3 day itinerary for Istanbul

Itinerary

Istanbul is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Istanbul, including the top 10 things to do:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul. This former church and mosque is now a museum and is a must-see attraction.
• Next, head to the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This stunning mosque is famous for its blue tiles and six minarets.
• After visiting the Blue Mosque, take a stroll through the Hippodrome, an ancient chariot racing track that dates back to the Roman Empire.
• For lunch, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, you can find everything from spices to jewelry to textiles.
• In the afternoon, take a Bosphorus cruise to see the city from the water. You'll pass by beautiful palaces, mosques, and bridges.
• End your day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This palace is now a museum and is home to some of the most beautiful artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir that dates back to the 6th century.
• Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, another famous market in Istanbul. Here, you can find a variety of spices, teas, and sweets.
• For lunch, try some traditional Turkish street food like doner kebab or simit.
• In the afternoon, visit the Chora Church, a beautiful Byzantine church that is now a museum.
• End your day with a visit to the Galata Tower, a medieval tower that offers stunning views of the city.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, a stunning palace that was built in the 19th century. This palace is known for its opulent decor and beautiful gardens.
• Next, head to the Istanbul Modern Museum, a contemporary art museum that showcases the work of Turkish artists.
• For lunch, try some traditional Turkish meze, small dishes that are perfect for sharing.
• In the afternoon, visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, another beautiful mosque that was built in the 16th century.
• End your day with a visit to the Istiklal Avenue, a bustling pedestrian street that is home to shops, cafes, and restaurants.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Istanbul! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can help you with.