places that are not in the tourist guide. Are you ready? Then don't waste any time and save your itinerary on Google Maps. 

Meet us at the Blue Mosque. Of course, all the beauty of the mosque is hidden behind its walls. When you do decide to go inside, be prepared for a long queue and an abundance of tourists from all over the world. There is no doubt that you will be impressed by the blue and blue tiles, magnificent carpets and stained glass windows. However, even from the outside you will find much to marvel at. Pay attention to the six minarets. They confirm the Blue Mosque's status as Istanbul's main Muslim shrine, and the building itself peacefully neighbors elements of Byzantine and Ottoman styles. 

Cross the road to the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. The history of this historical relic boggles the mind. The cathedral has functioned as an Orthodox church, mosque and museum, and Aya Sofia regained its status as a functioning mosque in 2020. As with the previous location, the mosque must be viewed from the inside, you'll have to pay around 900 liras for entrance alone. Catch the moment and enjoy the exterior of the shrine that has endured for 18 centuries. 

The next point on the map is the Basilica Cistern. The main water reservoir of Constantinople is underground, but at least you should go to it and find out its location. By the way, from the Cistern it is convenient to get to Gulhane Park. As soon as you enter the park, you will find yourself in a green corner in the center of the Old Town. It is literally buried in flowers and trees. And if you come to Istanbul in April, you will catch the tulip season. This sight will surely surpass the emotion of Pinterest pictures. 

Slow down and stroll among the fountains, decorative bridges, flowerbeds and trees, walk through the entire park and out to the waterfront. Here you will be met by fishermen with their catch and cats, who are not shy to beg for food. By the way, cats are symbols of Istanbul and inhabit every neighborhood of the city. Don't want to part with the water surface? No problem, look for Eminenyu Wharf on the map and move towards the wharf.

Friendly warning: Egyptian and Grand Bazaars are better to allocate a separate day. But can you deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the famous oriental market with your own eyes? Check out a few pavilions and be sure to mark on a map the places where you've looked for goods. There is a risk that due to the scale of the territory you will not find these points a second time. 

You are almost there. The final point of the route is the Suleymaniye Mosque. This is where Sultan Suleiman, his wife Hürrem and daughter Mihrimah, as well as Sultans Ahmet II and Suleiman II are buried. The building itself is amazingly beautiful: balconies, minarets, stained glass windows! Moreover, the Mosque is located on the territory of the complex with a good viewing platform, where it is pleasant to walk around and make a photo for memory. 

The cultural program of the first day is over. In case you get hungry during the walk, I recommend stopping by Safa pastry shop. Here they prepare several types of baklava and other traditional desserts, the price of which is many times lower than in the neighboring Hafiz Mustafa 1864. I have previously compiled a full guide on Turkish cuisine and establishments that will introduce you to the best gastronomic traditions of Istanbul.  

Day 2 

If you wish, you can devote the second day to sightseeing the main sights. If you want to see a different side of Istanbul, head to the Balat neighborhood. A few decades ago, this distinctive and colorful neighborhood was not considered the safest place to be. However, Turkish TV series and local artists have added charm to Balat and brought it to a new level of popularity. Catch detailed itinerary. 

Start exploring the area with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This shrine is known far beyond the borders of Turkey, and its main religious values are hidden behind the walls of the temple. Take a leisurely walk to the Greek Lyceum. You will see the oldest Orthodox school in Istanbul. Students are still taught here, albeit not in large numbers.

Where to go next? Back to the Orthodox church. Get ready to experience St. Stephen's Church. It's worth seeing at least for the fact that there are no other all-iron Orthodox churches in the world. Not tired of touring religious sites yet? No? Then Balat still has a few trump cards up its sleeve. It used to be home to a large Jewish community. The 15th century Ahrid Synagogue was the main location of the Jews. I recommend checking the opening hours and conditions of entry to the grounds. 

Well now you are moving on to Balat, which has fallen in love with millions of people around the world. Don't waste any time and head towards the Colored Houses on Merdivenli Street. Istanbul's development with blue, yellow, pink and green houses surprises and amazes you. In the first minutes it is hard to believe that you are in Turkey. Don't forget to take a photo as a souvenir and respond to the enthusiastic comments on social networks. 

Next on the plan is Kiremit Street, which is as beautiful and bright as the previous mark on the map.

By the way, if you plan to dine in Balata, feel free to stop by Forno and order the best lahmajun in Istanbul. 

I propose to finish the day in two locations with rich history. The walls of Istanbul, though not distinguished by elegance and decoration, have survived through the centuries and amaze with how much they have overcome. But the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is one of the few mosques erected in honor of a woman. Marble trim, ivory shutters, granite columns - such luxury is definitely worth seeing. 

Day 3 

Can't wait to find out where to spend day three? Beyoglu.! If the name doesn't ring a bell, you've probably heard of Istiklal before. Remember the pictures of the long street and the red streetcar. That's right, this is where we're going. 

I spent three days in the area, but never fully explored it. It is difficult to list all the locations worthy of attention. However, for the wow effect, I suggest checking out the following places. 

The starting point is Karakey funicular station. You can take transportation to Istiklal pedestrian street. And if you decide to walk, you won't regret it one bit. Get your cameras ready, because we are approaching the Camondo staircase. Pay attention to its shape: the "figure-eight" shape prevents children from hurting themselves when falling down. 

Have you taken a photo? Then the next sight that can be seen from all points of Beyoğlu is waiting for you. Focus on the Galata Tower, whose history is told about by numerous guidebooks and thematic portals. For a visit inside and beautiful shots, it's best to arrive as early as possible. The most desperate come here even before dawn. By the way, the Tower has recently has recently reopened after a renovation.

Slowly but surely you will come to Istiklal Street, where you can write a history book on every building. Take a closer look at the arcades: Europeans built them in Istanbul in the manner of Paris and London. I suggest you take a look at the Syrian Passage. Why? There are still people living here and life is still going on. 

Let's not say goodbye to the theme of Paris and head to Pera Palace Hotel. Just imagine: Agatha Christie herself stayed here, and the Ataturk museum room has been preserved inside. Be sure to have tea or coffee in the French buffet and make your way to the world's second electric elevator. 

If you get hungry, get a kumpir (baked potatoes with different fillings) at Patatos or wait for Inci Pastanesi with incredible profiteroles and lemonade. 

By the way, Beyoğlu is home to the largest Catholic Church in Turkey, which is decorated with magnificent stained glass windows. The Madame Tussauds Museum will be interesting for both adults and children. It seems that wax figures of famous personalities will come to life and after a few seconds will wave their hands. Ataturk, Beyoncé, Serkan Bolat, Einstein and even Shrek are smiling at the entrance. 

The final point of the route is the Taksim Mosque. It appeared in the neighborhood only in 2021 and reflects the architects' modern vision of religious buildings. 

Be sure to read the signs, go inside the buildings and socialize with the locals. This is the only way to get a sense of Istanbul's soul and character. It is a city of contrasts, sea breeze and ancient history, where everyone will find a place and an activity to their liking. 

Conclusions

• On the first day, go on a walking tour of the city and mark your favorite locations on the map. But leave the excursions and sightseeing for the following days.
• Allocate a separate day for the Egyptian and Grand Bazaar.
• Don't be afraid to go off the route and go into an unfamiliar corner. This is how you get to know the real Istanbul.
• Go beyond the Old City and discover new neighborhoods, like Balat.
• Be sure to check the opening times of attractions and go inside. Ask questions of the locals: they will be happy to tell you about their country's history.