3 Days in Istanbul: A Cultural and Culinary Guide
Exploring the world through travel, culture, food and personal stories. Sharing experiences for authentic moments.
Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and a significant cultural and economic hub, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Spanning two continents—Europe and Asia—Istanbul is not only geographically unique but also historically significant, having been the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
This guide will take you through three unforgettable days in Istanbul, packed with cultural exploration, delicious food, and a touch of relaxation.
Tips for Your Istanbul Adventure
Public Transportation: Use the city’s efficient public transport system, including trams, ferries, and metro lines. Get an Istanbulkart in a metro or ferry station.
Taxi: Use BiTaksi for safe taxi rides.
Dress Modestly: When visiting mosques or other religious sites, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Currency: Turkish Lira is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for smaller vendors.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Istanbul
For an authentic and vibrant experience, consider staying in Kadikoy, a lively neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. Known for its alternative vibe, Kadikoy is home to a mix of young locals, expats, and creative communities. This area offers hip cafes, authentic restaurants, and cool bars, where you can enjoy the best of Istanbul’s food and drink scene. Additionally, Kadikoy is less touristy, in comparison to Karakoy or Eminönü, but still allows you to explore the city’s charm without the overwhelming crowds. The Kadikoy Harbour, will let you easily reach the European Side, do a Bosphorus tour or take you to the Princes’ Islands.
Day 1: Historical Istanbul
Morning: Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast. This feast includes a variety of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, eggs, cured meats, vegetables, jams, and tea. Check out Küff Cafe or Cafe Jele in Kadikoy.
Sightseeing:
Hagia Sophia: A stunning example of Byzantine architecture, this iconic structure has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum. The entrance fee is €25 for foreign tourists.
Blue Mosque: Admire the beautiful Ottoman design of this mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and tranquil courtyard. The entrance is free!
Topkapi Palace: Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, this palace offers a glimpse into royal life with its ancient chambers and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. A combined ticket, which includes access to the palace, the Harem section, and the Hagia Irene Church, costs 1,700 Turkish Lira for international visitors. Separate tickets for the Harem and Hagia Irene are available at 600 Turkish Lira each.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch of street food. Try a fish sandwich near the waterfront from a local fisherman.
Visit the Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, it’s perfect for shopping for spices, textiles, and souvenirs. Try lokum (traditional nutty or jelly turkish candy) from the vendors.
Take the ferry back to Kadikoy.
Evening:
Dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant and indulge in meze (small plates) paired with raki (anise-flavored spirit). Sample dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves, and try a main fish or meat course. All complemented by live Turkish music. For the best meze and music visit Sarniç Meyhane.
Day 2: Exploring Modern Istanbul
Morning: Start your day with menemen, a Turkish-style scrambled egg dish cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and sometimes cheese. Arka Bahçe even offers vegan menemen!
Sightseeing:
Galata Tower: Climb this medieval tower for panoramic views of the city.
Walk down Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Don’t miss a ride on the nostalgic tram.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum or SALT Beyoğlu: Dive into the city’s contemporary art scene with exhibits showcasing Turkish and international artists.
Afternoon:
Have lunch at a lokanta, a traditional eatery serving home-style dishes like rice pilaf, stews, and salads, such as Galata Kitchen or Tünel Lokantası in the neighborhood.
Treat yourself to desserts like baklava (layered pastry with nuts and syrup) or kunefe (a cheesy dessert soaked in sweet syrup), paired with Turkish coffee. Try Karaköy Güllüoğlu - a famous dessert place near the Eminönü harbour.
Evening:
Take a Bosphorus Cruise and marvel at the city’s skyline, historic palaces, and mansions along the water.
End the day with freshly grilled kebabs at a local restaurant. You can try Kilisli Fiko for an authentic kebab and yoghurt soup from the Gaziantep region—famous for the best food in Turkey.
Day 3: Relaxation and Leisure
Morning:
Take a ferry to the Princes’ Islands and enjoy breakfast on board with freshly squeezed juice and simit.
Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, or cycling around the peaceful island streets.
Afternoon:
Have a seafood lunch by the shore, savoring freshly caught fish and other delicacies.
Return to Istanbul and indulge in a visit to a Turkish Hamam. Relax in the sauna, enjoy a traditional scrub, and unwind with a massage. Many hotels offer a more luxurious and private bathing session. But for the full local experience, I recommend taking a taxi to the Çinli Hamamı in Üsküdar, which also has a separate men's and women's section.
Evening:
For dinner, take a taxi to Metet Közde and try Iskender Kebap, sliced doner meat served over pide bread with tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt.
End your trip by taking a walk by the Bosphorus, enjoying a drink as you watch the sunset and listen to live street music, with the Istanbul Bridge panorama from the Üsküdar shore.
This three-day itinerary is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s vibrant spirit, explore its rich history, and savor its incredible culinary offerings, all within a short time. Start planning your unforgettable adventure today!