Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary with Map (Best Things to Do)

Istanbul is a city full of history, culture, and energy. It is the only city in the world that spans two continents, offering a unique mix of European and Asian influences. In this post, I’ll share a simple 3-day itinerary perfect for first-timers, covering Istanbul’s most famous sights (including a map). We’ll also share essential information to help you make the most of your time.

Our time in Istanbul was part of a bigger trip to Turkey. Check our complete itinerary below:

You may also like: Turkey Two-Week Itinerary For First-Timers

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What is Included in this Guide? Table of Contents

Throughout this guide, we’ll cover the following topics. You can use the links below to quickly navigate to the sections that interest you the most.

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Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary Suggestion

Check out the table below for our proposed plan for spending 3 days in Istanbul. This was not exactly the itinerary we followed (due to the weather), but it’s the most optimized to include all the most popular places we wanted to explored. For a detailed itinerary, recommendations and tips, keep reading this article.

We also have a quick video with the main highlights of our Istanbul itinerary.

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Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary Map

The following map includes the places in our suggested itinerary divided by day. You can click on the link below or on the map to open it in Google My Maps.

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How To Get to Istanbul?

Istanbul has two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. Low-cost airlines usually operate from SAW, while Turkish Airlines primarily uses IST.

There are flights from most European cities to Istanbul, as it is a major hub. We were lucky to get a direct cheap flight from Turkish Airlines from Porto, Portugal to Istanbul Airport. Alternatively, a good company that flies low-cost to Turkey is Pegasus Airlines.

To find cheap flights we often use the Kiwi website. After identifying the best flights for our trip, we compare prices on the airline’s website to ensure we get the best deal. We never had issues booking through Kiwi—even after a canceled flight. Nonetheless, some people prefer booking directly with the airlines for added peace of mind.

How to Get From Istanbul Airport to the City Center

Depending on the airport of your arrival. You have different options:

Istanbul Airport (IST)

• Havaist Bus: Comfortable, frequent, and affordable. Stops at key locations like Sultanahmet and Taksim. Alternatively, there are also IETT public buses. All the information here or at the Havaist website.
• Metro (M11): Connects to the city’s metro network. We used this option, and because one line was cut, we had to exchange line several times and it took us a lot longer than we expexted to get to the center.
• Taxi, Uber or Bitaksi: very convenient but more expensive; costs vary by destination. Can take a while because of the traffic, specially in peak times.
• Private Transfer: book in advance for a hassle-free option. This ideal for groups or if you have lots of luggage, or if you simply want to have a comfortable journey. You can check airport transfer options here.

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

• Havabus Shuttle: Direct and affordable to Kadıköy or Taksim. More information here.
• Metro (M4): Links to Kadıköy and other metro lines for easy transfers.
• Taxi, Uber or Bitaksi: very convenient but more expensive; costs vary by destination. Can take a while because of the traffic, specially in peak times.
• Private Transfer: book in advance for a hassle-free option. This ideal for groups or if you have lots of luggage, or if you simply want to have a comfortable journey. You can check airport transfer options here.

How Many Days in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a big city. If this is your first time in Istanbul, three days is a good amount of time to see the main highlights and tourist spots .If you’re on a layover, even one day allows you to explore a lot, especially in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, where many iconic landmarks are located.

Where to Stay for Three Days in Istanbul?

If you have three days in Istanbul, it’s best to stay in the city center to be within walking distance or a short ride on public transportation from the main attractions.

Recommended reading: Where to Stay in Istanbul For First-Timers (Neighborhoods and Hotel Suggestions).

Here are the best areas to stay for first-time visitors:

• Sultanahmet: perfect for first-timers, this is the most touristic area and where you’ll find major attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. It’s ideal for exploring on foot. This was the area we stayed at. This is a bit more expensive than other neighborhoods.
  • Hotel suggestions:
    • Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul (luxury)
    • Henna Hotel Istanbul (medium range)
    • Sultan Hamit Hotel (budget)

• Taksim and Beyoğlu: great for a lively atmosphere, these areas offer a mix of nightlife, shopping, and easy access to Istiklal Avenue (with lots of shops, restaurants and cafes). Easy access to other places using public transportation.
  • Hotel suggestions:
    • The Stay Nisantasi (luxury)
    • Midtown Hotel (medium/high range)
    • Ardilas Residence (medium range)
    • Juno Hotel Taksim (budget)

