The Perfect First-Trip 3 Day Istanbul Itinerary
As a solo female traveler who spent a lot of time planning out the perfect 3 day Istanbul itinerary, I was at first a little overwhelmed by what to do with only 3 days in Istanbul – but I think I’ve cracked the code on the best Istanbul itinerary for first timers!
View of the Blue Mosque from Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
I’ve recently taken my first trip to Istanbul alone after a lot of years of this massive city being on my travel bucket list, and now – I’ve gotten to explore first-hand what makes the city so unique.
From straddling between two continents, its distinct Ottoman architecture, colorful neighborhoods, bustling bazaars, Bosphorus bearing witness to it all – Istanbul really is one of those cities where you’ll never run out of things to do.
All of the locals I came across in Istanbul told me that 3 days in Istanbul was only enough to scratch the surface, but if you play your cards right – you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground with three days in this Middle-Eastern city.
Personally, I found 3 days in Istanbul to be the perfect amount of time for a first visit – as I ticked off all the major tourist boxes, and still had time for low-stress exploring in neighborhoods like Balat and Beylerbeyi on the Asian side.
If you’re looking for how to spend 3 days in Istanbul, look no further. I’m going to break down all of the neighborhoods, mosques, bazaars, and other tourist attractions I visited to help you plan the perfect first trip to Istanbul.
🇹🇷🕌 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary at a Glance 🧿🇹🇷
| Day | Area | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sultanahmet & Old City | Grand Bazaar, Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia |
| Day 2 | Galata, Beyoğlu & Bosphorus | Taksim, Istiklal Street, Cihangir, Galata Tower, Ortaköy, Bosphorus cruise |
| Day 3 | Balat & Eminönü | Colorful Balat streets, coffee shops, Spice Bazaar, optional attractions (this day is flexible depending on your interests: parks, neighborhoods, street food, shopping, etc.) |
After hours of research and now having tested out this Istanbul itinerary for first timers myself, this Istanbul 3-day itinerary is handcrafted by me – based on places I actually visited and my own immediate impressions of the city as someone who had never been there before.
My Istanbul first time visitor itinerary combines the best of both worlds: visiting all of the major tourist attractions in Istanbul, while also leaving time to discover the less touristy neighborhoods.
Is 3 Days in Istanbul Enough?
Yes, I think that three days is more than enough for a memorable first visit to Istanbul – as you’ll get to see all the major highlights like the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and more while still leaving time for more underrated things to do in Istanbul like exploring the colorful houses in Balat or the street-food found in Kadıköy.
It’s true that while three days won’t cover every single attraction that Istanbul has to offer, it’s the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the city. However, this does mean that prioritizing is important to ensure you leave your 3 day trip to Istanbul satisfied!
To save myself a lot of time, I organized each of my 3 days in Istanbul geographically to cover as much ground as possible – grouping main tourist attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar on one day, as they’re all within walking distance of one another.
If you’re really set on seeing additional museums and attractions in Istanbul, like the Topaki Palace or Basilica Cistern, I recommend adding a fourth day to your Istanbul trip. But if you’re like me, and enjoy a mix of the main sights alongside getting a local feel, 3 days in Istanbul is more than sufficient to get the gist of the city.
View of the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Day 1: Explore Sultanahmet and Istanbul's Historic Old City
To start off your first day in Istanbul, I recommend hitting the ground running with the classics found in Sultanahmet Square – as it’s a safe and family-friendly area that’ll help you get your footing for the city. Plus, you’ll get to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia right away!
🇹🇷🕌 Day 1: Istanbul Old City Walking Route
Explore Sultanahmet's most iconic attractions on foot, from its beautiful mosques to the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Start your walking route in the heart of Istanbul's Old City, surrounded by some of the city's most famous landmarks.
Visit one of Istanbul's most recognizable mosques, famous for its impressive architecture and beautiful interior.
