Istanbul is a city of layers — ancient and modern, spiritual and sensual, east and west — all woven together into one unforgettable experience. In just 3 days, you can explore centuries of imperial history, cruise between continents, eat like royalty, and sip coffee in creative hubs. This 3-day Istanbul itinerary is designed for travelers who want culture, cuisine, and contrasts — the real Istanbul, not just the postcard version.
📍Where to Stay
For this itinerary, the best hotel zones are:
- スルタンアフメット (Historic, walkable, good for Day 1)
- Karaköy or Galata (Trendy, central, ideal for Day 2)
- カドゥキョイ (Asian side, local vibe, great for Day 3 — optional if switching hotels)
👉 [Compare top-rated boutique hotels in Sultanahmet & Karaköy]
👉 [Book accommodation with Bosphorus views here]
📅 Day 1: The Historic Core & Dinner with a View
朝:
Start early in スルタンアフメット, where Istanbul’s imperial past surrounds you.
- アヤソフィア (free entry, avoid prayer times)
- ブルーモスク (closed to tourists during prayer)
- バシリカ・シスタン (underground magic)
- トプカプ宮殿 (don’t skip the Harem section)
👉 [Grab a skip-the-line museum pass for Hagia Sophia + Topkapi here]
ランチ:
Eat traditional Turkish meatballs at タリヒ・スルタンアフメット・キョフテチシ or grab a simit and tea from a local bakery.
午後:
訪問 グランドバザール (entrance via Gate 1 is easiest) — shop for spices, lanterns, and carpets.
If you have time, stop at スレイマニエ・モスク for a peaceful city view.
Dinner with a View:
Head to セブンヒルズレストラン または Teras Galata for rooftop dining with views over the domes and minarets.
👉 [Reserve a rooftop dinner table in Sultanahmet here]
📅 Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahçe, Karaköy & Galata
朝:
Catch a mid-morning Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü or Kabataş.
- Short cruise (1.5–2 hrs) or full-day hop-on cruise available
- Great views of palaces, mansions, mosques, and bridges
👉 [Book a Bosphorus cruise with audio guide or onboard tea service]
Late Morning:
Tour ドルマバフチェ宮殿, the European-style imperial residence.
- Look out for the crystal staircase, ceremonial hall, and Atatürk’s room
- Closed Mondays
👉 [Reserve Dolmabahçe Palace tickets or guided tours here]
Lunch in Karaköy:
Explore Karaköy’s hipster cafés and art galleries
- 試す Dem Karaköy (modern tea house) or カラキョイ・ギュルオグル for world-famous baklava
午後:
Walk uphill to ガラタ塔 for 360° views of Istanbul.
- Skip the line by visiting after 4pm
- Combine with a stroll down イスティクラル通り to Taksim Square
👉 [Book Galata Tower fast-track tickets or skyline photo tour]
Dinner:
食べる Yeni Lokanta または Nakkaştepe’s Lokma with night views across the water.
📅 Day 3: Cross to Asia – Kadıköy, Moda & Üsküdar
Morning Ferry Ride:
Take the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy
- Use your イスタンブールカート (around 15 TL)
- Sit on the right side for morning light and skyline views
Explore Kadıköy:
- Wander カドゥキョイ市場 (cheese, olives, dried fruits, teas)
- 歩いて Moda for seaside cafés, bookshops, and murals
- 試す Kadı Nimet Balıkçısı for street seafood
ランチ:
Snack your way through the Asian side’s best street food — lahmacun, kokoreç, mussels with rice, Turkish pizza, or meze plates
👉 [Join a food-tasting tour of Kadıköy and Moda]
Afternoon in Üsküdar:
Take a short ferry from Kadıköy to ウスクダル
- 訪問 ミフリマ・スルタン・モスク そして Şemsi Pasha Mosque (right on the water)
- Stroll the Salacak shoreline with views of 乙女の塔
- Climb or taxi to チャムリジャの丘 for one of the city’s best skyline views
Dinner:
End the day with a quiet dinner on the Üsküdar coast or ferry back to Karaköy for your final meal at ネオロカル または カラキョイ・ロカンタシュ.
🎫 Make It Easy: Get the 3-Day Istanbul Pass
🛂 Skip the lines, ride ferries, and get guided access to Istanbul’s top sites
Save time and money with a 3-day all-in-one pass (includes Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Bosphorus cruise, Galata Tower & more)
👉 [Click here to buy your Istanbul 3-Day City Pass]
🧳 Final Tips
- Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
- Apps to download: Google Maps offline, BiTaksi, Moovit, Istanbulkart
- What to pack: Modest clothing, walking shoes, and layers for breezy ferry rides
- Local greeting: Say “Merhaba” and “Teşekkürler” — it goes a long way!