• Galata: a trendy neighborhood with cafes, art galleries, and views of the Bosphorus. It’s where the Galata tower is located. This area is just a short tram ride from Sultanahmet.
  • Hotel suggestions:
    • Hotel De Reve Galata (medium range)
    • The Hotels, Galata (medium range)
    • Novus Pera Hotel (budget)

• Uskudar and Kadıköy (Asian side): for more of a local vibe; known for its bustling markets, food scene, and ferry access to the European side. Prices are cheaper, but it’s a bit more effort to see the main attractions, which are mainly located on the European side.
  • Hotel suggestions:
    • Buem Hotel Koşuyolu (medium/high range)
    • Moja City Hotel (medium range)
    • Meet İstanbul Hotel Kadikoy (budget)

We stayed in the Sultanahmet area, close to Sultanahmet Square (approximately 5 minutes walking distance), which was very convenient as we could explore many attractions on foot. Additionally, it was easy to get to other parts of the city using public transportation, especially the tram. The T1 tram line connects Sultanahmet to Eminönü and nearby neighborhoods like Karaköy and Galata—we used it often.

The hotel we stayed at was the Sultanahmet Nu Hotel. It was a simple hotel in a great location. It had a rooftop with great views. It was not luxurious or picturesque, but was good enough for us. It was a good price considering how well located it was.

How to Get Around Istanbul

Istanbul has a well-connected public transportation system, with tram, metro, ferries, and bus options.

The T1 tram line connects popular spots like Sultanahmet and Karaköy. We used the tram quite often during our time in Istanbul as we stayed in the Sultanahmet area.

The metro offers fast travel to more distant areas. We used several metro lines to go from Istanbul Airport to our hotel in Sultanahmet area. It took a while, but we got there.

The ferries are a great way for quick trips across the Bosphorus, connecting the neighborhoods on the European and Asian side of the city.

You can also use the buses, but they get quite crowded. We used the bus several times, but most of the times they were not exactly on time due to Istanbul’s traffic.

To use public transportation, purchase an Istanbulkart,. This is a rechargeable transport card that works across all modes of public transportation. You need to buy the card and than top it up with some money. Alternatively, you can also get the Istanbul City Card that offers unlimited journeys for a specified number of days.

Taxis are also available, but traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Additionally, taxis are associated with lots of scams, where they charge you more than initially accorded. Instead, use apps like Uber or BiTaksi, where you pay on the app and you know beforehand the price. We used Uber to go from our hotel to the SAW airport early in the morning.

How to Get Internet In Istanbul

When travelling to foreign countries, we always opt for an eSIM to get internet data. We had good experiences with airalo (offers from 4.50€), Maya (offers from $6), and Holafly. Check several providers to see which one offers the best package.

If you decide to go with airalo, you can use the referral code below on your first purchase to get a a 3$ credit:

SARA0837

How to Save Money in Istanbul – The Museum Passes

Entrance to most places in Istanbul are paid. And most of them are not cheap at all. At the time we visited, entrance to most places was extremely expensive for tourists, even when compared with something similar in other European cities.

Depending on the places you want to visit, it may make sense to buy a museum pass that gives you entrance to several places, which will cost less than buying the individual tickets. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a pass that would give you entrance to all the attractions

There is a museum pass for Istanbul, for specific regions of Turkey, or for the whole country. Depending on your itinerary and the places you want to visit, getting a museum pass may help save some money. More information here.

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Day 0 — Arrive and Check-In at Your Accommodation

After arriving at Istanbul, we only had time to go from the airport to our accommodation and have dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Depending of the hour of the day you’re arriving, there are different transportation options to get you to the city center. Check out this section for more information about how to get from the airport to Istanbul.

Day 1 — Istanbul Itinerary

Spend your fist day in Istanbul exploring the main attraction in Sultanahmet (Istanbul Old Town), the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar and many beautiful mosques.