Continue to Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's most iconic historic landmarks, just a short walk from the Blue Mosque.
Make your way toward the Grand Bazaar and stop at this beautiful Ottoman mosque, known for its elegant architecture.
Finish your walk at Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar, where you can explore the shops, browse souvenirs, and experience the bustling market atmosphere.
1. Start at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a massive shopping hall in Istanbul where visitors can buy practically anything they want: from jewelry, lamps, ceramics, textiles, spices, tea, and other souvenirs. It’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you don’t buy a thing, as it immerses you in Istanbul’s energy in an instant.
Honestly, the Grand Bazaar was a little overwhelming for me – as it was outrageously crowded and had lots of haggling and pressure from men to buy things. My advice if you decide to go into the Grand Bazaar is to veer to the smaller alleys on the left or right instead of walking down the main strip.
Inside the Grand Bazaar before the crowds in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
2. Admire Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Most people think of the Blue Mosque when they visit Istanbul, but they completely miss out on the Nuruosmaniye Mosque – which is just steps away from the Grand Bazaar.
I was enchanted by how peaceful and spiritual this mosque felt. It was just as beautiful as the Blue Mosque, with none of the long waiting lines or tourist crowds to enter. It’s an easy addition to any Istanbul itinerary as it’s right outside the Grand Bazaar, and only takes a few minutes to pop in and out (unlike the Blue Mosque, which can take some time with the long tourist lines).
Inside the Nuruosmaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
3. Wander Through Sultanahmet Square
A first glance at Istanbul simply isn’t complete without taking a stroll through Sultanahmet Square.
Serving as the neighborhood's historical heart, the views of the Blue Mosque from the center of the square are to die for – with green grass, seagulls, and water fountains setting the perfect scene for the Blue Mosque photoshoot of your dreams.
Plus, it’s the perfect place to start navigating yourself in Istanbul by foot – as several major landmarks are butt-up against one another – such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
4. Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
There’s a reason why the Blue Mosque, otherwise known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is so famous – and that’s because it truly is a sight to be seen from the inside.
In all of my travels, I’ve never been so in awe of a spiritual place from the inside. From the elaborate detailing, sweet silence, and grandiose feel – the Blue Mosque is something you can’t miss on a first trip to Istanbul.
However, please note three important things before visiting the Blue Mosque: the prayer times, what you wear, and where to put your shoes!
The prayer times can be found online daily, and last around 20 minutes. You can’t go in during the prayer times as a tourist, but you can go shortly after – so be sure to plan your visit to the Blue Mosque accordingly.
Secondly, beware that you’ll need to be completely covered to go into the Blue Mosque. I was wearing ¾ length yoga pants, and they still made me cover the rest of my legs. Don’t worry, as they provide free head-covering and long skirts to cover yourself if you come dressed in the wrong gear.
Lastly, you’ll need to take your shoes off before entering the Blue Mosque. They have massive shoe cubbies where you can leave your shoes, but honestly – it was so crowded, that I wasn’t a fan of that. If I could go back in time, I would bring a shoe bag with me to be able to keep my shoes inside my backpack while I walked further into the Blue Mosque.
Inside the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
5. See the Iconic Hagia Sophia
As one of the most important landmarks in all of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia represents over 1,500 years of religious and architectural stories.
Unfortunately, as of October 2026 – the Hagia Sophia is under construction, which is set to last for the next ten years. The born-and-raised Istanbul local working at the front desk of my hotel advised that I didn’t pay to go inside, as it wouldn’t have been worth it.
Luckily, you can still photograph the Hagia Sophia from certain angles on the outside at Sultanahmet Square.
Hagia Sophia under construction in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
6. Explore the Streets Around Hagia Sophia
Surrounding the Hagia Sophia are lots of cute streets lined with Turkish cafés, little stores, and more. Walking around here was fun as it allowed me to escape the bigger crowds in the main square.
