Discover the Best of Istanbul – 3 day Itinerary for First-Timers

Istanbul is a fascinating destination!   From rejuvenating hammams to ancient bazaars, rooftop restaurants and river cruises, this is a city for everyone to experience at least once.

Having lived in this region for several years and visited Istanbul many times, we have pulled together our 3 day itinerary for first-timers to help give you all you need for a fun-packed visit.

To get a feel and understanding of what’s so fascinating about Istanbul, here’s a little history.

How Istanbul Became A City

Inhabited for over 5000 years, the city was the capital of two of the world ‘s most powerful empires – the Byzantines (Eastern Roman Empire ) and the Ottomans.   Every stone they say, is steeped in history as these sides battled against each other for many years. 

The Romans actually arrived as far back as 2AD. However, it was in AD395, when in full power, they decided their empire needed a second capital as well as Rome, so rather than call it New Rome, it was named Constantinople.  

This name continued even in  1453 when this time after another  battle,  the victorious Ottomans, led by Sultan Mehmet II won. Their influences stretched out to Africa and the Arab world.

The city was thus transformed into  a Muslim society, based on Islamic principles, with the key ingredients being mosques and grand bazaar markets which are still so visible today. 

After WWI, the Ottoman Empire was abolished and in 1923, the Republic of Turkey was formed.

The government requested cities use Turkish names for their cities so it was then the capital name was officially changed from Constantinople to Istanbul.  There’s so much more to read on the history of Istanbul and how it is built on seven hills.

Where is Istanbul?

As a city it’s huge! In fact, it’s now classed as a mega city in terms of population with over 16 million official residents; unofficially 21 million! Don’t be put off by the size, as once you’re in your base, it really doesn’t feel crowded. 

To the west, Turkey borders Bulgaria and Greece; to the east, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran; to the north, Georgia and finally Iraq and Syria to the south.  On one side lies the Black Sea and the other the Sea of Marmara. 

If you added the number of cats in Istanbul to the population figure, it could well double.  These stray feline citizens are cared for by locals but their popularity dates back to the Ottomans. Mainly they were loved for their ability to hunt and keep mice and plagues away from the city. 

How to Get To Istanbul

As you plan your Istanbul first-timers perfect itinerary be aware that there are two airports in Istanbul. 

Most major airlines fly into Ataturk International around 24km west of the city centre and on the European shore.  If you fly into Sabiha,  you’ll land in the Asian side of Istanbul which is 50km from the city.  We recommend the European side if you can, as access to the city is easier.  

Onward transport links into Istanbul from either airport include taxis and buses. We booked transfers with booking.com.  The journey from Ataturk airport to our hotel in the Sultanahmet district took 1 hour.  

If you’re departing from  from the UK there are direct flights options from London Heathrow or Manchester with Turkish Airlines.  Alternatively, use WIZZ Air (low cost carrier) from London Luton.  Turkish Airlines also offer direct flights (4 hours) from Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Coming from further afield?  Fly directly to Istanbul from many European countries and several  USA cities including New York, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco.  

More Istanbul Transport Tips

You can also travel to Istanbul via train. Again depending where you’re coming from you’ll either come into Sirkeci Station on the European side or Haydarpasa on the Asian side. Or you may arrive on a ferry or as part of a cruise.  If you need to use public transport, use the T1 red card for Istanbul Metro.  

Thinking about hiring a car?  You would NOT want to drive in the city centre.  Roads are just too busy and you’ll get lost especially in the old part where streets  are narrow, cobbled single track.  There’s nowhere to park either so definitely a big no no.  

When’s The Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

On this trip we travelled to Istanbul at the end of May.  The weather was perfect – around mid 20’s.  Along with June and September, these are ideal months.  Days are pleasant and there are fewer tourists.   Having visited most months of the year, we can tell you when not to go!

If you wait till July or August and you’ll face temperatures of up 35 degrees and a lot more people!! 

In March, April or October days are milder and you can get some good off season deals.  Winter months are cooler and damp. 

Where to stay in Istanbul?

Sultanahamet is home to many of Istanbul’s most famous historical sights.  Because of that, it’s where we chose to stay.  The Oberhan hotel which we found on booking.com, was moderately priced in a popular location. We were close to the main sights but tucked away from main streets and traffic. 

It’s a small hotel with only 15 rooms,  no bar or additional areas inside to sit in but rooms were excellent and staff helpful. Our breakfasts were full of fresh seasonal fruits,  breads, eggs, continental hams and we were offered Turkish coffee.  Definitely gets you going!  

Their small roof terrace was perfect for relaxing on and drinking your own refreshments at the end of the day.

What to Pack for a Trip to Istanbul?

