Where life is greatWhere life is greatWhere life is greatWhere life is great
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle
  • panoramic-cappadocia-banner
3-days-in-istanbul

How to spend 3 epic days in Istanbul

By Marta | Europe | 9 comments | 25 August, 2017 | 3
Share122
Tweet
Pin7.0K
7.1K Shares

Istanbul, one of the biggest cities in the World, with its population of 15 mln people, is also one of the most fascinating places I have visited. It is the only city that lies on two continents, where European spirit meets Islamic culture, and where Asia and Europe are interconnected. This summer, I decided it is the high time to visit this intriguing metropolis. If you are heading to Istanbul anytime soon, look no further – here is my list of best things to do In Istanbul split in 3 exciting days.

Contents

      • 0.0.1 Day 1
  • 1 EMBRACE THE CULTURE & HISTORY
    • 1.1 GALATA BRIDGE & KARAKOY
      • 1.1.1 Day 2
    • 1.2 SHOPPING & SOAKING
      • 1.2.1 Day 3
    • 1.3 BOSPHORUS TRIP
    • 1.4 WHERE TO SLEEP
    • 1.5 WHERE TO EAT
      • 1.5.1 TIPS
  • 2 PIN IT

Day 1

EMBRACE THE CULTURE & HISTORY

3-days-in-istanbul

I am sure it is no surprise to say that Istanbul is full of history. Start your day early and head to Sultanahmet, the old town of Istanbul, and you will be not only able to avoid queues but also take beautiful pictures without crowds.

Sultan Ahmet Camii was high on my list of places to see. You probably know it by the name of Blue Mosque which was given to it for its beautiful blue tiles that fill the interior. But also from the outside, the mosque is a stunning beauty. It is 400 years old, and it is one of only two mosques in Turkey that have six minarets.

3-days-in-istanbul

To visit you need to check the prayers time as the mosque closes for visits at that point. Men should wear long sleeves, while women should cover their shoulders, knees, and hair. Anyway, whatever you wear, most likely you will be given an extra layer of clothing at the entrance.

3-days-in-istanbul

OUTFIT IDEAS:

After that, head to majestic Hagia Sophia. This museum/mosque/church was my favorite architectural piece in Istanbul. It is incredible to think of the amount of history this place went through. Built first as a cathedral in the 6th century in Constantinople, later converted to a mosque during Ottoman period and now serving as a museum. It has survived riot, fire, and an earthquake! Inside you can see Christian mosaics next to monograms of the four caliphs, wall paintings showing different emperors and even Viking’s inscriptions on the gallery balustrade! I highly recommend renting an audio guide to understand the unusual history of this place.

See also
Weekend in Bucharest - Top things to do
3-epic-days-in-istanbul

Just next to Hagia Sophia is Basilica Cistern, the largest of ancient cisterns and the primary water reservoir of Constantinople. The cistern, with its 336 columns, can store 80 000 m3 of water. The main attractions of the cistern are two Medusa column of unknown origins. The cistern was featured in Dan Brown’s Inferno movie, which was the main reason I had to see it πŸ˜‰

topkapi
3-epic-days-in-istanbul-topkapi-palace

One of my personal favorites was Topkapi Palace, which for more than 300 years served as a residence of sultans and his concubines. Β The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings and was home to more than 5000 people (500 of which were Sultan’sΒ lovers ;)). For me, the main attraction was visiting Harem (home to female members of the family) where the real fight for power took place.