Yerebatan Caddesi was particularly cute, with lots of carpet shops, antique stores, and quieter, colorful coffee shops that were worth sitting down in.
Exploring Yerebatan Caddesi in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Optional: Visit the Basilica Cistern
If you want, you can visit the Basilica Cistern at the end of your first day (or save it for your third) – which is ancient underground water reservoir.
It’s one of Istanbul's most popular historical attractions as it encapsulates 6th century Byzantine planning with an immersive museum experience.
You'll need a couple of hours to wait in line and visit Basilica Cistern. Personally, I skipped this one as the price was crazy expensive (₺2,250) – equivalent to around €40 or $45.
My tip for your first day in Istanbul: Don’t try to overdo it on the first day, as it’s all about getting a first taste of the city. Be sure to check the prayer times before you head out, and keep a head covering in your bag to make your life easier for entering the mosques!
Day 2: Discover Galata, Cihangir, and the Bosphorus
Your second day in Istanbul should be your big sight-seeing day: aiming to see iconic spots like the Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, Orkatoy Museum, and the Bosphorus bridge.
🇹🇷🌉 Day 2: Istanbul Beyoğlu & Galata Walking Route
Explore Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cihangir, and Galata before crossing back toward Sirkeci.
Start your walking route at Taksim Square, one of Istanbul's busiest gathering spots and the gateway to Istiklal Street.
Wander along Istanbul's famous pedestrian shopping street, filled with restaurants, shops, cafés, and the historic red tram.
Explore this charming neighborhood known for its local cafés, winding streets, and relaxed atmosphere.
Stop for a meal at Vegan Dükkan Lokanta, a vegan restaurant in the Cihangir neighborhood.
Continue toward Galata Tower, one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks, surrounded by charming streets and beautiful architecture.
Walk across the famous Galata Bridge, taking in views of the Golden Horn, passing ferries, and Istanbul's waterfront.
Finish your walking route in Sirkeci, a convenient neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, shops, and public transportation connections.
1. Start at Taksim Square
Just off of the bustling Istiklal Street, Taksim Square serves as a major political and transportation hub in Istanbul – with lots of embassies, cafés, and hotels within a short walking distance.
Historically, Taksim, which means “distribution” or “division” in Arabic and Turkish, once served as the main point to connect and deliver water across the city. Today, it holds a similar purpose – as different directions will lead you toward different neighborhoods and atmospheres in Istanbul.
Honestly, there isn’t that much to do and see here – but it’s the perfect starting point, as it seamlessly connects to Istiklal Street.
Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
2. Walk Along Istiklal Street and Photograph the Red Tram
Reminiscent of the cable cars in San Francisco and other major shopping streets in European cities like Oxford Street in London, Istiklal street is a dream for photography lovers and shopaholics alike.
It really does feel like a typical European street in a lot of ways, except there are a million stray cats everywhere – so beware when walking!
As it’s almost a mile long (1.4 kilometers), there’s endless stuff to keep you entertained here: from commercial shopping, baklava shops, little boutique stores, and calmer cafés on the side streets.
Plus, you won’t want to miss taking a picture of the historic red tram – which you can catch almost anywhere along the famous street (though, I found taking pictures of the tram down the second half of the street after Taksim Square to be a bit easier).
View Historic Red Cable Car on Istiklal Street in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
3. Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood of Cihangir
Although most people might miss this on a first trip to Istanbul, I really think Cihangir is still worth checking out.
Lined with endless coffee shops and street art, this neighborhood in Istanbul is perfect for a simple and affordable café lunch. It’ll be almost hard to believe that Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are a 10 minute walk away – as it’s notably much quieter here.
I ended up going to Vegan Dükkan Lokanta to try a plant-based version of Turkish Ravilios, and it was amazing. I am still thinking about the mouthwatering combination of yogurt, minced-meat, chickpeas, and tender dumplings as I write this article!
