3 Day Vacation Itinerary for Istanbul
Day 1: Exploring Historic Istanbul
| Time | Activity | Cost (USD) | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe | $10 | 1 hour | Turkish breakfast is a must-try! |
| 09:30 – 11:30 | Visit the Hagia Sophia | $15 | 2 hours | Early morning to avoid crowds. |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch at a local kebab restaurant | $20 | 1.5 hours | Try the famous Turkish kebabs. |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Explore the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square | Free | 1.5 hours | Dress modestly for the mosque visit. |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Discover the Topkapi Palace and Harem | $20 | 2 hours | Audio guide recommended for insights. |
| 19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner at a seafood restaurant near the Bosphorus | $30 | 1.5 hours | Enjoy fresh seafood with a view. |
| 21:00 – 22:30 | Stroll along the Galata Bridge | Free | 1.5 hours | Great view of the city at night. |
| Total Cost | $95 | 10 hours | A budget-friendly day filled with history. |
Day 2: Exploring the Bosphorus and Asian Side
| Time | Activity | Cost (USD) | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast at a local cafe | $10 | 1 hour | Start your day with Turkish tea and simit. |
| 09:30 – 11:30 | Bosphorus Cruise | $25 | 2 hours | Don’t forget your camera for great views. |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch in Ortakoy with a view of the Bosphorus | $20 | 1.5 hours | Try a “kumpir” (stuffed baked potato). |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | Visit the Dolmabahce Palace | $15 | 2 hours | English tours are available. |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Explore the trendy Kadikoy district (Asian Side) | Free | 1.5 hours | Shop at local markets and try street food. |
| 19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner at a meyhane (traditional Turkish tavern) | $35 | 1.5 hours | Try “raki” and meze dishes. |
| 21:00 – 22:00 | Evening stroll along the Bosphorus | Free | 1 hour | A peaceful end to the day. |
| Total Cost | $105 | 10 hours | Experience the charm of the Bosphorus. |
Day 3: Cultural Experiences and Grand Bazaar
| Time | Activity | Cost (USD) | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast at a local bakery | $8 | 1 hour | Grab some “simit” (sesame bread rings). |
| 09:30 – 11:30 | Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Museum) | $10 | 2 hours | Marvel at stunning Byzantine mosaics. |
| 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch at the Fener-Balat district | $15 | 1.5 hours | Explore the colorful streets afterward. |
| 14:00 – 16:00 | Discover the Grand Bazaar | Free | 2 hours | Bargain for souvenirs and local crafts. |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Explore the Spice Bazaar | Free | 1.5 hours | Sample Turkish delight and spices. |
| 19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Sultanahmet | $40 | 1.5 hours | Enjoy a scenic dinner with city views. |
| 21:00 – 22:00 | Evening at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum | $10 | 1 hour | A modern contrast to historical sites. |
| Total Cost | $83 | 10 hours | Immerse in culture and shopping. |
Note
- The prices in the chart are not fixed and subject to change
- The plan is suggested, You can make any change in the plan to suit your trip