GALATA BRIDGE & KARAKOY

fourseasons-istanbul
galata-sunset-istanbul

Time to eat and time to enjoy the city vibe! Head to Four Seasons rooftop bar and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea with a view of Hagia Sophia. Afterwards, it is time to go to Galata bridge to catch that perfect sunset and stare at the boats full of tourists cruising back and forth. Don’t be tempted to eat your dinner on the passage under the bridge; we are heading to so much cooler place: Karakoy! Karakoy is a district full of hip cafes, designer boutiques, and modern restaurants! I had so much fun walking around, eating mussels from the street vendors and dancing in an open-air disco. Also, not far from here is Taksim Square, the 5th Avenue of Istanbul.

karakoy-istanbul

Day 2

SHOPPING & SOAKING

grand-bazaar-istanbul

Day Two is everything a girl needs which is shopping and some spa time, or rather Turkish bath time! Grand Bazaar is situated not far from Sultanahmet Square, so you can easily reach it by walking from the old town. Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and the biggest covered market in the World! It consists of 61 streets and 4000 shops so that you will find something for yourself. Indulge yourself in the pleasure of tasting Turkish delight, baklavas, apple teas and walking around Spice Souk. Also, don’t forget to buy a magic lamp for your house!

See also
Skydive Dubai - OMG, I just jumped out of the plane!
baths-istanbul

After long and, let’s be honest, exhausting shopping/price negotiation marathon, it is time to relax. The best present you can give yourself in Istanbul is to go to Turkish baths! We went to Suleymaniye Hammam, baths from 1557 and it was such a fun experience!

At the entrance, we were given a key to our locker and some funny swimsuits (bikini top and boxers for me and similar boxers for Mateusz ;)). We were then taken to the hammam, where we were chilling in a hot sauna and pouring water on each other. It was quite a strange experience as outside was almost as hot as inside the hammam. But talking about strange experiences, the weirdest was yet to come. From the hammam, we were taken to a room with marble beds where two men were scrubbing our bodies to remove all the dirt. After the body scrub, we were given a gentle soap message plus hair wash! I didn’t know about that, so I kept my braids on, and the poor man had a tough time trying to unbraid πŸ˜‰ But wow! I have never felt so clean in my entire life πŸ˜‰

3-days-in-istanbul

Suleyman Mosque is located just next to Suleymaniye Hammam, and it is so worth visiting! Much less touristy than Blue Mosque, similarly beautiful.

abandonded-rooftop-3-epic-days-in-istanbul

Also, you might encounter an interesting surprise on your way out of Grand Bazaar. Istanbul is full of abandoned rooftops that offer some of the best views of the city. How to find an abandoned rooftop? Easy, just type Buyuk Valide Han in Google Maps. You will know you found the place when you see a man sitting next to the locked gate and shouting “Hello! Rooftop? 2 lira!”. Take the leap; it is so worth the money!

See also
Madrid 2 days: the ultimate itinerary!

Day 3

3-epic-days-in-istanbul-bosphorus

BOSPHORUS TRIP

When visiting the city for the first time, I always like to see it from different angles, especially if possible from the sea level. Reserve one full day for either a trip of Bosphorus or a trip to Princes’ Islands. Opt for a trip that goes to the Asian site and makes a stop for a refreshing swim in the Black Sea. Another option is Princes’ Islands – an oasis of peace. All motorized vehicles are banned here, so if you fancy some relaxing day far from the bustling metropolia, Princes’ Islands are your call.

WHERE TO SLEEP

marta-empresszoehotel-istanbul
empress-zoe-istanbul
empress-zoe-istanbul

I stayed at Hotel Empress Zoe in the middle of Istanbul’s old town. Hotel Empress Zoe consists of a few old Turkish townhouses build around ivy-covered ruins of ancient Turkish Baths. It is the only hotel in the old town of Istanbul that has a garden! It is like a tranquil urban oasis in the middle of the tourist district.

The hotel itself It is old and modern at the same time. I love how they incorporated the traditional details into the design, such as Turkish tapestries, antique furniture, and wall paintings. The hotel has 25 rooms, and each of them has its unique feel. More about Hotel Empress Zoe coming soon :).

hotel-empress-zoe

WHERE TO EAT

cooking-alaturka

For a typical Turkish feast, head straight to Cooking Alaturka. Indulge yourself in the variety of delicious local food and authentic, friendly atmosphere! If you have time, come earlier and take part in a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare typical Turkish dishes!

