Türkiye · 3-day itinerary
3 days in Istanbul
Two continents, a thousand domes and the Bosphorus. Here's a 3-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into Istanbul
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in Istanbul
Check in at your stay in Sultanahmet.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. · Beyazıt
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
4,000 shops of carpets, lamps and spices.
Day 2
Layers of history
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. · Sultanahmet · ~$36
Hagia Sophia
Fifteen centuries of empire under one dome.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. · Sultanahmet
Blue Mosque and Hippodrome
Iznik tiles and Roman-era monuments.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Balık ekmek (fish sandwich) at Eminönü
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. · Beyoğlu · ~$43
Galata Tower and Karaköy
Panoramic views, then cafés below.
Day 3
Farewell, Istanbul
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart Istanbul
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Mezes and rakı in Beyoğlu
Where to stay in Istanbul
Shoestring
Kadıköy (Asian side)
Foodie neighbourhood with ferries to the old city.
Hotels in Kadıköy (Asian side)Comfort
Sultanahmet
Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the bazaar.
Hotels in SultanahmetLuxury
Beşiktaş / Bosphorus shore
Palace hotels on the water.
Hotels in Beşiktaş / Bosphorus shore
What to eat in Istanbul
Turkish breakfast
A spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey, kaymak and simit.
Balık ekmek
Grilled mackerel sandwiches from boats at Eminönü.
Baklava
Pistachio-filled pastry in syrup.
Simit
Sesame-crusted bread rings from street carts.
Lahmacun
Thin flatbread with spiced minced meat; roll it up with parsley and lemon.
İskender kebap
Döner over bread with tomato sauce and browned butter.
Where locals send visitors
Çiya Sofrası $$
Anatolian · Kadıköy · Best for lunch
Regional dishes rarely found elsewhere. Take the ferry to the Asian side.
ReviewsKaraköy Güllüoğlu $
Baklava · Karaköy · Best for lunch
Baklava makers since the 19th century.
ReviewsHafız Mustafa 1864 $
Sweets · Sirkeci · Best for lunch
Turkish delight and baklava in a historic sweet shop.
ReviewsEminönü fish boats $
Balık ekmek · Eminönü · Best for lunch
Grilled mackerel sandwiches served from bobbing boats by the Galata Bridge.
ReviewsVan Kahvaltı Evi $$
Breakfast house · Cihangir · Best for breakfast
An eastern Turkish breakfast spread.
ReviewsPandeli $$$
Ottoman · Spice Bazaar · Best for lunch
A tiled dining room above the Spice Bazaar, open since 1901.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Scam: A shoe-shiner "drops" a brush. You hand it back, he shines your shoes as thanks, then demands payment. Just keep walking.
- Scam: Friendly strangers inviting solo travellers to a bar can lead to an enormous bill. Pick your own venues.
- Getting around: Use ride apps or insist on the meter in taxis, and know your route. Overcharging from the airport is common.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Use an Istanbulkart for trams, metro and ferries.
- Mosques close to visitors at prayer times; dress modestly and carry a scarf.
- Ferries are the cheapest Bosphorus cruise.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$83 |
| Comfort | ~$199 |
| Luxury | ~$626 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this Istanbul trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.