Day 1 in Istanbul – Main places to visit

• Sultanahmet Square
• Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cisterna
• Egyptian Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
• Beyazit Mosque
• Yeni Mosque
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Turkish Sweets at Safa or Hafız Mustafa 1864
• Rooftop Terrace

Sultanahmet Square

Start your day at the Sultanahmet Square, which use to be an hippodrome. It is surrounded by some of the most popular Istanbul’s landmarks, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. You’ll also find an obelisk and a fountain.

Sultanahmet Mosque – Blue Mosque

Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most popular mosques. Its interior is undoubtably beautiful—however, I expected the mosque to be a bit more blue. It was probably because the sun wasn’t shining on the blue stained glass windows.

The lines to enter the Mosque can be quite long, make sure you arrive early to avoid waiting for too long in the line.

Entrance to the Mosque is free and doesn’t require a reservation. The Blue Mosque is closed only during prayer times and for around 2 hours during Friday noon prayers.

To visit mosques, make sure you dress appropriately. Men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts. Women are required to cover their hair, shoulders, and legs. Most mosques that allow non-muslim tourists, usually can provide you with appropriate clothes if needed.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is an interesting building with a unique history. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, it was converted into a mosque in 1453, later became a museum, and in 2020, it was converted back into a mosque. Inside, you can still see remnants from its time as a church, including mosaics of saints in some areas of the mosque.

Entrance to the mosque is €25 and is not included in the museum pass, which I found to be quite a steep price. Since we were staying in Turkey for approximately two weeks, we had to make choices about where to spend our money, so we decided to skip it.

Note: currently there is a new pass called “MEGAPASS” that includes entrance to all top museums in Istanbul including Hagia Sophia.

However, if you do plan to visit, I’d recommend a guided tour to get to know more about the history and architecture of the place. There are great tour options that include both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (and also the Basilica Cisterna—see below).

Basilica Cisterna

The Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir that once supplied the city. Today, you can explore the cistern’s beautiful architecture with its 336 roman columns. The chamber is lit with soft lighting, and is filled with clear water. The reflections of the different lights on the water creates quite a unique atmosphere. Don’t miss the Medusa’s head and the weeping pilar.

Many people complaint about the lack of information along the visit, so reading some information about the place beforehand might help getting a bit more of context. Additionally, there are also guided tours and audio guides that might help you appreciate more this place.

Entrance to the Basilica Cistern is not included in the Museum Pass, but it is included in the MEGAPASS.

Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar are must visit places when in Istanbul whether you plan to buy something or not.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the word. It has 61 streets and over 4000 shops—that’s a lot! You’ll find all sorts of things from Turkish rugs, to fake expensive brands of bags, watches, t-shirts, jackets, … basically, everything. You’ll also find an almost infinite number of souvenirs like Turkish lamps, magnets, ceramics, tote bags, t-shirts, and much more.

The Egyptian Bazaar, also called Spice Bazaar is a smaller market next to the Grand Bazaar. With a total of 85 shops, it mostly sells dried fruit, nuts, spices, sweets, teas, Turkish delight, and jewelry. It was here at the Egyptian Bazaar that we first tried Turkish delight. Just approach some vendors, or they’ll approach you, and ask to try some of their sweets. You can try a lot of them and then, decided to buy some of your favorite ones. We had never tried these sweets before, but we loved them—even though they are extremely sweet and caloric.

These market can be extremely crowded, and their size can be quite intimidating, specially the Grand Bazaar that can feel a bit labyrinthic. If you feel you’re kind of lost, just stick to a direction and you’ll eventually find an exit,

Tip: the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar have become quite popular and targeted for tourists to visit. So, the prices of the goods can be more expensive than in other places in Istanbul. Make sure to have a rough idea of the price of things, and make sure to haggle the price. You’ll almost always have a discount if you pay in cash.

Beyazit Mosque

Right next to the Egyptian Bazaar, you’ll find the Beyazit Mosque. It is open and free for non-muslims to visit. This mosque has an architecture quite similar to other mosques in Istanbul, and an interior that I found similar to the Blue Mosque (but in a smaller size), but with different colors.

This place is not much popular among tourists, so you’ll probably find the place much quieter than the Blue Mosque and other most popular mosques, for example.

Yeni Mosque

The Yeni Mosque is also referred to as New Mosque, even though it is centuries old. I think I liked this mosque even more than the Blue Mosque.

