Istanbul It is a somewhat confusing city, but beautiful and hypnotic. It is, at the same time, a really big city and it certainly challenges us when it comes to organizing a trip.
So, if you want to know Istanbul but you don't have much time, this article is for you. Today, What to see in Istanbul in 3 days: a complete itinerary for an unforgettable trip.
Istanbul
Istanbul is home to more than 15 million people. Of course, it is worth remembering that although it is a major city, is not the capital of Türkiye. This is Ankara, a city visited by five and a half million people a year.
And yes, although it sounds trite and like a tourist promotion, the truth is that Visiting Istanbul is visiting two continents: Asia and Europe. Therefore, it is neither one thing nor the other and that is its enormous charm, at the same time that it is the challenge that complicates us when organizing a trip to Istanbul in just 3 days.
But we only recommend visiting Istanbul if you have at least three days. If not, don't even think about it. You'll miss out on a lot of things and places, but with three days you'll have time to see the most interesting things. The best time of year to visit Istanbul is the Summer, between June and AugustThe days are long, the temperatures are high… and so are the prices. So, if you can, it might be a good idea to go outside of these months, perhaps from March to May or September and October. The temperatures aren’t the same, but there are fewer people.
¿Where to stay for just three days in Istanbul? You don't have to stay right in the city centre, but you don't want to go too far either. Close enough to have easy access to the city centre. access to the public transport system.
It may be the area of Taksim, Sultanahmet, Beyoglu or Galata. Each area has its own thing, they are famous and popular. What is also important is that if you decide to go in high season you must book your accommodation well in advance.
Day 1 in Istanbul
If you decided to stay at the historic heart of istanbul then you will be in Sultanahmet. The square of the same name is the most historic part of the area and is still used today as a public arena or racing venue.
The square has the Column of Constantine and some ruins, as well as being close to many historical sites in the city. It is also surrounded by many shops, cafes and even food trucks.
La Great Mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, was built in 336 AD and is a truly beautiful historical building. It was also a church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for almost a thousand years and is one of the most important religious buildings in the entire world.
After the Ottomans conquered the former Constantinpla, today Istanbul, The church was converted into a mosque and it was in 1935 that the government turned it into a museum.. In 2020 became a mosque again And that's why, if you are a woman, to enter you must cover your head and take off your shoes (men too).
La Basilica Cistern It is the largest of a series of ancient cisterns beneath the city. This one in particular dates back to the 9.899th century and is spectacular. It is in this same Sultanahmet district and today its XNUMX square meters of columns and bricks can be visited, with soft lighting, sparkling water and elevated walkways to make the journey.
La Blue Mosque cannot be missed on this first day. It is another of the iconic buildings of the city, built in the 17th century with a very blue design. A central dome, six side domes, all covered with blue tiles, marble pillars and stained glass.
El Grand Bazaar It is the last destination of the first day. It is one of the most famous markets in the world and is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It has been operating since the 61th century and has, in its XNUMX alleys, around 4 thousand stores. Beautiful, and a good place to haggle and shop all kinds of things.
Day 2 in Istanbul
El Topkapi Palace It is one of the most beautiful palaces. It was built in the 15th century to be the residence of the Ottoman sultans, a function that it fulfilled for almost four centuries. Many doors, halls, gardens, walls and courtyards today converted into museums, welcome us for a good couple of hours. Next, for history lovers, is the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
It is very close to Topkapi Palace, It was founded in the 19th century and it is one of the most important museums in the world. Its collections are fantastic and cover several civilizations and empires. These two sites will take up a good part of your second day, a day that you can end with something that cannot be missed: a Bosphorus cruise.
The Bosphorus separates Europe from Asia, is a strait that has always connected both continents, and you can take a cruise to enjoy the Istanbul skyline from the water. A cruise generally lasts one to two hours, includes commentary in several languages, and is a relaxing way to end your second day in the city. And there is no shortage of cruises that include a Turkish show on board or serve food and drinks.
Day 3 in Istanbul
The district of Galata has its charms. For example, the Rumeli Fortress Although it is far from the city center, if you use public transportation you can get there quickly and easily. The fortress It was built in 1452 by the Ottoman Empire for the conquest of the city.
It lies on the banks of the Bosphorus and was used to block the passage of enemy ships. It was extremely important back then. Today you can walk along its walls, see the old mosque and enjoy, and photograph, the great views of the strait.
La Galata Tower It is a medieval tower built in 1348 as a viewing point. It offers, of course, Stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city from 67 meters highAnd obviously, the visit ends with a stroll around the Galata neighborhood.
For his part, Galata Bridge cross the Golden hornIt dates back to the 19th century and connects the old city on the peninsula with the Galata district. It is a beautiful bridge: on the lower level there is a market, on the street level it is famous for its fish and seafood restaurants. And on the upper level, the views of the historical side, the modern side, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus itself are great.
Practical information for visiting Istanbul
- To tour the city you can buy the IstanbulKart, transport card, in certain machines that have the sign. They cost 13 TL and do not carry credit so you have to load it. It is used in the metro, ferry, trams and buses.