Cihangir is a nice contrast to Sultanahmet as it’s quiet. I visited during the middle of the day on a Saturday, and it was still calm despite being peak weekend hours!
4. Walk Along Büyük Hendek Street Toward Galata Tower
As one of the most colorful and alive parts I explored, I really found Büyük Hendek Street to be one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
Lined with vivacious restaurants and electric-colored buildings, Büyük Hendek Street is hands down the best place to photograph the Galata Tower. While it was busy on a Saturday morning, it was a good kind of crowded – with a palpable feeling of life being lived with all the families and friends enjoying the views of the tower while eating.
If you want, you can go up the Galata Tower – but it costs around €30, or $35 USD, to go up it. I personally wanted views of the city with the Galata Tower in it, so I passed – but I have no doubt the view of the Bosphorus from the top must be beautiful.
View of Galata Tower from Büyük Hendek Street in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
5. Cross the Famous Galata Bridge
After you’ve taken your pictures of the Galata Tower, you can head down to the Galata Bridge itself.
You’ll get gorgeous views of the Golden Horn while also getting to see fishermen in action: as they’re often lined up across the bridge fishing by hand. There’s a vibrant waterfront atmosphere complete with views of the city and endless fish shops to explore beneath the bridge itself.
This really is one of Istanbul's classic experiences as you’ll get a taste of everything: street food, locals commuting on the tram and ferries, and views of the city on the water.
View of Galata Bridge and fish restaurants below in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
6. Explore the Spice Bazaar
If you still have the energy, I recommend ending your second day in Istanbul at the Spice Bazaar (also referred to as the Egyptian Bazaar Istanbul).
However, if it’s already past 5pm – I would do it first thing in the morning on day 3, as I visited the Spice Bazaar twice (once at 11am, and the other at 5pm). It really is much more pleasurable when you can explore it crowd-free first thing in the morning.
I really liked the Spice Bazaar over the Grand Bazaar as it was less stimulating. I was able to more calmly search for spices, teas, baklava, Turkish delights, and other souvenirs like magnets or a sticker for my suitcase.
Inside the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
7. Take a Sunset Bosphorus Cruise: Admire Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge
A lot of travel vlogs and social media will advise you to visit the Ortaköy Mosque at sunrise for the best photos, and while I can see why – it’s also just as pretty during sunset on a Bosphorus Cruise.
To maximize my time, I opted to see both the infamous mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge on a cruise – as they pass right by both and allow you to take photos from angles that would be impossible to find on land.
View of Ortaköy Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
I do think that a Bosphorus cruise is a must-do on a first visit to Istanbul as you’ll get to see a lot without needing to plan or overthink your route. The cruise usually lasts around 2 to 3 hours, with add-on options like a show or dinner on the boat itself.
However, I would note that it really does get cold while you’re out on the water – so be sure to wear warm sweaters, and maybe even bring a blanket with you!
During the cruise, I got to see a wide variety of monuments and landmarks: such as Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and more.
What I’ll remember most was getting to see the clear difference between the Asian and European sides. As we cruised closer to Beylerbeyi, I saw lots of trees and hills that reminded me of my time in Japan.
Having paid around €30 for his tour on the Bosphorus around sunset, with an included stop on the Asian side, I found the cruise to be extremely worth it.
However, I would keep in mind that if you end up traveling during the fall like I did – the cruise won’t perfectly align with sunset hours. This is because the Bosphorus sunset cruise in Istanbul only runs on two different schedules: winter and summer. That means if you travel during shoulder season, the timing isn’t designed to offer you perfectly golden views of the city while still on the water (we watched the sunset on the Asian side, and when we boarded the boat to go back to Galata Bridge – it was close to dark).
View of Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Bonus: See Maiden's Tower from the Water
If you do opt to enjoy a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, you’ll also get the chance to catch Maiden’s Tower from afar. It’s challenging to see it from land due to its precise location, but you’ll get a perfect shot while on the water itself.
