Planning a short trip to Istanbul? This 3 day itinerary in Istanbul is the perfect guide to explore the city’s rich mix of East and West — from domes and minarets to rooftop cafés and buzzing bazaars. Crafted with Easy trip AI, the plan balances sightseeing, food, culture, and local gems without feeling rushed.
If you’re looking to experience the best of Istanbul in just 72 hours — this is your smart, scenic, and unforgettable way to do it.
Why This 3 Day Itinerary in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a city where continents meet, mosques touch the sky, and street vendors serve the most irresistible simit. But with so much to see — from ancient palaces to bustling bazaars — it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
This 3-day Istanbul itinerary, powered by Easytrip AI, is built to help you:
- Experience both European and Asian sides of the city
- Visit iconic spots like the Bosphorus Bridge and Galata Tower
- Balance history, culture, nature, and views
- Avoid unnecessary travel time with smart routing
- Maximize value with ticket tips and walking-friendly paths
Now, let’s dive into an epic Day 1 of Bosphorus vibes and royal rooftops!
See full itinerary here: https://app.easytrip.ai/trips/3384
📅 Day 1 Itinerary: Bosphorus Views, Palaces & Rooftop Mornings
From scenic hills to waterfront walks, Day 1 takes you through the heart of Istanbul’s natural and historic charm. You’ll stroll over the Bosphorus, sip coffee with a view, and end with Ottoman elegance. Let’s go!
| Time | Activity | Notes / Tickets |
| 8:30 AM | Start from hotel | |
| 8:40 – 9:40 AM | Breakfast at Seven Hills Restaurant | Epic rooftop views of Hagia Sophia |
| 10:10 – 10:40 AM | Çamlıca Hill | Scenic lookout on the Asian side |
| 11:15 – 11:55 AM | Bosphorus Bridge Walk | 🎟️ Ticket – Great for photo ops |
| 2:05 – 2:35 PM | Çırağan Palace Kempinski | 🎟️ Ticket – Historic luxury palace |
| 2:50 – 3:20 PM | Yıldız Park | Quiet, green royal gardens |
| 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Dinner at planned spot (TBD) | Refer to Day 2 or 3 dinner slots |
| 4:15 – 5:25 PM | Büyük Mecidiye Mosque | Free – Also called Ortaköy Mosque |
A few tips for Day 1:
- Start early — Istanbul traffic is real, especially around bridges.
- Çamlıca Hill offers panoramic views. Bring a zoom lens if you’ve got one!
- Consider a taxi or tram between Bosphorus Bridge and the palace to save time.
- Dress modestly if you plan to enter mosques.
📌 Total walking distance: ~11.2 km
🕒 Pro tip: If you’re not into long walks, use ride-hailing between lunch & Çırağan Palace. It’ll save your feet and give you more time to explore.
📅 Day 2 Itinerary: Art, Culture & Rooftops of Beyoğlu
Day 2 brings you deep into the cultural core of Istanbul. Museums, mosaics, and memories await — all tucked inside historic neighborhoods and hipster avenues. Ready for some indoor gems and city panoramas? Let’s go!
| Time | Activity | Notes / Tickets |
| 8:30 AM | Start from hotel | |
| 8:40 – 9:40 AM | Breakfast (planned from Day 1–3) | Choose your favorite morning spot |
| 10:10 – 10:40 AM | Istanbul Museum of Modern Art | 🎟️ €9.15 – Contemporary Turkish art |
| 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum | 🎟️ Ticket – Whirling dervish heritage site |
| 11:40 – 1:10 PM | Lunch (planned from Day 1–3) | Feel free to switch it up today |
| 1:10 – 1:50 PM | Pera Museum | 🎟️ €5.65 – Ottoman-era and Orientalist art |
| 2:00 – 2:30 PM | Stroll on İstiklal Avenue | Lively street, full of cafes and local life |
| 2:40 – 3:40 PM | Dinner (planned from Day 1–3) | Try rooftop dining in Beyoğlu |
| 4:00 – 4:30 PM | Galata Tower | 🎟️ €9.45 – Epic 360° views of the city |
Day 2 Notes & Tips:
- The museums are close together — perfect for slower pacing.