3-epic-days-in-istanbul

You can’t leave Istanbul without trying a good kebab. Hoca Pasa Sk. is a famous kebab street in Istanbul full of high-quality food. Kebab looks a little bit different in Turkey than in Europe. Basically, it is a grilled lamb meat with fries and pepper put in a flat bread. Delicious and much more healthy than our European version!

Another good spot for foodies is Karakoy. From street food to hip cafes, everybody will find sth for themselves.

Last but not least, a perfect place for hookah is Palatium cafe in Sultanahmet.

OUTFIT IDEAS:

TIPS

Buy Museum Pass for 85 lira. It will save you not only money but also time spent in queues!

Always negotiate the price!

Istanbul is very safe! Don’t worry too much, just go!

PIN IT

3-epic-days-in-istanbul
Share122
Tweet
Pin7.0K
7.1K Shares
europe, middle east, Turkey

Marta

Marta is the author of Where Life is Great - travel blog featuring unique adventures around the globe, travel tips, funny travel stories & one of a kind flight hacking course. She teaches how to live a life full of travels and how to find the sweetest deals for flight tickets.

More posts by Marta

Related Post

  • full moon night routine

    This easy night routine guarantees early morning success

    By Marta | 0 comment

    In the last blog post, I shared with you my morning routine and the benefits of waking up at 5 am. It is important to mention that waking up so early wouldn’t be possible ifRead more

  • Where to stay in Istanbul

    By Marta | 1 comment

    Contents1 Hotels I love: Hotel Empress Zoe in Istanbul2 What is so unique about it?3 Why I love it?4 PIN IT Hotels I love: Hotel Empress Zoe in Istanbul For my adventures, I always tryRead more

  • st pauls cathedral view from the shopping mall 40-most-instagrammable places in London

    London Calling: 100+ Best London Quotes

    By Marta | 0 comment

    If you’re a fan of all things London, then this blog post on London quotes is for you. London is a city that has inspired countless writers, poets, and artists throughout history. From its richRead more

  • Poland in winter - Kasprowy wierch

    Poland In Winter: Your Ultimate Guide

    By Marta | 0 comment

    Poland in winter is a country of beauty and grandeur. From snow-covered mountains to bustling cities, the country is an ideal destination for winter holidaymakers. During the coldest months of the year, Poland is theRead more

  • Surfing in Tenerife

    Surfing in Tenerife: The Ultimate Guide

    By Marta | 0 comment

    Advanced or beginner, you can’t go wrong with surfing in Tenerife: an endless summer climate and consistent swells make it a fantastic destination to ride some waves! Did you know that the Canary Islands areRead more

  • Living in Tenerife: 2023 Expat Guide

    By Marta | 0 comment

    Are you thinking of working remotely from another country? Is Tenerife in your sights? If you’re in need of more convincing or more insight into living in Tenerife, you’ve come to the right place!Tenerife hasRead more

Flight hacker, adventurer, camera addict.
Leave your comfort zone far behind,
I will show you how!

ABOUT ME
World Map Placeholder
World Map

Categories

Adventures Asia Bali Blogging tips Canary Islands Europe Flight hacking Greece Iceland Indian Ocean Indonesia Inspiration Instagram Italy Japan Lifestyle New North America Outfits Poland Skopelos Spain Sri Lanka Tenerife UK Zakynthos

wherelifeisgreat

Marta Ostoja | Travel Blogger
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is definitely a bucket Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is definitely a bucket list experience! 