Having served as a lighthouse, defense tower, a customs checkpoint, and even a radio signal – Maiden’s Tower has been a lot of things for travelers between Istanbul and elsewhere in the Mediterranean over the years.
However, you don’t have to go out of your way to get to the middle of the Boshorus to see Maiden’s Tower – it’s just a happy bonus if you end up getting to be that up close and personal to it!
View of Maiden’s Tower at night in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
My tip for your second day in Istanbul: Aim to get a good night’s sleep on the first night so that you can make the most of the second full day in the city. I really recommend eating lunch in neighborhoods like Cihangir and enjoying a nice rooftop dinner (something Istanbul is big on) after your Bosphorus cruise to cap off the day! Also, feel free to flip this day 2 istanbul itinerary in reverse – I actually started my way up from the Spice Bazaar up to Taksim square, but choose the direction that makes most sense for you (i.e., where you plan to eat dinner or back towards your hotel).
Day 3: Explore Colorful Balat and Istanbul's Hidden Gems
If you guys have been following me for a while, you would know that my travel style is to have one day in the city where I get my footing, one big sightseeing day, and the last be free to live like a local – and that’s exactly what I reserved my last day in Istanbul for.
This last day is the perfect opportunity to explore lesser-known neighborhoods and revisit areas you missed – such as to more deeply explore the Bazaars or hop on over to the Asian side of Istanbul for the day.
For my last day in Istanbul, I focused on a calmer morning in Balat and exploring the Spice Bazaar a second time.
1. Wander Through the Colorful Streets of Balat
In my opinion, this really is a can’t miss thing to do in Istanbul. The colored houses didn’t wow me as much as they did in Bo-Kaap in South Africa or on Rue Crémieux at home in Paris, but the atmosphere is unmatched.
It’s far less commercial and more relaxed than the other places I discovered in central Istanbul, making it perfect for wandering around and discovering all the colorful corners.
If you look on Google Maps for, “Colored Houses of Balat” – it’ll take you right to the iconic strip of colored houses. But it’s also worth wandering the neighborhood for as long as possible, such as down streets like Vodina Street or Mürselpaşa.
Exploring the colorful streets of Balat Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
2. Stop at Popstel or Paper Roasting Coffee for Views of Balat
I was determined while in Balat to enjoy one of the many rooftop restaurants in Istanbul. While Paris has lots of rooftop bars, it’s nothing compared to the endless options you can find in Istanbul.
I read online that Popstel was a great spot for a coffee, but I ended up stumbling upon Paper Roasting (one of the many coffee shops in Balat) – which offered equally stunning views of the neighborhood from above. It’s a great spot for a quiet escape from the lively neighborhood for a small bite, oat milk latte, and a moment to journal your thoughts.
View of buildings in Balat Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Optional: Visit the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü
If you didn’t already get to it the first day, I really recommend checking out the Spice Bazaar! I bought lots of souvenirs for friends, family, and myself alike while there.
It’s a convenient final day stop too, as you’ll be able to spend any last cash that you have laying around. This is exactly what I did – and I was able to scrounge up a few last keychains for friends by doing so.
Optional: Explore the Basilica Cistern
If you love history and unconventional touristic spots, I would set aside some time to discover Basilica Cistern.
The sign outside the line to enter said to budget around 45 minutes for your visit. People love to explore this underground cistern for its rich history and unique immersive experience. For instance, this old cistern covers a whopping 10,000 square meters – and was able to hold a staggering 80,000 cubic meters of fresh water. On top of all that, it was constructed all the way back in 532 AD!
As I mentioned before, I personally didn’t visit as I’m not big on museums or expensive tickets – but if you love history and quirky places, you won’t want to miss this one in Istanbul.
Optional: Visit Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace is another spot that lovers of places like Prague Castle or Schönbrunn Palace would fall head over heels for.