- Galata Tower lines can get long. Booking ahead helps.
- Pera Museum is a hidden gem — don’t skip the gift shop!
- İstiklal Ave is great for souvenir shopping and snack stops.
📌 Total walking distance: ~9.3 km
🕒 Pro tip: Consider using the historic tram on İstiklal Ave if your legs need a break!
📅 Day 3 Itinerary: Golden Horn Magic & History to Remember
Time to wrap up Istanbul in the most unforgettable way — from peaceful mosque mornings to museum marathons, colorful streets, and spice-filled bazaars. It’s a bit of everything, just like the city itself. Let’s end strong!
| Time | Activity | Notes / Tickets |
| 8:30 AM | Start from hotel | |
| 8:40 – 9:40 AM | Breakfast (planned from Day 1–3) | Take it easy, soak in the morning light |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM | Eyüp Sultan Mosque | Free – Historic and spiritual atmosphere |
| 11:10 – 1:10 PM | Rahmi M. Koç Museum | 🎟️ €9.18 – Trains, tech, transport & fun |
| 1:20 – 1:50 PM | Lunch (planned from Day 1–3) | Optional detour for snacks |
| 2:10 – 2:45 PM | Balat Neighborhood | Colorful houses, vintage charm |
| 3:10 – 3:40 PM | Süleymaniye Mosque | Free – Classic Ottoman architecture |
| 3:50 – 4:50 PM | Dinner (planned from Day 1–3) | Consider a waterside restaurant |
| 5:00 – 5:30 PM | Egyptian Bazaar | Free – Spices, sweets, and souvenirs galore |
Day 3 Quick Tips:
- Rahmi Koç Museum is more fun than it sounds — great for all ages!
- Balat is ultra-Instagrammable — charge your phone!
- Egyptian Bazaar is perfect for last-minute gifts (and Turkish delight).
- Dress respectfully for mosque visits; long sleeves recommended.
📌 Total walking distance: ~10.6 km
🕒 Pro tip: Wrap up at the bazaar and grab some baklava for the flight home 😉
🧾 Trip Summary: Total Costs & Walking Distance
Let’s break down the full 3-day Istanbul experience — including ticket costs, meals, and how far your feet will go. Whether you’re traveling light or looking to splurge a little, this guide helps you plan smarter and smoother.
| Category | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Total (Approx.) |
| 🎟️ Attraction Tickets | €18.00 (est.) | €24.25 | €9.18 | ~€51.43 |
| 🍽️ Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) | €40 – €60 | €40 – €60 | €40 – €60 | ~€120 – €180 |
| 🚕 Transport (Optional) | €6 – €10 | €6 – €10 | €6 – €10 | ~€18 – €30 |
| 🧁 Extras (coffee, snacks, water) | €5 – €10 | €5 – €10 | €5 – €10 | ~€15 – €30 |
| 💶 Estimated Total | €69 – €98 | €75 – €104 | €60 – €89 | ~€204 – €291 |
| 🚶♂️ Distance Walked | ~11.2 km | ~9.3 km | ~10.6 km | ~31.1 km total |
Note:
- These numbers are estimates — your budget may vary depending on where you eat and if you use taxis or trams.
- Istanbul is walkable in many areas, but for longer distances (like from Çamlıca Hill or Balat), taxis save both time and energy.
- Most museum prices were taken from official listings (as of 2025) and may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Three days in Istanbul may not be enough to see it all — but with the right plan, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, a full camera roll, and maybe a few extra boxes of baklava in your bag.
Thanks to Easytrip AI, this 3 day itinerary in Istanbul covers everything from skyline views to ancient mosques, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich museums. It’s the perfect balance of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path gems, all packed into an easy-to-follow flow.
So lace up your shoes, keep your curiosity high, and let Istanbul surprise you — one call to prayer, rooftop view, and simit at a time.