Each year during the winter months, Hokkaido's Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival brings a dose of colorful magic to this corner of Japan with numerous illuminated ice sculptures. It was definitely my favorite winter festival till today 😍

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapan #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #shikotsuko #icefestival #hokkaido #japan #traveltojapan #sheisnotlost #forbestravelguide
Enjoying Japanese hot springs, one splash at a tim Enjoying Japanese hot springs, one splash at a time πŸ’¦

Hot springs were definitely my favorite part of winter in Japan - I would go 3 times a day to onsen 😍 

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japan #onsen #onsenhotpools #hokkaido #fukushima #winterinjapan #visitjapan #winterwonderland #travelphotography #forbestravelguide
Walking in a winter wonderland πŸ˜β„οΈ Snowsho Walking in a winter wonderland πŸ˜β„οΈ

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter. And to enjoy the famous JAPOW - the iconic great powder of Japan!

Fresh snow in Hokkaido is said to be of the finest quality. So fine, in fact, that skiers and snowboarders all over the world insist on riding JAPOW at least once in their lifetime. Have you tried it already? 

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japow #japowder #japowhokkaido #hokkaido #japan #japantravel #visitjapan #🎌 #travelphotography #winterwonderland
Arigato Japan for all the memories πŸ™πŸ»πŸŽŒ A Arigato Japan for all the memories πŸ™πŸ»πŸŽŒ

As you can see I couldn’t stop smiling during my trip to Japan - I became a true winter fan β„οΈπŸ˜ 

But what’s not to love? 

Scenery is absolutely stunning and the food is delicious (imagine delicious bowl of ramen on a cold day 🍜). There is so much to do such as Ice and Snow Festivals around Hokkaido plus hips of activities such as snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding ⛷️ And my absolute favorite part are Onsens - traditional Japanese hot baths πŸ§–β€β™€οΈ nothing better than a dip In hot springs after a day out in the snow 😍 

#visitjapan #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #japan #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers
3 reasons why you shouldn’t visit Japan in winte 3 reasons why you shouldn’t visit Japan in winter β„οΈπŸŽŒ:

β€’ Food is too good and too comforting - nothing better than a hot bowl of ramen on a cold day 🀀🍣🍜

β€’ Too many things to do - there are ice and snow festivals around the country plus you can go snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, etc! ⛷️

β€’ Onsens are just too relaxing πŸ§–β€β™€οΈ who even like hot bath after a day od skiing πŸ€ͺ?

#visitjapan #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #winterinjapan #japaninwinter #onsen #sushi #sushilovers #visithokkaido #sapporo #icefestivallakeshikotsu #winterwonderland @visitjapan_uk 

First clip by @amslebrun
Sushi. Sleep. Tokyo. Repeat πŸ€ͺπŸ—ΌπŸŽŒπŸ£ #to Sushi. Sleep. Tokyo. Repeat πŸ€ͺπŸ—ΌπŸŽŒπŸ£ 

#tokyo #japan #japantravel #visitjapan #japantrip #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk @visitjapan_uk @visitjapanuk #shinjo #shibuja #⛩️
And with that 2022 season comes to an end… πŸŽ† And with that 2022 season comes to an end… πŸŽ† 2022 was quite eventful so I had to divide it into 2 parts πŸ˜‚ 

Places visited in 2022:
- Miami
- Guatemala
- Poland 
- Barcelona
- Porto
- Ibiza
- Formenterana 
- Georgia
- Mallorca 
- Croatia
- India
- NYC

#recap2022 #recap #newyear2023 #recapvideo #travel #travelgram #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #wearetravelgirls  #travelblogger #forbestravelguide #travelgirl #bestnine #bestin2022 #bestdestinations #guatemala #visitguatemala #croatiatravel #barcelona #ibiza #mallorca #porto #miami #nyc #india #georgia #poland
I saw many beautiful views in 2022 but nothing can I saw many beautiful views in 2022 but nothing can compare to climbing an active volcano and witnessing lava eruptions and sunrise over the opposite super active Volcano πŸŒ‹ #volcandefuego #guatemala #bestviewof2022  #2022inreview #visitguatemala #guate #miguate #travel #bestview
Merry Christmas from Mallorca πŸŽ„πŸŽβ€οΈ Merry Christmas from Mallorca πŸŽ„πŸŽβ€οΈ
And that’s another year around the sun πŸ₯³ Happ And that’s another year around the sun πŸ₯³ Happy birthday (belated lol) to me πŸ₯³πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽŠ All memories from 2022 before turning… πŸŽ‚ years old πŸ€ͺ