The inside of the mosque has beautiful tiles in blue, green, red, and white colors, with detailed geometric and flower patterns, and calligraphic designs that make the place quite stunning. This place is free to visit.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Not far from the Yeni Mosque is the Süleymaniye Mosque. This mosque is on top of a hill, giving amazing views of the city, the Bosphorus, and the Asian side of Istanbul. You can actually see the Galata Tower, the Bosphorus Bridge, and Topkapi Palace from here.

Inside, I thought it looked quite similar to the Beyazıt Mosque, with tiles and red carpets with a similar style and similar architecture. If you don’t have time to visit both, I recommend choosing this one because of the panoramic views.

Turkish Sweets at Safa or Hafız Mustafa 1864

When in Istanbul, you must try their Turkish sweets with some tea (served in a tulip-shaped glass). The most famous are Baklava and Künefe (my favorite). Some of the most popular Turkish dessert shops are Safa and Hafız Mustafa 1864, and you can find them in several locations.

We went to Safa and had Künefe with ice cream. The combination is simply delicious. Make sure to have it with some tea.

The Hafız Mustafa 1864 shops have a more high-end feel with a more “luxurious” experience, which seems to cater more to tourists, while Safa offers a more local atmosphere. We didn’t have the chance to try Hafız Mustafa 1864, and we regret it. Next time in Istanbul, we’ll definitely go there.

Rooftop Terrace Restaurant/Bar

When in Istanbul, many people enjoy visiting rooftop terraces or bars with stunning views of the city. Some of these places even create special settings with Turkish carpets for photos, and some are even dedicated to photoshoots.

One of the most famous spots is the Seven Hills Terrace, where you can enjoy great views of the Hagia Sophia and feed the seagulls with French fries (a practice I’m truly against, which is why we didn’t visit).

During our time in Istanbul, we decided not to visit any of those places because they seemed too touristy, not authentic, and overpriced for what they offered. Additionally, our hotel had a rooftop with good panoramic views.

I heard good things about the Huqqam Lounge Terrace (which seems to have changed its name to VeraLux Lounge) if you want to try it, but we didn’t go there personally.

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Day 2 — Istanbul Itinerary

On this day, we suggest crossing the Galata Bridge and explore the Galata, Karaköy, and Beyoğlu areas.

Eminönü Square

Start your day at the Eminönü Square before crossing the Galata Bridge. This is a lively square with a bustling atmosphere with lots going on. Where you’ll find lots of street food venders selling fish sandwiches (Balık Ekmek), Simit (simiar to a bagel sprinkled with sesame seeds), roasted chestnuts and boiled corn.

Galata Bridge

Once in Eminönü Square, cross the Galata Bridge to the other side. This bridge is quite peculiar because it has restaurants and caffes on it slower level, while on the upper level you’ll see lots of fishermen.

Galata Tower

Once at the other side of the bridge, go to the Galata Tower. You can climb to the top to have great views of the city. You need to buy a ticket to enter the tower—it is included in the museum pass.

At the time of our visit, the Tower was temporarily closed for renovation. So, we went to the Büyük Hendek street, one of the best places to get awesome pictures of the tower.

Turkish Breakfast (Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı)

If you started early in the morning, it would be a great time for a late Turkish Breakfast. A Turkish Breakfast is one of the most fullfilling breakfast I’ve tried, and it’s a must try when in Turkey.

It comes with several spreads: sweet and salty; different types of bread, different types of cheese, eggs, olives, cucumber, tomato, and tea, of course. This is like a full meal.

We went to the place called Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı and I really recommend it. They have several menus, if you want to try less things on the menu and not the whole Turkish breakfast.

San Sebastian Cheesecake

Near the Galata Tower, you’ll find several places selling San Sebastian cheesecake. Although it’s a dessert from northern Spain, it has become very popular here, and many tourists come looking for it.

We tried one slice of cake for the two of us. It was delicious, but quite expensive for just a small piece of cake.

Istiklal Avenue

Then, we walked along İstiklal Avenue, which runs from Galata Tower to Taksim Square. Along the way, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Church of Saint Anthony of Padua

We made a quick stop at the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul. Entrance to the church is free.