However, note that this requires several hours to see all that the immense palace has to offer. I really recommend checking current opening days and tickets if you’re set on seeing this from the inside, as I could see tickets selling out during high season.
If you just want to see the entrance, you can follow signs for the palace and go through security – they won’t charge you or ask for a ticket until you try to go in!
There’s a nice green, open park that makes for beautiful pictures just outside the palace if you’re like me and want to do Istanbul on a budget.
View of the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Optional: Take a Ferry to Kadıköy on Istanbul's Asian Side
If there’s a spot on the Asian side to visit on a first trip to Istanbul, it’s Kadıköy.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and open-air street food markets, it’s great for people who enjoy a more “blue collar” and buttoned down environment. You’ll get to enjoy all the smells, tastes, and electric auras found on the European side – but without the crowds.
It’s an easy ferry journey from Eminönü, and you can use your Istanbul transportation card to make the trip both swift and affordable – taking only around 15 minutes and costing a mere ₺65.21 (or around €1 or $1.50) per single trip.
However, note that this would take up the majority of your free day – so plan carefully and make sure it’s really how you want to spend your last day in Istanbul.
Optional: Enjoy Panoramic Views from Çamlıca Hill
This was one of those things to do in Istanbul that was right up my alley, but time didn’t allow me to do it justice at a modest pace.
Çamlıca Hill is a public park, situated at a high point, located on the Asian side of Istanbul in Üsküdar. It offers amazing views of the Bosphorus and of the European side of the city, making it a prime-spot for photography lovers such as myself.
However, this is definitely better suited to visitors dedicating additional time to the Asian side – as it’s knee deep into the Asian side, as opposed to an easy ferry hop-on, hop-off stop like Kadıköy.
My tip for your third day in Istanbul: Be open to be free-spirited this day and go where the wind blows you. Have a rough plan, with one big thing you want to do (a museum, a neighborhood) – and then leave the second-half of the day for some low-key exploring.
🇹🇷🧿 CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT THIRD DAY IN ISTANBUL ✨
📸☕ For Photography & Cafés
Balat + Spice Bazaar
🏛️🕌 For History Lovers
Basilica Cistern + Topkapı Palace
🚶♀️🌈 For Neighborhood Exploration
Balat + Kadıköy, allowing for transportation.
🌅🏞️ For Panoramic Views
Asian side + Çamlıca Hill
View of the New Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Where to Stay in Istanbul for 3 Days
As a solo female traveler, I did a lot of homework prior to my solo trip to Istanbul for the best place to stay in the city without being too expensive or too far from all the main tourist attractions.
Here are the three spots I think are best for solo travelers headed to Istanbul looking to maximize their time, stay safe, and keep things affordable:
Sultanahmet (Best for First-Time Visitors and Historic Landmarks): This is the neighborhood to be in if you want to be a stone's throw away from the most popular touristic spots in Istanbul like the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia. It’s also best for first trips to Istanbul and short stays, as you’ll never have to go far to be entertained.
Sirkeci (Best for Convenient Transportation and Sightseeing): This is personally where I stayed, and the location couldn’t have been more perfect. I was a 5 to 10-minute walk away from the ferry, trams T1 and T5, a 15 to 20 minute walk away from Sultanahmet Square, and a 10 minute walk away from the Spice Bazaar or Galata Bridge. I had everything I needed in walking distance, and lots of restaurants to choose from to easily walk back to the room quickly and safely in the dark at night.
Galata and Karaköy (Best for Cafes, Restaurants, and Atmosphere): This was probably the the most manicured and charming neighborhood I found while in Istanbul.
How to Get Around Istanbul in 3 Days
Much to my surprise, despite its impressive size (Istanbul is around 8 times the size of Paris when it comes to square miles of dense urban space) – getting around Istanbul Istanbul was extremely efficient.