If you were travelling to the coastal resorts of Turkey, which we have done previously, western style beachwear is fully acceptable.  However, Istanbul is more traditional and Islam dress code for Muslim women is the norm.  

For tourists, women are expected to respect this in their dress choices when just walking around.  If you’re coming in the warmer months, don’t bother packing shorts and strappy tops – we saw very few tourists wearing them.  Knee length skirts are generally fine as are tops that cover shoulders. Sandles or walking shoes are a must.  

When visiting the mosques, we women are required to cover our heads. Also note that in some mosques, even when our knee length skirt was only a fraction  ( and we mean a fraction above the knee) it may still be unacceptable.  

However, you will receive a longer sleeved dress tunic which they happily supply.  Pop a longer skirt or wrap  in your bag which you can use as needed.  We found lots of stalls around the mosques selling scarves and pashminas if you want to treat yourself.  

Evenings can be cooler so you’ll need a light jumper or jacket.  Oh and don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

First-timers Istanbul Recommendations

We stayed 4 nights giving us three full days to explore the city.  It didn’t feel rushed and we were able to see plenty in that time.   

Over several days we were able to pack a lot in but still have lots of relaxation time too. Istanbul is a large city but with a compact center so you won’t have a shortage of answers to the question of what to do Istanbul.

However in 3-4 days we need to prioritize.  So here’s our top recommendations. We listed these in the order we did things in but  swap things around to suit.  In peak season, book ahead as millions visit each year and top attractions sell out fast!

See A Whirling Dervish Evening Show

You can’t go to Istanbul and not immerse yourself in one of these performances.  Our show, which lasted an hour, followed the Mevlevi Sema ritual which incorporates the traditional musical instruments and the hypnotic whirling dancing. It was a simple set up- 3 musicians and 3 dancers. 

Now an hour isn’t long but after 25 minutes of listening to the musicians, we did begin to wonder where the dancers were.  Suddenly, they were on the ‘stage’ which was a small rectangular floor area and the whirling and twirling began.   

Honestly, I don’t know how many turns they completed but it really was quite mesmerising to watch them.  Seating is first come first seated and spaces are limited.  However the show runs most days so book ahead if your time is limited.  We did this the first evening we arrived and took in the show at 7pm before dinner.  

Book A Free Morning Walking Tour

Being a mega city, it’s possible to spend a lot of time trying to get your bearings.

If you’re a first time visitors, we suggest you book onto a half day walking tour and recommend using Get Your Guide Istanbul.  This way a local guide shares top insights and helpful context to the city and loads of tips about where to go and what to do.  

Sultanahment Square was orginally called the Hippodrome and was a racing track in ancient Roman days.  Also check out the column of Theodosius from Egypt – an oblesik – which is over 3500 years old.  

Our 3 hour trip took in all the main sights and with only 20 in our group it was easy to hear his stories and suggestions. Everyone got a follow up email with his recommendations for restaurants, museums, best city viewpoints, turkish baths which was really helpful.   

The Egyptian Spice Market

The Egyptian Bazaar, generally known as The Spice Bazaar dates back to 1597 but it took 67 years for it to be built. Its name in Turkish is Misir Carsisi.

And, as its name suggests, this market is packed full of spices that waft into the air and create an incredible blend of aromas. 

We initially strolled through here during our morning guided walk without much time to explore. So returning to stop and linger over the beautifully organized  stalls was a fun couple of hours.  

During this time, of course,  we sampled copious amounts of Turkish delight and sipping delicious freshly brewed teas.

Visit The Grand Bazaar

Even bigger is the Grand Bazaar with 20+ entry gates and almost 4000 shops.

Each is packed full of enticing things we don’t need but can easily be persuaded to buy.

The main gate is Beyazit Gate and it’s easy to get to on foot or via the tram system. This part of Istanbul has been part of a UNESCO world heritage site since the mid 1980s. Widely considered to be one of the oldest markets in the world, it is open 6 days a week from 8.30am to 7.30pm (closed on Sundays).

Employing thousands of people, Istanbul’s original mega-mall was the perfect destination for our second morning. Set undercover and laid out in a labyrinth of narrow ‘streets’  each shop has a unique number.

Now, what to buy? So many choices?

Eager traders are selling so many items from designer bags, to whirling dervish pottery, from intricately woven Turkish carpets to gold jewellery. 

There’s lots of encourgement given to enter their shop enticing you in with a piece of turkish delight or the offer of a cup of tea; after all they have ‘the best prices’. But it’s all friendly banter and great fun wandering between shops. 

Who can resist the offer of a Chanel handbag?  And how about some silk cushion covers? Or perhaps a box of pomegranate Turkish delight?