Taksim Square

The Taksim square is a lively place with lots of things going on and many places to eat.

You’ll find plenty of kebab spots, with men expertly preparing döner dürüm at the restaurant entrances to catch the attention of tourists. Don’t miss trying the Islak Burger (wet burger)—it might not look appealing, but it’s absolutely delicious. You’ll also find several places selling the famous turkish sweets, including a Hafız Mustafa 1864 store.

You can also see the famous vintage red tram, the huge Taksim Mosque and the Republic Monument that commemorates the founding of the Turkish Republic.

Dolmabaçhe Palace

Spend the rest of the day exploring the Dolmabahçe Palace, located not far from Taksim Square, along the Bosphorus. The palace combines European and Ottoman styles, though I found it quite similar to other European palaces we’ve visited—I was expecting something a bit more unique (I should have visited the Topkapi Palace instead).

The Museum Pass doesn’t cover the Dolmabahçe palace, so you’ll need a separate ticket. Be sure to ask for the audio guide at the entrance, which is included in the ticket price. Alternatively, you may want to visit the Topkapi Palace instead (which is included in the Museum pass).

The entrance and gardens are truly beautiful, as well as the detailed gates and stunning views of the river. We visited in April, and the gardens were filled with flowers blooming.

Inside, the palace is even more luxurious, but as I mentioned, it feels similar to other European palaces. The audio guide is helpful, though after a while, the amount of new information can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the names and historical terms used. You cannot take pictures inside the palace.

Bosphorus Cruise

End your day with a cruise along the Bosphorus at sunset or night. This activity is affordable and even included in the Museum Pass. Many cruises offer dinner options, while some provide breakfast in the morning. It’s an experience I highly recommend to see Istanbul from a unique perspective. I regret not doing it myself.

If you don’t have the Museum Pass, there are several options available on GetYourGuide that you can book with advance.

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Day 3 — Istanbul Itinerary

In this third day, explore the Balat neighborhood, cross the river to the Asian side of Istanbul, and visit the biggest Mosque in Istanbul (and most beautiful, in my opinion).

Breakfast at Balat Borekcisi

One of the things you must try in Istanbul (and Turkey in general) is Börek. Börek is a delicious pastry made from thin layers of crispy and golden dough with different fillings. The most popular include cheese, minced meat, spinach, or potatoes. It’s a very popular option for breakfast.

There are many places in Turkey selling this kind of pastry. Since we were exploring the Balat neighborhood in the morning, we went to Balat Borekcisi. This seems to be a very popular place among locals. Everything was fresh and delicious. We absolutely recommend.

Balat Neighborhood

The Balat Neighborhood has become famous because of its colorful housed painted in different pastel colorful tones. The most famous place to see the colorful houses of Balat is at the Kiremit street. Another popular place are the colorful stairs located right next to the İncir ağacı kahvesi café.

Even though the colorful houses make a beautiful scenario, this area also has many run-down buildings. There’s a lot of construction underway, with many structures being transformed into cafés and restaurants.

Something to be cautions about: it was in this area that we saw one of the most popular scams you usually witness in Istanbul. Basically, a shoe cleaner passes by and “accidentally” drops a brush or another tool in front of you. If you pick it up and return it, they will insist on giving you a “free” shoe cleaning to thank you. However, after the cleaning, they’ll demand payment at an inflated price. They will get angry at you and you’ll feel the pressure to pay. The best way to avoid this is simply to ignore the dropped brush and keep walking as we did, as we were already aware of this scam.

Take the Ferry to the Asian side

Take the ferry to the Asian side. You can use the transportation card you’re using to get around Istanbul on the ferry too. We got the ferry from Eminönü ferry terminal to Uskudar.

Uskudar Coast Walkway

Once in Uskudar, you can go for a stroll along the Uskudar Coast Walkway and appreciate the views of the Maiden’s Tower.

This historic tower, located on a small islet in the Bosphorus, has served various roles over the centuries, from a lighthouse to a watchtower. Now, it’s simply a tourist attraction. It’s also possible to visit the tower, but you need to buy tickets on a different place. On Google Maps, search for “Maiden’s Tower ticket office” if you’re interested in visiting the tower.

