27/04/2026
3 Days Istanbul Itinerary
📌This itinerary is for first time visitors:
🧿DAY ONE:
-Start the day by visiting Hagia Sofia early in the morning to avoid long lines.
Entrance fee: €25
-Then head to Blue Mosque, just across from Hagia Sofia. Entrance is free, just remember (and this stands for Hagia Sofia as well) to dress accordingly.
-Basilica Cistern is a must as it is the biggest cistern of the city and holds hundreds of marble columns, creating a mysterious and fascinating vibe.
Entrance fee: 1950TL (daytime) or 3000TL (nighttime)
-After a lunch break (and a lovely walk around the Hippodrome and Gülhane Parkı) head to Topkapı Palace.
Entrance Fee: 2750TL (Palace + Harem + Hagia Irene)
Remember that the palace is closed on tuesdays!
🧿DAY TWO:
-Start the day by visiting Dolmabahçe Palace and enjoy the stunning views of the Bosphorus through the Palace’s majestic doors.
Entrance Fee: 2750TL (Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum)
-Take a ferry from Beşiktaş and head to Ortaköy where you can enjoy not only the mosque that sits on the bosphorus but also the beautiful neighborhood around it.
-Go to Istiklal Street and enjoy a walk from Taksim Square to Galata, enjoy the shops and the Nostalgic Tram (you can hop on if you have the Istanbulkart)
-End the day in Galata and if you want to you can climb the tower by paying €30 or simply enjoy the view of it from a nice coffee shop in one of the many cobblestone streets.
🧿DAY THREE:
-Enjoy the morning in Balat and don’t be scared to get lost in its colorful streets.
-Take a ferry from Balat or Fener pier and head to the Asian side.
-Choose either Kadıköy with its never ending coastal parks, cozy coffee shops and beautiful streets or head to Üsküdar and walk along the Salacak Coast and stop to enjoy the sunset in front of Kız Kulesi.
Of course this is an itinerary for first time visitors that want their days to be full of activities. I will be making more itineraries (slow paced, filled with hidden gems around the city and more) so stay tuned cause I have ideas for every single one of your travels! 🇹🇷
