A 3-day weekend in Istanbul: The only itinerary you need

From immersing yourself in ancient Sufi traditions to sampling flavorful Turkish delights, a weekend in Istanbul will surely be full of adventure for any traveler. Whether you want to learn about the fascinating history of Turkey’s capital at the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque or shop for Turkish souvenirs at the famous Grand Bazaar, you’ll have plenty of things to see and do in Istanbul. So, discover this vibrant city that marks the meeting point between continents with the help of this ultimate Istanbul weekend itinerary.

Know before you go to Istanbul

Why you should go: The capital city where Europe meets Asia is full of culture, history, and vibrancy, including epic Turkish food, grand traditional markets, and fascinating historical attractions like the Hagia Sophia.
How long to stay: You’ll need at least three days to fully enjoy Istanbul and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Best way to get around: Istanbul is a very walkable city, and you can explore most of the significant sights on foot. The metro is an easy way to get from place to place. The city is also well-linked by bus, tram, and ferry. An IstanbulKart is essential for saving money and time on public transportation.
Best time to go: Istanbul is busiest in summer, from the end of June to early September. The shoulder season of April to early June or mid-September to October is an ideal time to visit as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the city isn’t as crowded.
Insider tip: Bargaining is standard practice at many of Istanbul’s markets, including the Grand Bazaar. Don’t hesitate to haggle — but always do so with respect.

Day 1: Get your bearings in Istanbul’s historic center

Morning

Wander the streets of the historic Old Town

Sultanahmet is home to some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. So, getting your bearings by wandering the streets of this historic area is the perfect way to start the first day of your weekend in Istanbul.

Sample some simit, the perfect breakfast treat

Sultanahmet, or Old Town, is always bustling with street vendors selling a variety of delicious Turkish treats. If you’re here in the morning, try some delightful simit. This tasty sesame bread is almost like a bagel and can be served with toppings, making it the perfect way to fuel your first day in Istanbul.

Afternoon

Shop ‘till you drop at The Grand Bazaar

After a morning soaking up Istanbul’s history, it's time to hop on the metro to the Grand Bazaar. As one of the largest covered markets in the world, you can find everything here, from clothes to books to shisha pipes, Turkish lanterns, and more.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday, and entry is free.

Stave off your hunger with a hearty Turkish lunch

The Grand Bazaar has many fantastic cafes and restaurants serving delicious Turkish treats. Browsing and bargaining at the various stalls will undoubtedly work up an appetite, so stop for lunch at one of the many fantastic spots.

Sample a typical döner, for example. It’s a hearty meal featuring freshly grilled meats prepared on a rotating spit with vegetables and sauce, all wrapped in a soft flatbread. Delightful!

Evening

Wind down with a cruise down the Bosphorus

There’s no finer way to end the first day of your Istanbul weekend itinerary than with a cruise along the Bosphorus, one of Turkey’s most significant waterways. Enjoy dinner on board and take in the sights along the river as you witness the sun setting on the horizon. An excellent date idea for couples, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Istanbul.

If you want to experience Turkish culture, some boats cruising the Bosphorus feature a traditional Turkish folk show. With music, dance, and costume performances, you’ll be blown away by belly dancers and live music.

Day 2: Soak up the city’s cultural side

Morning

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast

An authentic Turkish breakfast includes a full spread of traditional specialties, ensuring you’re well-fuelled for a day of exploration. Indulge in delicious olives, cheeses, simit, hazelnut paste, sausages, meats, menemen (scrambled eggs served with tomato), and Turkish chai. Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi offer a fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the epic flavors of a classic Turkish breakfast.

Learn something new at Istanbul’s top-class museums

Istanbul is home to plenty of world-class museums, highlighting everything from archaeology to ancient history, art to toys, and everything in between. Depending on your interests, you can spend the morning and early afternoon exploring one or several of Istanbul’s best museums, such as the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, or the Museum of Innocence.

Afternoon

Hop on a ferry across to Ortaköy

If you’re still hungry after your big breakfast, grab some lunch and make your way across the river to Ortaköy. This trendy, upmarket area of Istanbul has plenty of swanky hotels and five-star restaurants, but you’ll also see some pretty beautiful mosques, such as the neo-baroque Ortaköy Mosque.

