Things To See In Istanbul In 3 Days

Istanbul is a city that is full of charm and mystery, a city that is famously known as the bridge between East and West, as it has been the capital of two empires – the Ottoman and the Byzantine. With its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning architecture, Istanbul has something to offer to everyone, no matter what type of traveler you are. This blog post aims to be a helpful city guide for tourists visiting Istanbul for the first time, and it contains all the best tips of what to do and to see in Istanbul in three days.

Day 1: Explore the Historic Centre

The first day in Istanbul should definitely be devoted to exploring the city’s historic centre, which is home to some of the city’s most famous sights. Start off your day by visiting the iconic Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous monuments of Istanbul, which was originally built as a Byzantine church, converted into an imperial mosque in the 15th century and then turned into a museum in 1935. The interior of the building is breathtaking, with its intricate mosaics and stunning architecture, and it is definitely worth a visit.

Afterwards, head to the Blue Mosque, which is located right next to the Hagia Sophia. This beautiful mosque is one of the most important mosques in Istanbul and was built in the 17th century. It is famous for its stunning blue-and-white Iznik tiles, which are displayed on the interior walls, giving the mosque its name.

Then, make your way to the Topkapi Palace, a former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans that is now a museum, and one of the most visited attractions in the city. The palace is composed of four different courtyards and the Harem, and it contains numerous historical artefacts, including precious jewellery, fine porcelain and even the holy relics of the prophet Muhammad.

Finally, take a stroll along the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. There are many historic sights and monuments along the Bosphorus, such as the Rumeli Fortress and the Ortaköy Mosque, and you can also take a ferry ride to the other side of the city.

Day 2: Explore the Istanbul Modern Arts Scene

The second day should be devoted to exploring the city’s modern arts scene. Start off your day by visiting the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the Beyoğlu district. It is the first museum in Turkey devoted to modern and contemporary art, with a large collection of artworks from prominent Turkish artists. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events, so make sure to check the programme before visiting.

Then, make your way to the Istanbul Biennial, which is an international art exhibition that takes place every two years in the city. The exhibition is held in different venues across the city, and it showcases the work of international and local artists.

Afterwards, visit the Pera Museum, which is located in the Beyoğlu district. It is one of the most important art museums in the city, with a large collection of artworks from both Western and Eastern origins, as well as a special collection of Orientalist paintings from the 19th century.

Finally, take a walk along Istiklal Avenue, the most famous street in Istanbul. It is a lively avenue filled with shops, restaurants and cafes, and it is the perfect place to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Visit the Princes’ Islands

The third and final day should be devoted to visiting the Princes’ Islands, which are a group of nine small islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Istanbul. The islands are a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and they are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The islands are known for their tranquil atmosphere, with no motor vehicles allowed and plenty of green spaces, as well as stunning views of the city.

You can take a ferry from the Kabataş ferry station to the islands, which takes around one hour. Once on the islands, there are plenty of things to do and to see, such as admiring the stunning views, cycling around the island, swimming in the sea, and visiting the many historic churches and monasteries. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also visit the Buyukada island, which is the largest and most popular of the islands and is known for its numerous historic buildings, including the beautiful Aya Yorgi Monastery.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips that you should keep in mind when visiting Istanbul:

• The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring or autumn months, as the city can be quite hot and humid during the summer months.
• The local currency is the Turkish lira, so make sure to bring some cash with you when you visit.
• The city is very walkable, but it is also easy to get around by public transportation. The Istanbul metro system is efficient and easy to use, and it is a great way to get around the city.
• Istanbul is a very safe city, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
• The city is known for its delicious food, so make sure to try the local cuisine while you are there. Some of the must-try dishes include kabak ciğer (stuffed zucchini with liver), köfte (meatballs) and döner (kebab).
• When visiting mosques, make sure to dress appropriately, as shorts, skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone, and a three-day trip is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s many attractions. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the vibrant modern arts scene, from the tranquil Princes’ Islands to the delicious Turkish cuisine, Istanbul will definitely leave you with a lasting impression. With this helpful city guide for tourists visiting for the first time, you will be able to explore the city in the best possible way, discovering all the best tips on what to do and to see in Istanbul.