Enjoy A Turkish Coffee or Tea In The Grand Bazaar

There are plenty of tea and coffee shops dotted throughout the Grand Bazaar.  We enjoyed a coffee at the chic Sark Kahvesi (#134). The cakes here were delicious as was our coffee.  

Hagia Sophia & The Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia started life as a church way back in 325AD. Over the years, it was burned down, rebuilt, burned down again, then survived earthquakes to become one of the most visited sites in the world. In 1453, after being a church for over 1000 years,  it was converted into a mosque and in 1934 became a museum. In 2020, it was  returned to a mosque. 

Queues can be long to get in so pick your time – we went around 7pm and there was no queue.  It is open from 0900am to 2200pm and because it is a mosque entry is free.  With its soaring dome of 32m diameter, it’s an impressive building.

Discover Istanbul’s Mosques

The official name for the  Blue Mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.  It took 7 years to build with construction finishing in 1616.  It’s one of the most beautiful mosques in the world taking its name from the thousands of blue iznik tiles in the interior.  Guide books state that there are 20,143 tiles of 70 different styles! 

Apparently, when being built,  the Sultan banned anyone else from placing orders for tiles until his own mosque was completed. The 6 minarets capped with gold also make it particularly memorable.

Note that it is a working mosque so as a tourist you cannot enter during prayer times but you definitely should plan a visit here. 

Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are opposite each other in Sultanahmet in the Old City. Together they dominate the square where they sit.  It’s a historic area with fountains and green squares so it’s a lovely area to sit and have coffee or an ice-cream and, in our case, both! 

Cruise on the Bosphorous

This is a must to include in any Istanbul first-timers perfect itinerary.

You will see cruises being offered all over town and on any web-site you check out. The best value option to see Istanbul from the water,  is to take a 15 minute ferry from European Istanbul to Asian Istanbul. 

These run throughout the day (22 a day) cost as little as 10 lira ($0.50)  and leave from various ferry stops on the river.  A popular departing point is Sirkeci which is only is a ten-minute walk from the old town, Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque.

Cruise The Golden Horn

However, for a more relaxed mini cruise we recommend taking a tour boat for 2 hours or so. With open decks, refreshments and a longer route, you can take in the stunning skyline of Instanbul in the sunshine. Head down to  the pier in the old town; find the booth and purchase your $5 ticket  – you can book online but it’s double the price!  

The cruise starts on the European side and after the second Bosphorus bridge on the Golden Horn turns to go back on the Asian side. From the deck, it’s a great opportunity for photos as you pass by many great palaces.

Views from the deck of  Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower are stunning.    Entertainment was the Turkish waiter who kept turning up with constant snacks (additional charge)such as fruit kebabs on sticks; sweet pastries like baclava and turkish delight – you never knew quite what was coming next ! 

There are also many evening cruise options advertised with all sorts of entertainment and dinners. We opted against this as we wanted to see everything in daylight but next time, a dinner cruise would be fun!

GetYourGuide Istanbul Cruises is a good resource to check out what’s on during your visit.

Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Hammam

We think spending a little time at a traditional Hammam in Instanbul is a must for first-time visitors. Why? As well as getting one of the best exfoliations and leaving with baby soft skin, you’ll learn about a cultural ritual that goes back centuries.

A top rated one is Hurrem Sultan Hammam which was originally built for royalty back in the 16th century. Of course prices to go here. match it’s pedigree!

Many of the hammans are richly decorated with traditional  glazed tiles and it’s worth going just to enjoy their beautiful architecture. 

Each harmman is of course unique but  generally expect a steam room, rigorous scrub, exfoliation, rinse and then time to relax.  You may book a private room, share with your travel partner. Your hotel can advise or use an on-line site to select your Hammam.

Steam-Scrub-Exfoliate-Rinse-Wash-Relax

The spa at Diana Hotel was recommended to us by our hotel and a driver collected us although we could have easily walked.   We chose to have the hamman and coffee scrub.  Our Nepalese ‘washers’  started our experience with a clay mask to remove impurities and cleanse the skin. 

A sauna followed and then it was into the steam room for pore opening. Next came  the wash room where we were scrubbed down with the coffee scrub. Our masseurs were quite rigourous but it wasn’t uncomfortable. 

Washing with hot water followed and afterwards we were rewarded with a wonderful soap massage and hair wash.   We were wrapped in warm towels to finish and then relaxed on loungers for another 10 minutes before getting dressed. 

The full experience lasted about an hour.  Prices vary depending upon what you have but expect to pay around €50 for a basic hamman.    

Topkapi Palace

Visiting Topkapi Palace needs to be on your Istanbul first-timers perfect itinerary for sure!

