Istanbul in 3 Days: the complete itinerary

Your 3-day plan, day by day

• Day 1: Sultanahmet - the holy triangle Start early at Hagia Sophia (free entry, check current opening hours; shoulders and knees covered). Then walk to the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii, free, shoulders and knees covered) at the Hippodrome - early visits avoid the busiest hours. Lunch at a simple local restaurant in the side streets of Sultanahmet: menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) or mercimek corbasi (lentil soup) for 100-150 TL (approx. 3-4 euros). Afternoon: Topkapi Palace (entry 20 euros, Harem extra 20 euros, book in advance at biletix.com). Do not go without a booking as capacity is limited. End of day: Yerebatan Sarnıcı (Basilica Cistern, 20 euros) for the atmospherically lit underground reservoirs with 336 marble columns. Evening meal with a Bosphorus view in Eminonu: a simple fish sandwich (balik ekmek) for 60-80 TL at the harbour.
• Day 2: Bazaars and the Asian side (Kadikoy) Morning: the Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar) opens at 09:00 (Mon-Sat, closed Sunday). More than 4,000 shops in 61 covered streets - one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. No tourist prices - don't accept the first offer. Then the Misir Carsisi (Spice Bazaar) for tea, baklava and Turkish lokum. After lunch: public ferry (vapur) from Eminonu to Kadikoy on the Asian side (approx. 1 euro with Istanbulkart, 20 minutes). Moda neighbourhood: authentic Istanbul cafe culture, local boutiques and vegetable markets without tourists. Try Iskender kebab at a regular Kadikoy restaurant for 250-300 TL (7-8 euros).
• Day 3: Beyoglu, Galata Tower and Bosphorus Morning: Galata Tower (15 euros, queue, book online), open as a 19th-century watchtower with a panorama over the city. Walk along Istiklal Avenue to Taksim Square: the bustling pedestrian street with tram, historic cinemas and street food. Lunch in Karakoy: fish restaurants with fresh fish for 150-200 TL. Afternoon: Bosphorus cruise. Choose the public vapur line (Sehir Hatlari, approx. 2 euros, departing from Eminonu or Besiktas, 1.5 hour return to the Fatih Bridge and back) instead of an expensive tourist boat - the same experience for a fraction of the price. Option for culture lovers: Dolmabahce Palace (30 euros, closed Monday), the impressive 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus waterfront.

Costs: what does a city break in Istanbul cost?

Istanbul is remarkably affordable for Dutch travellers thanks to the Turkish lira. Mid-range hotels cost 70-120 euros per night for a double room; boutique hotels in Beyoglu and Sultanahmet start from 80 euros. Meals at a local restaurant: 200-350 TL (6-10 euros) per person. The Istanbulkart (rechargeable travel card, 2 euros to purchase at a machine) is essential for metro, tram, ferry and bus, and is cheaper than individual tickets.

Transport: how to get to Istanbul?

Pegasus Airlines flies direct from Eindhoven Airport (EIN) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes; tickets can regularly be found from 50 euros one way. Turkish Airlines and SunExpress fly from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Istanbul Airport (IST). In Istanbul cover the city with the Istanbulkart: metro, tram T1 (from Bagcilar to Kabatas, via Sultanahmet and Eminonu), ferry and bus. A ride costs approximately 1 euro. Taxis have a meter but watch out for tourist detours; use the Bitaksi app for reliable fares.

Practical tips for Istanbul

• Get an Istanbulkart first Buy an Istanbulkart at the airport or at a metro machine on arrival (2 euros). Load 100-150 TL for two days of public transport. Without the card you pay more for each journey.
• Remove shoes at mosques At all active mosques, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, shoes must be removed at the entrance. Bring a bag or use the free plastic bags provided on site.
• Best photo spot: Galata Bridge The Galata Bridge at dusk (blue hour, 30-40 min after sunset) with fishermen on both sides, the lit Eminonu district and the domes in the background is the most beautiful city view in Istanbul - and completely free.
• Currency Always get Turkish lira at an ATM from a bank (Garanti, Isbank, Yapi Kredi). Private exchange offices near tourist spots charge poor rates. Most shops do not accept euro notes.