#happybirthdaytome #guatemala #miami #mallorca #ibiza #porto #warsaw #nyc #india #barcelona #recap #birthdaygirl #birthdayparty #2022recap #happybirthday #thatsmylife #travelblogger #travelgirl
Don’t miss this Christmas-theme bar in NYC! Se Don’t miss this Christmas-theme bar in NYC! 

Seriously, we need more (any?) Christmas-themed bars in Europe! Am I right? πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»

πŸ“ Papillon, NYC 

#christmasinnewyork #christmasinnyc #happyholidays #merrychristmas #nycrestaurants #nycchristmastime #christmasinnewyorkcity #nycholidays #nycholidayseason #christmasinspo #prettycitynewyork #thisisnewyorkcity #explorenyc #nycgram #travelnyc #unlimitednewyork #newyorkcityfeelings #nycdotgram #nyc_explorers #nywinter #nycwinter #wildnewyork
It’s December 1st πŸ₯³πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ» 🀩 β€’ β€’ It’s December 1st πŸ₯³πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ» 🀩
β€’
β€’
β€’
β€’
#nycchristmas #nycchristmastree #newyorkchristmas #christmasinnyc #christmascity #nycholidays #christmastravel #christmasinspo #prettycitynewyork #explorenyc #nycgram #christmasinnewyork #newyorkcityfeelings #christmasinnewyork #unlimitednewyork
Follow @wherelifeisgreat on Instagram
This is me

Destinations

World Map Placeholder
World Map

Tags

adventure asia bali best things to do in tenerife blogging tips canary islands cheap flights cost of living in tenerife digital nomad dolphin watching in tenerife england europe Fashion flight hacking germany greece greece island hopping greece packing list hamburg Hiking in Tenerife indonesia Italy japan living in tenerife london middle east mykonos Poland Poland in winter romania skiing Skopelos spain sri lanka surfing Tenerife Tenerife Walks Turkey whale watching whale watching in tenerife what to pack for greece what to wear in greece working in tenerife zakopane zakynthos

Categories

  • Adventures
  • Asia
  • Bali
  • Blogging tips
  • Canary Islands
  • Europe
  • Flight hacking
  • Greece
  • Iceland
  • Indian Ocean
  • Indonesia
  • Inspiration
  • Instagram
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Lifestyle
  • New
  • North America
  • Outfits
  • Poland
  • Skopelos
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tenerife
  • UK
  • Zakynthos
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle

Recent Posts

  • chocolate-in-turin
    23 March, 2023
    0

    Chocolate in Turin: Guide for Chocolate Lovers

  • st pauls cathedral view from the shopping mall 40-most-instagrammable places in London
    14 March, 2023
    0

    London Calling: 100+ Best London Quotes

  • zakopane ski
    7 January, 2023
    0

    Zakopane Ski Resorts: Experience the Best Skiing in Poland

wherelifeisgreat

Marta Ostoja | Travel Blogger
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is definitely a bucket Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is definitely a bucket list experience! 

Each year during the winter months, Hokkaido's Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival brings a dose of colorful magic to this corner of Japan with numerous illuminated ice sculptures. It was definitely my favorite winter festival till today 😍

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapan #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #shikotsuko #icefestival #hokkaido #japan #traveltojapan #sheisnotlost #forbestravelguide
Enjoying Japanese hot springs, one splash at a tim Enjoying Japanese hot springs, one splash at a time πŸ’¦

Hot springs were definitely my favorite part of winter in Japan - I would go 3 times a day to onsen 😍 

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japan #onsen #onsenhotpools #hokkaido #fukushima #winterinjapan #visitjapan #winterwonderland #travelphotography #forbestravelguide
Walking in a winter wonderland πŸ˜β„οΈ Snowsho Walking in a winter wonderland πŸ˜β„οΈ

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter. And to enjoy the famous JAPOW - the iconic great powder of Japan!