As a palace, it’s huge with three main courtyards and garden areas to explore.  400 years ago, the building served as the administrative and educational center of the Ottoman Empire but today, it is a museum and one of the most famous and visited tourist attractions of Istanbul;  millions visit each year. 

If you’re going in peak season, buy your ticket here on-line in advance to ‘skip-the-line’. Currently the price for a skip-the -line ticket and audio guide app is 34.90 via this same site. We bought our tickets onsite  at a small kiosk.

Some kiosks are for cash only, so if you’re using a credit card, make sure you go to the right window. We paid a bit extra to visit the Hareem section of the palace and this was worth it for the architecture alone. 

🎒TPOP Tip: Go early to avoid long queues and locals suggest Monday is quieter than Friday for instance. 

Inside the Topkapi Palace

Once you have your ticket, you have to then queue at the audio booth for a phone which gives you access to the guide audio.  Note that they ask for a drivers license or official ID before releasing the guide phone. They keep your documents until you return the guide phones. 

The guide is definitely worth while having otherwise you’re just wandering about admiring artefacts, buildings and statues etc without any real understanding.  Oh and ladies, don’t forget your head scarf as to enter some buildings it is obligatory. 

 As we passed under the arch into the outer grounds, this legacy from the Ottoman grandeur was evident. We spent over 2 hours here and it could easily have been longer.

The site contains multiple buildings, each worthy of time to appreciate the history, aesthetics and stories that connect it back to Mehmed the Conqueror. He had the vision for this palace back in 1465.

We enjoyed seeing a diverse range of antiquities. From old calligraphy items, to important religious items associated with the Prophet Mohammed, and private quarters, the palace holds incredible stories from the past. 

We recommend a half day to explore the palace and grounds as there is so much to see.  

Rooftop Restaurants In Istanbul

Rooftop Bars, Turkish Dining and Ice-Cream!

Istanbul is a city that needs to be viewed from above, especially as the sun sets. We loved the rooftop bars for incredible views of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque one side and the Bosphorus the other.  You’re spoilt for choice!  

It felt  like on every corner, there was someone telling you that they had ‘the best price, the best food/drinks, the best table and the best rooftop restaurant’  However, take your time, check the menus which are always on display and be comfortable in saying no if it’s not what you’re looking for. 

What’s on the Menu in Istanbul?

As we were staying in the Sultanahmet area, we had a great range of restaurants close to our hotel. There’s also some nice ones near the river and don’t forget to ask your hotel  for recommendations. 

We didn’t need to book ahead but if you’re looking to eat at the top Trip Advisor restaurants, I would make a reservation.

Once seated, there’s plenty of choice on the menu – meze starters like hummus, breads and dips and  salads too are delicious. Kebabs may be the obvious choice but for something a little different try their kebab stew served out of clay pots.   

The ritual of the pot being set on fire and then cracked open by tapping it, is hugely entertaining.  Fish is always available and vegetarians are well catered for.  We especially liked the ‘pideci’ the Turkish equivalent to a pizza.  

You’ll usually be offered complementary Turkish tea and the sweet pastry desert of baklava to finish your meal.

Sultanahment Square For Dessert

Just a little mention here about the Turkish delight.  It’s available to buy in large rolls and there’s all sorts of flavours to choose from.  They’re hugely generous with samples.

If you’re still hungry, head over to Sultanahmet Square where the mosques are and find the ice-cream seller on the corner.  You will be entertained just being served an ice-cream – he was full of tricks and the ice-cream was delicious.  

Looking to Venture Beyond Istanbul?

Istanbul has become a major transit point with the growth of Turkish Airlines. But, if you haven’t had the opportunity yet to spend a few days (or longer) here, you’re missing an incredible destination.  

Beyond the highlights of the city center there is so much more around the country if you have more time to combine Istanbul with another destination.

A popular 2 center trip is Istanbul and Goerme, Cappadocia. With its fairy chimneys  and hot air ballooning, its quite magical. 

Or fly an hour south to Izmir and explore ancient Ephesus which rivals many ancient cities and includes easy access to the fascinating Pamukkale.

And don’t overlook Southern Turkey’s coast.  If relaxing on the beach is your idea of travel bliss, why not head to Antalya. There’s options for all budgets and vacation preferences from all-inclusive to luxury small resorts.

Neighbouring Georgia is tiny compared to Turkey geographically but rich in history, culture and food/wine. Check out our one week itinerary for Georgia.

Lastly on trips to Turkey, we have enjoyed combining Istanbul and Jordan. Read our Week in Jordan Itinerary for ideas on where to go and how to combine these 2 amazing countries.