Whenever I wasn’t walking, I hopped on the local transportation to give it a whirl – and I was pleasantly pleased. While it wasn’t easy navigating the machine in English, I found the trams to be clean, efficient, and relatively affordable for being in such a big city.
However, know that you shouldn’t pay for public transportation in Istanbul with Apple Pay – as they’ll be a 50% surcharge! It’s much better to get a little Istanbulkart transportation card, which can also be used to take ferries across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.
Also, note that places such as near Galata Tower have steep hills and uneven cobblestone streets – so wear the right shoes if you plan to mostly explore Istanbul by foot, like I did!
Sunny view of the Galata Tower on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Where to Eat in Istanbul: My Favorite Food Stops
If you guys have been following me on the blog for a while, you would know that I’m vegan – meaning that eating traditional cuisine while traveling can sometimes be a challenge!
Luckily, Turkey is more on the plant-based side than other places in the world I’ve been (sorry, Japan).
In fact, my great-grandparents were Turkish – meaning I grew up eating a lot of Ottoman inspired cuisine in my household. Instantly upon eating in Istanbul, I recognized dishes and flavors that I had spent my whole life tasting – so to say it was comforting and almost like a homecoming is an understatement!
I ate so much incredible food in Istanbul, it’s hard to pick one meal that took the cake – but if you’re wondering where to eat in Istanbul, here were some of my favorite places I ate at while there:
Vegan Dükkan Lokanta: Located in Cihangir, I had the most delectable vegan Turkish raviolis. I actually still can’t stop thinking about it, that’s how good it was. The interior was adorable and very in-line with the bohemian atmosphere in the neighborhood, and was also extremely affordable – costing me only around $10 (even though it easily would’ve been closer to $20 in either New York City or Paris).
Olive Anatolian: Situated on the top floor inside the Yasmak Sultan Hotel, this restaurant was truly exquisite. I chose it for the lit-up views of Istanbul, and its comprehensive vegan menu offering 23 plant-based dishes. I had a robust, red-pepper pomegranate spread, caramelized eggplant rolls, and a hearty mushroom casserole. The only downside to this place is that the portions were far bigger than the waiters told me they would be, and it’s on the more expensive side!
There’s a lot of Turkish food that’s inherently vegan friendly (many of which I ate at typical Turkish cafés during my trip), such as:
🇹🇷🌱 BEST VEGAN TURKISH FOODS TO TRY IN ISTANBUL 🧿
🍃 Dolma & Sarma
One of the best traditional Turkish foods to try as a vegan is dolma, especially grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices. These little bites are delicious and can often be found at Turkish restaurants and local markets. Just make sure you're ordering the olive oil-based version, as some varieties contain meat.
🍆 Turkish Eggplant Spreads
If you love eggplant, you're in luck (as was I)! Turkish cuisine has several delicious eggplant-based dishes and spreads, including patlıcan salatası, a smoky roasted eggplant salad often prepared with olive oil, lemon, and garlic. It's perfect for dipping fresh bread into, but double-check that it doesn't contain yogurt.
🥟 Vegan Turkish Mantı
One of the most memorable foods to try in Istanbul is Turkish mantı, tiny dumplings traditionally served with a creamy yogurt sauce. While the classic version isn't vegan, some vegan restaurants make plant-based versions with delicious fillings and dairy-free sauces. It's definitely worth seeking out, as it was my personal favorite meal in Istanbul!
🥣 Mercimek Çorbası
Turkish lentil soup is a comforting dish made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's especially nice after a long day of walking around Istanbul, and you'll find it on menus throughout the city. Many versions are naturally vegan-friendly, although it's worth checking whether the restaurant uses butter or meat stock.
🥙 Çiğ Köfte
Çiğ köfte is a popular Turkish street food made with bulgur, tomato or pepper paste, herbs, and spices. The meat-free version is often served wrapped in lettuce or flatbread with lemon and pomegranate molasses. It's an affordable option for a quick bite while exploring Istanbul.