Çamlıca Mosque

After a short stroll at the walkway, we got on a bus to the Çamlıca Mosque. We simply put the place on Google Maps and followed the directions to get there using public transportation. It took 30 to 40 minutes to get there.

Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. From the outside, its architecture is similar to other mosques in the city. However, when you step inside, you feel its grandeur. The interior is mostly white, with colorful stained glass windows. The decorations are simple, unlike the more detailed designs in other mosques in Istanbul, but this simplicity is what makes it so beautiful.

The place is absolutely stunning, and you can climb the stairs to different floors for views from various angles. The outdoor courtyard is just as vast and beautiful.

From the upper entrance patio, you can enjoy great views of the Bosphorus and the European side of the city. I was surprised to see so few tourists there, given how magnificent this place is. Perhaps it’s because it’s a bit far from the old city or not widely mentioned in most travel guides.

Gülhane Park

We ended the day watching the sunset at Gülhane Park, which was close to our accommodation. We visited in early April, and the gardens were filled with blooming tulips. If you still have time, or if you decide to skip Çamlıca Mosque, you can visit Topkapi Palace, which is right next to Gülhane Park.

What and Where to Eat in Istanbul

Turkey is famous for its delicious food, and Istanbul is the perfect place to try some of the best dishes. Many of these are easy to find throughout the city. We’ll share some of our favorite dishes and the places we enjoyed the most. While we had some fantastic meals, a few spots left us feeling overcharged and disappointed.

• Pide: Turkish flatbread topped with cheese, meat, or vegetables, often called “Turkish pizza.” It’s great for a snack. You’ll easily find this in every corner.

• Gözleme: a thin, savory flatbread filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat, then folded and grilled. Like the pide, this is a great option for a snack or light lunch.

• Börek: a pastry made with thin layers of dough, filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. It’s great as a breakfast. We recommend the place we tried. It’s called Balat Borekcisi.

• Adana Kebab: spicy minced meat skewer, grilled and served with rice or flatbread. Also easily available throughout Turkey. We had this dish many times during our Turkey road trip.

• Döner Kebab: seasoned meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically served in a sandwich (pita bread), wrap (Dürüm), or with rice.

• Dürüm: wrap filled with kebab meat, vegetables, and sauces, rolled in flatbread.

• Wet Burger: a soft burger soaked in tomato-garlic sauce, popular as street food. You’ll find these at the Taksim Square.

• Turkish Pastries: sweet treats like baklava, made with flaky dough, nuts, and syrup, and also the delicious Kunefe. Good places are Safa and Hafız Mustafa 1864 stores. There are several stores scattered throughout the city.

• Turkish Breakfast: a spread of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, eggs, and tea. This is a must try in Istanbul. We went to the Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı and super recommend it.

A place that was super recommended and we like a lot was the Dürümzade restaurant/street food place. The restaurant gained international fame after it was featured by Anthony Bourdain in his show No Reservations. We had mix kebab and everything was delicious. We absolutely recommend this place, even though, in my opinion, the prices were extremely expensive taking into account the amount of food we were served.

Where to Go After Istanbul?

Some of the most popular spots to visit in Turkey, besides Istanbul, are definitely Cappadocia and Pamukkale. And if you’re planning a trip to Turkey, those should definitely be on your itinerary.

• Go to Cappadocia from Istanbul: you can get a domestic flight or an overnight bus.
• Go to Pamukkale from Istanbul: the easiest option is fly to Denizli, then mini bus/car to Pamukkale.

There are many other interesting places in Turkey. For more ideas on how to plan a trip to Turkey, you can check our two-week itinerary.

Wrapping Up

We hope you’ve found our Istanbul travel guide and three-day itinerary helpful in planning your visit to the city.

Our time in Istanbul was part of a two-week Turkey itinerary. You can check out other detailed guides about Turkey below:

• Where to Stay in Istanbul For First-Timers (Neighborhoods and Hotel Suggestions)
• Turkey Two-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
• Visiting Pamukkale: Is it Worth it? (What to Expect)
• Cappadocia Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary and 15 Best Things to Do
• >>All our Turkey Travel Guides<<

Watch the following quick video with a summary of the road trip itinerary.

Finally, you can use our links to book your accommodation, and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.

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