Fresh snow in Hokkaido is said to be of the finest quality. So fine, in fact, that skiers and snowboarders all over the world insist on riding JAPOW at least once in their lifetime. Have you tried it already? 

@visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japow #japowder #japowhokkaido #hokkaido #japan #japantravel #visitjapan #🎌 #travelphotography #winterwonderland
Arigato Japan for all the memories πŸ™πŸ»πŸŽŒ A Arigato Japan for all the memories πŸ™πŸ»πŸŽŒ

As you can see I couldn’t stop smiling during my trip to Japan - I became a true winter fan β„οΈπŸ˜ 

But what’s not to love? 

Scenery is absolutely stunning and the food is delicious (imagine delicious bowl of ramen on a cold day 🍜). There is so much to do such as Ice and Snow Festivals around Hokkaido plus hips of activities such as snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding ⛷️ And my absolute favorite part are Onsens - traditional Japanese hot baths πŸ§–β€β™€οΈ nothing better than a dip In hot springs after a day out in the snow 😍 

#visitjapan #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk #japan #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers
3 reasons why you shouldn’t visit Japan in winte 3 reasons why you shouldn’t visit Japan in winter β„οΈπŸŽŒ:

β€’ Food is too good and too comforting - nothing better than a hot bowl of ramen on a cold day 🀀🍣🍜

β€’ Too many things to do - there are ice and snow festivals around the country plus you can go snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, etc! ⛷️

β€’ Onsens are just too relaxing πŸ§–β€β™€οΈ who even like hot bath after a day od skiing πŸ€ͺ?

#visitjapan #visitjapanuk #visitjapan_uk #japan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #winterinjapan #japaninwinter #onsen #sushi #sushilovers #visithokkaido #sapporo #icefestivallakeshikotsu #winterwonderland @visitjapan_uk 

First clip by @amslebrun
Sushi. Sleep. Tokyo. Repeat πŸ€ͺπŸ—ΌπŸŽŒπŸ£ #to Sushi. Sleep. Tokyo. Repeat πŸ€ͺπŸ—ΌπŸŽŒπŸ£ 

#tokyo #japan #japantravel #visitjapan #japantrip #visitjapan_uk #visitjapanuk @visitjapan_uk @visitjapanuk #shinjo #shibuja #⛩️
And with that 2022 season comes to an end… πŸŽ† And with that 2022 season comes to an end… πŸŽ† 2022 was quite eventful so I had to divide it into 2 parts πŸ˜‚ 

Places visited in 2022:
- Miami
- Guatemala
- Poland 
- Barcelona
- Porto
- Ibiza
- Formenterana 
- Georgia
- Mallorca 
- Croatia
- India
- NYC

#recap2022 #recap #newyear2023 #recapvideo #travel #travelgram #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #wearetravelgirls  #travelblogger #forbestravelguide #travelgirl #bestnine #bestin2022 #bestdestinations #guatemala #visitguatemala #croatiatravel #barcelona #ibiza #mallorca #porto #miami #nyc #india #georgia #poland
I saw many beautiful views in 2022 but nothing can I saw many beautiful views in 2022 but nothing can compare to climbing an active volcano and witnessing lava eruptions and sunrise over the opposite super active Volcano πŸŒ‹ #volcandefuego #guatemala #bestviewof2022  #2022inreview #visitguatemala #guate #miguate #travel #bestview
Merry Christmas from Mallorca πŸŽ„πŸŽβ€οΈ Merry Christmas from Mallorca πŸŽ„πŸŽβ€οΈ
Copyright 2016 β’Έ Where Life is Great | All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
    • Tips & stories
    • Adventures
  • Destinations
  • Contact Me
  • Presets Bundle
Where life is great