🥯 Simit & Turkish Coffee
For a simple breakfast or afternoon snack, try simit, the sesame-covered Turkish bread rings sold at bakeries and street stalls. Pair one with a traditional Turkish coffee, which is typically served black. Simit is often vegan-friendly, but it's always worth checking the ingredients before ordering.
Eating vegan turkish raviolis, or “manti”, in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
Important Tips for Visiting Istanbul for the First Time
There are quite a few things that I wish I had known before visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Luckily, you don’t have to repeat my mistakes – as the overview cards below will reveal my travel tips for Istanbul.
🇹🇷🧿 10 ESSENTIAL ISTANBUL TRAVEL TIPS ✈️🇹🇷
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes for Hills and Cobblestone Streets
Istanbul is particularly hilly with very uneven pavement. This isn't a city to be strutting around in your stiletto high heels!
🕌 Dress Appropriately When Visiting Mosques
Keep a head covering in your backpack, and maybe even a separate small bag for your shoes.
🕰️ Check Mosque Visiting Hours and Prayer Times
Prayer times happen several times a day and vary by the day, so be sure to check before visiting!
💵 Carry Some Turkish Lira for Smaller Purchases
While most places in Istanbul accept a card, there is a surcharge for Apple Pay on public transportation – and store owners in the bazaars will often sell to you at a lower price if you're carrying cash.
🚋 Use Public Transportation for Longer Distances
I found walking in Istanbul to be best to see more on foot, and public transport for longer ventures like going to Balat or the Asian side.
🛍️ Compare Prices Before Buying Souvenirs
Things in the Grand and Spice Bazaars are much more expensive than they would be elsewhere in quieter neighborhoods like Balat or even a local grocery store.
🎟️ Book Popular Attractions Ahead When Appropriate
Things like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and more should all be booked further in advance to save money or avoid long lines.
🚦 Leave Flexibility for Traffic, Crowds, and Transportation
Istanbul is a busy city! Bear in mind that a taxi ride or a public bus trip could take you much longer than you might think (it took me over an hour and a half by bus to get from IST to Sirkeci, the city center of Istanbul).
🌅 Check the Weather Before Scheduling a Sunset Cruise
Istanbul is subject to cloudy, cool skies – so be sure to dress appropriately as the cruise lasts for several hours!
✨ Avoid Trying to Fit Every Famous Attraction Into Three Days
Visiting Istanbul for the first time doesn't mean trying to squeeze everything into a short amount of time, but rather to get a taste for the city. Pick the places that appeal to you the most, and leave time for some freebie fun!
Final Thoughts: Is 3 Days in Istanbul Worth It?
Yes, a a 3-day trip to Istanbul is absolutely worth it!
Although the city is a little on the offbeat side for my liking, I still deeply enjoyed getting to see all of the unique architecture, exploring the high-energy streets, seeing the sunset on a Bosphorus cruise, and eating my way through classic Ottoman cuisine.
I personally loved exploring Balat on the last day, as it really lets me get a local feel for the city away from more touristic places like Istiklal Street or Taksim Square. Galata Tower is also a photographer’s heaven, and remains my favorite monument I saw in all of Istanbul!
If I were to take a future trip to Istanbul, I honestly wouldn’t prioritize anything differently – this order felt very fitting to organize all the things I think someone should see and do on a first trip to Istanbul.
My biggest piece of advice is to use my itinerary as a flexible guide: feel free to swap neighborhoods I explored with ones that could be more appealing to you depending on your personal preferences
Istanbul is such a massive city with something to offer everyone, meaning it’s important to amend your itinerary according to what you think will interest you most – whether that be neighborhood exploring, street food, or shopping!
View of the colored houses in Balat in Istanbul, Turkey; October 2026
🇹🇷🕌 3 Days in Istanbul FAQs 🧿🇹🇷
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Last updated: November 7, 2026