Take in the view from the Galata Tower

While on this side of the water, you cannot miss the iconic Galata Tower. An impressive 14th-century tower that still stands proud to this day, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. The tower is open daily from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM, and from the top, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the entire city.

Evening

Sample some local seafood at the port

After a busy afternoon exploring the sights of Ortaköy, head back across the water for a delicious seafood dinner. Istanbul boasts a rich fishing industry with seafood caught directly from the Bosphorus River, so you can expect the freshest quality.

For a truly authentic (and incredibly affordable) taste of Istanbul, sample a delicious Balik Ekmek in the harborside Eminönü neighborhood, known for its street food vendors and bazaars. This hearty fish sandwich is a firm favorite among locals, making it one of the foods you must try in Istanbul.

Experience the magic of the whirling dervishes

Witnessing the incredible whirling dervishes performance at Hoca Pasa Mosque is one of the best things to do in Istanbul at night and a must on your Istanbul weekend itinerary. A cultural gem, this traditional dance originated in the 13th century among certain Sufi groups.

Day 3: Relax during the day before heading out on the town

Morning

Grab breakfast at your hotel or sample street food

Many Istanbul hotels serve a fantastic breakfast buffet with traditional Turkish delights. They take breakfast seriously here, so you can expect something special. Otherwise, you can head out to Kahvaltı Sokağı, known as Breakfast Street, and enjoy a delicious street food breakfast, such as simit or börek (a flaky pastry filled with potatoes, spinach, cheese, or meat).

Explore the wonders of the Basilica Cistern

One of the best places to visit in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern, where you can plunge into the depths of Turkish history. With its marble columns and atmospheric lighting, this underground Cistern offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s Byzantine history, making it an absolute must-visit for history lovers.

Afternoon

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Gülhane Park

Whether you pack a picnic or enjoy a delicious bite at one of the many brilliant cafes around the park, a relaxing lunch in Istanbul’s Gülhane Park is one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon in Istanbul.

Experience true relaxation at a traditional Turkish bath

No long weekend in Istanbul is complete without visiting a traditional Turkish bath. There are plenty dotted around the city, so it won’t take long to stumble upon one of these ancient spas. With public, private, and semi-private options to choose from, find a spa that suits you and embrace true bliss.

Evening

End your weekend in Istanbul on a high with the city’s vibrant nightlife

Let your hair down to end the long weekend in Istanbul. Embark on a pub crawl of the city’s best nightlife spots and sample some traditional Turkish raki, a 500-year-old clear brandy made from fermented grapes flavored with aniseed. Play some drinking games to break the ice and experience the magic of Istanbul’s epic rooftop clubs.

Soak up all the raki with a late-night street food snack

Curb your hangover with a hearty late-night börek or döner kebab from the traditional Istanbul street food vendors. Many stalls stay open late into the evening to cater to hungry partiers heading home from a night out in the city, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap and delicious food to send you off to sleep.

Weekend in Istanbul: FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Istanbul. You can enjoy warm, dry, and pleasant weather without the crowds that flock to the city during the summer months.

Is three days in Istanbul enough?

Three days is plenty of time to see the inner city and its highlights. However, if you want to explore further afield, it’s worth booking a few more days. This way, you can go on day trips to the Princes’ Islands or the hot springs at Termal and spend more time soaking up the city's culture.

How do I get around Istanbul?

Istanbul is a very walkable city, and you can visit many of the city center sights on foot. However, getting an IstanbulKart allows you to use the city’s well-connected public transportation system, including the metro and ferries across the river.

Which part of Istanbul is best to stay in?

Sultanahmet is Istanbul’s historic center, making it an excellent place to stay for those who want to explore the city’s major landmarks. Beyoğlu is another excellent neighborhood in the city to stay in, with easy public transportation connections and plenty of trendy bars and restaurants to enjoy.

What are the best places to go shopping in Istanbul?

The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar are two brilliant places to shop during your long weekend in Istanbul. Otherwise, you can head to the busy Taksim Square for an array of high-street stores and independent businesses.