🗓️ 3 dagen Istanbul: cultuur, keuken en contrasten

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:

• Sultanahmet (Historic, walkable, good for Day 1)
• Karaköy or Galata (Trendy, central, ideal for Day 2)
• Kadıköy (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

Ochtend:
Start early in Sultanahmet, where Istanbul’s imperial past surrounds you.

• Hagia Sophia (free entry, avoid prayer times)
• Blauwe Moskee (closed to tourists during prayer)
• Basilica Cisterne (underground magic)
• Topkapi Paleis (don’t skip the Harem section)

👉 [Grab a skip-the-line museum pass for Hagia Sophia + Topkapi here]

Lunch:
Eat traditional Turkish meatballs at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi or grab a simit and tea from a local bakery.

Middag:
Bezoek de Grote Bazaar (entrance via Gate 1 is easiest) — shop for spices, lanterns, and carpets.
If you have time, stop at Süleymaniye-moskee for a peaceful city view.

Dinner with a View:
Head to Seven Hills Restaurant of 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

Ochtend:
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 Dolmabahçepaleis, 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

• Poging Dem Karaköy (modern tea house) or Karaköy Güllüoğlu for world-famous baklava

Middag:
Walk uphill to Galatatoren for 360° views of Istanbul.

• Skip the line by visiting after 4pm
• Combine with a stroll down Istiklalstraat to Taksim Square

👉 [Book Galata Tower fast-track tickets or skyline photo tour]

Dinner:
Eet bij Yeni Lokanta of 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 Istanbulkaart (around 15 TL)
• Sit on the right side for morning light and skyline views

Explore Kadıköy:

• Wander Kadıköy-markt (cheese, olives, dried fruits, teas)
• Loop naar Moda for seaside cafés, bookshops, and murals
• Poging Kadı Nimet Balıkçısı for street seafood

Lunch:
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 Üsküdar

• Bezoek Mihrimah Sultan-moskee En Şemsi Pasha Mosque (right on the water)
• Stroll the Salacak shoreline with views of Maagdentoren
• Climb or taxi to Çamlıca Hill 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 Neolokal of Karaköy Lokantası.

🎫 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!