When it comes to Istanbul, we agree with Napoleon: If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. Istanbul's unique Landmarks tell the tale of the three greatest empires.
From history and cultures to a swirling mix of sweets and spices, it has it all to sweep you off your feet. Explore our ultimate guide for three days packed with culture, history and fun.
Day 1: The Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Yerebatan Sarnıcı, The Topkapi Palace, Kubbe-i Aşk, Suleymaniye Mosque
We dedicated our first day to amazing Mosques in Istanbul, as one should!
Let's start our journey with one of the main attractions, The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as The Blue Mosque by both tourists and locals. The Mosque is over 400 years old and has a unique blend of Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman architecture. There are more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles in traditional Ottoman patterns which adorn the walls and ceilings, Amazing isn't it?
Next on our itinerary is Hagia Sophia, and trust us, it continues the trend of aesthetic exteriors. In the past, it has served as both a Cathedral and Grand Mosque, making it a perfect synthesis of the two cultures and a place where you can observe both Ottoman and Byzantine treasures under one great dome. We recommend a guided tour for a full experience, but walking around is just as lovely!
You don’t even need to leave the grounds of the Hagia Sophia for our next stop! The Yerebatan Sarnıcı, or Basilic Cistern, has a magnificent, if slightly sinister, atmosphere that makes for magnificent photos. The city has tried meticulously to preserve the local history of the site. This attraction is a favorite for fans of ancient mythology, as according to one view, Gorgona paintings and sculptures were used to preserve large structures and special places at the time of building, leading to a head of the Carnica Medusa being placed in the cistern. Told you it was a little creepy!
Right next to the Hagia Sophia and the Yerebatan Sarnıcı, we come to our next destination: The Topkapi Palace. Built shortly after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the palace accommodated many sultans until the 19th century, when they moved to the ostentatious European-style palaces. Moreover, Topkapi Palace is claimed to be one of the largest and oldest surviving palaces in the world! With beautiful entrances arched with gold and tall domed ceilings, its beauty is the talk of the town. While there, don’t forget to check out the quaint little park built just outside! It has ponds and bridges and all sorts of beautiful trees and flowers. It’s an ideal place for a picnic or just a relaxed stroll.
If you’re looking for something more than a picnic, though, might we suggest trying some of the best local cuisine in Istanbul, at Kubbe-i Aşk? This bar and restaurant is well known for its great service and friendly staff, who are always ready to help you!
After a well-needed recovery meal, head to the Suleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's most distinctive features thanks to its truly astonishing size. It was built by the legendary architect, Mimar Sinan, and it is comfortably one of his masterpieces, and his largest design.
The central dome proudly stands at 47m high, and this marvel is matched with the elegant beauty of the interior. The vast space is made even better by the large amounts of natural light which illuminate the setting, so whether you go at noon or sunset, be ready for some magic to end Day One!
Day 2: Gatala, Istiklal Caddesi, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus, Ortaköy, Ciragan Palace, Banyan Restaurant
Day Two begins with a visit to the historic district of Gatala, home to the Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most striking monuments. The area features many modern cafes and restaurants but with a historic and authentic Turkish atmosphere. The medieval tower at the center has a phenomenal observation gallery stretching over the entire city and the coast. Additionally, it contains a restaurant and bar: talk about luxury dining! Further along, you come across the Galata Bridge, which has magnificent views of its own over the Bosphorus.
Located within this region of the city is the Istiklal Caddesi, a street filled with wonderful cozy restaurants and shops including antique shops, familiar Western chains and independent boutiques.
Fancy seeing a bit more culture? Next on the list is the Dolmabahçe Palace! This staggeringly beautiful building served as the Empire’s administrative center in the 19th to early-20th centuries. Nowadays, however, the palace is home to an incredible collection of Baccarat and Bohemian crystals, breathtaking gilded ceilings and columns, and magnificent gifts from foreign rulers including the Tsars of Russia and Queen Victoria.
Now that you have taken in the culture, It's time for a river tour down the Bosphorus where you can see Istanbul from an entirely different perspective. The river divides the city into two continents, providing a simultaneous view of both Asian and European culture! You can hop on and off with little fuss, and do as much or as little as you want.
River stretches completed, you should definitely check out the Ortaköy district. On the Asian side of the city, this region holds a strong bohemian, arty vibe, with boutique coffeehouses and tea terraces overlooking the water. Just around the corner, you can find the Ciragan Palace, one of the palaces built on the shores of the Bosphorus during the last period of the Ottoman Empire.
To end the day on a high note, relish good food in one of Istanbul’s premier restaurants: Banyan Restaurant where all different dishes are prepared with great skill. The "Banyan Plate" in the starters and the "Satay" served in Balinese mini charcoal barbecue are our favorites both for their presentation and taste.
Day 3: Grand Bazaar, Egypt Bazaar, Maiden's Tower, Üsküdar, Kanaat Restaurant
Get ready for the Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest canvassed markets on the planet, with more than 4,000 shops, attracting more than 400,000 guests every day. Ideally suited for hours of browsing of authentic Turkish souvenirs, from rugs to jewelry. Our highlight, however, is the ceramics collections dotted around the market. Turkey has a long and rich heritage of ceramic making, with its most famous ceramic work hailing from Iznik and Kütahya.
While the Grand Bazaar may be the largest and most famous of Istanbul's covered bazaars, the Egypt Bazaar spice market wins the prize for being the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun – as visitors can sample all the goods for free. This bazaar has been running since 1664, and aside from the spices, there are rosebud, jasmine, and fruit teas in every color and flavor imaginable!
Yet another Iconic Istanbul monument! Situated extremely close to the bazaars, the Maiden's tower has a rich history dating back to the fourth century. Naturally, with something this old, it has become steeped in folklore and has its fair share of myths and legends. Make sure o uncover the stories of Leandros and Hero, as well as the snakebite soothsayer. We’re not giving you any spoilers!
After that history lesson, we’ve arranged something less intense but way more tasty. Üsküdar, situated on the Asian side of the city, offers a wide variety of wining and dining opportunities in Istanbul. You can find every kind of food and drink and any Turkish and world cuisine that you wish. If you’re feeling fancy, in both at the coastal and inner areas, you can fine tea gardens, cafes and restaurants.
Finally, enjoy an evening meal in the area at the Kanaat Restaurant. This establishment is famous throughout Istanbul and a must-try for authentic cuisine. It is famous for its Turkish food, quince dessert, sheep milk and Yozgat sahleb.
There you go! Three action-packed days to explore one of the greatest cities in the world. These activities are perfect for a family holiday, romantic getaway, or solo travels! We hope these destinations show Istanbul at its best, and allow you to soak up all the culture and beauty that this wonderful city has to offer.
