Istanbul itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Istanbul
8 stops · ≈ 6 h 56 minThe mosque of Sultan Ahmed I (1609–1616), called the Blue Mosque for some 20,000 İznik tiles lining its walls. Six minarets — a mark of singular honour: legend says the sultan asked for gold ones and heard six. A working mosque: tourist entry closes during prayers, and women need a head covering.
The monumental historic core of Istanbul, laid out on the footprint of the ancient 4th-century Roman Hippodrome of Constantinople. Nestled between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the pedestrian plaza preserves ancient treasures including the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpent Column from Delphi, and the ornate German Fountain.
Constantinople's largest underground reservoir, built by Emperor Justinian I in AD 532 to supply water to the Great Palace. Spanning nearly 10,000 square metres, the subterranean hall is supported by a forest of 336 nine-metre marble columns salvaged from ancient temples. Its most famous highlights are two mysterious Medusa head plinths — one upside down, one sideways — the weeping Hen's Eye column, and atmospheric illuminated walkways.
The Whirling Dervishes, also known as Sufi whirling, is a traditional practice of the Mevlevi Order originating from followers of the 13th-century poet Rumi. This spiritual ceremony involves a mesmerizing performance that combines meditation, prayer, and movement to celebrate and praise God. The dancers, dressed in long circular coats, engage in a physical meditation that dates back over 700 years.
A temple that shaped two civilisations: built by Justinian in AD 537, it was the main church of Christendom, then a mosque, a museum and a mosque again (since 2020). The 31-metre dome seems to float on a necklace of forty windows, and Byzantine mosaics emerge beneath later calligraphy. A working mosque: the tourist gate is paid, worship is free.
The palace of Ottoman sultans, built from the 1460s: four courtyards descending from state halls to private gardens over the Bosphorus. The Harem with İznik tiles, the Treasury with the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapı dagger, and the Pavilion of the Holy Relics with the Prophet's mantle. A museum since 1924.
The iconic double-deck drawbridge spanning the Golden Horn, linking historic Eminönü with Karaköy. Day and night, the upper deck is lined with dozens of local anglers casting fishing lines into the currents, while the lower level houses a bustling promenade of waterfront seafood taverns and tea cafes. It commands classic postcard vistas of passing Bosphorus ferries, the Süleymaniye Mosque, and Galata Tower.
A medieval tower on the hill above the Golden Horn, built by the Genoese in 1348 — Istanbul's most recognisable silhouette for seven centuries. The 67-metre stone tower has served as prison and observatory; today the top floor holds a viewing terrace with panoramas of the Bosphorus and the old city.
Reserve
8If you have time left — worth it too.
One of the world's largest thematic aquariums, located along the Marmara Sea coast in Florya. The visit follows an interactive 1.2-kilometre travel route spanning seventeen geographical zones, journeying from the Black Sea through the Mediterranean to the Pacific Ocean and an indoor Amazonian rainforest. It houses over 17,000 marine and land creatures, including sand tiger sharks, stingrays, gentoo penguins, and tropical poison frogs.
A strait about 31 kilometres long that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Europe from Asia. Its shores are lined with Dolmabahce Palace, the Rumeli Hisari fortress and fishing quarters beneath bridges built in the 20th century. Ferries, tankers and fishing boats crowd the water; the most affordable way to see the strait is the public ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy.
Belgrad Forest is an expansive natural woodland north of Istanbul, named in the 16th century under Suleiman the Magnificent after Serbian settlers from Belgrade. The area features scenic walking and jogging trails, notably the popular 6.5-kilometer track around the Neşet Suyu reservoir. Hidden among dense oak and beech groves are historic Ottoman aqueducts and stone dams that supplied freshwater to the imperial capital for centuries.
The Grand Spice Bazaar, located in the historic Eminonu district of Istanbul, offers a vibrant and sensory experience for visitors. This bustling market is filled with exotic aromas and vivid colors, showcasing a wide variety of spices and treats such as saffron and Turkish delight. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Istanbul's rich culinary heritage. While it may be crowded, the friendly vendors offer samples of Turkish delight and provide reasonable prices for their goods.
Erected in 1452 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in just four months, Rumeli Fortress dominates the narrowest section of the Bosphorus strait. Built to sever maritime support to Byzantine Constantinople prior to its siege, the massive fortification features three immense stone towers linked by crenelated curtain walls. Now an open-air museum, it offers visitors a steep climb rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas over the strait.
Commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz and completed in 1865, this opulent Ottoman summer palace graces the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. Designed by architect Sarkis Balyan, it blends French neoclassical styling with traditional Ottoman layouts. Highlights include the grand reception hall featuring an indoor marble fountain, lavish Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Hereke rugs, and sea pavilions where foreign monarchs once stayed.
A scenic hilltop in Eyüpsultan named after French naval officer and writer Pierre Loti (Louis Marie-Julien Viaud), who drew inspiration here for his novel Aziyadé. The open terrace and historic cafe offer legendary vistas over the Golden Horn and Istanbul's skyline. Visitors can reach the summit via a cable car soaring over an ancient Ottoman cemetery, then enjoy traditional Turkish tea brewed in classic tulip glasses.
The beating heart of modern European Istanbul and a bustling civic hub. At its centre stands the 1928 Republic Monument by Pietro Canonica, portraying Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and key figures of the Turkish Republic. The square is the turnaround terminus for the red nostalgic tram trundling down pedestrian İstiklal Avenue, flanked by Gezi Park and the Atatürk Cultural Centre. Vibrant day and night; free public access.
- Purchase an Istanbulkart for easy access to public transport.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Turkish, it’s appreciated by locals.
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.