3 days in Istanbul
- Reshmee Choudhury
- Nov 19, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2018
Istanbul - the city where east meets west.
The only city on the globe that straddles between two continents - Europe and Asia, Istanbul is definitely a must visit. The skyline dotted by spires, minarets and domes, Istanbul is the city where Agatha Christie wrote "The Murder on the Orient Express".
Day 1:
The Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD and is the epitome of Byzantine architecture. For 916 years it was used as a church. However, after Istanbul was conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmed the Hagia Sophia was used as a mosque for 482 years until 1935 when Ataturk and his Council of Ministers ordered it to be converted to a museum.
Opening hours:
Summer Schedule- 15 APRİL - 31 OCTOBER Visiting Hours: 09.00 am - 7.00 pm
Hours of Ticket Sale: 6:00 pm
Winter Schedule- 01 NOVEMBER - 15 APRİL Visiting Hours: 09:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hours of Ticket Sale: 4:00pm
Ticket Price: 60 TL
Closed on MONDAYS
The Blue Mosque
Next to the Hagia Sophia is the impressive Blue Mosque. Built by Sultan Ahmet I, it is still in use and is also known as the Sultan Ahmet mosque. The interior is lined with beautiful handmade iznik ceramic tiles.
Opening hours:
9am to one hour before dusk. Since it is an active mosque, it isclosed to non-worshippers for about a half hour during the five daily prayers. It is also closed for two hours during Friday noon prayers.
Please dress appropriately and respectfully when visiting although outer garments and shawls are available at the door and may be given if necessary.
The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul. It is called Basilica cistern because it lies beneath the Stoa Basilica. Venture underground into the Basilica cistern and take a walk around to find the Medusa Pillar Bases.
Opening hours:
9:00 am to 05:30 pm everyday
If you have time and if you plan to visit more than four of the attractions in the Sultanahmet area then it makes sense to buy the Istanbul Museum Pass for 85 TL. Buy it here.
By night: Explore Kadıköy
Kadıköy is a foodies paradise. There are lots of restaurants in the area which serve authentic Turkish food.
Day 2:
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi palace was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. It is now a museum. The interior of the museum has beautiful chandeliers and some fine calligraphy .
Opening hours: Winter Season: From 30th October to 15th April Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene can be visited between 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM; last entrance to the Museum 4:00 PM. Ticket booths close at 4:00 PM Summer Season: From 15th April to 30th October Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene can be visited between 9:00 AM - 6:45 PM; last entrance to the Museum 6:00 PM. Ticket booths close at 6:00 PM
Closed on all Tuesdays.
Museum Ticket: 60 TL
Harem and Halberdiers with Tresses Dormitory Ticket : 35 TL
Hagia Irene Ticket: 30 TL
However, it is covered in the museum pass.
For more information on Topkapi palace go here.
The Grand Bazar
A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a visit to the Grand Bazar. Here you can find beautiful ceramic pottery, stylish lanterns and other items to bring back home. It is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Yes do show your bargaining skills!
The bazar closes at 7 pm.
Spice Bazar
All kinds of spices can be found here along with different flavours of fruit tea. Try the pomegranate tea. Lokum is also available here for cheap which you can bring back as gifts.
The bazar closes at 7 pm.
Walk from the spice bazar across the galata bridge.
Galata tower
It is a stone tower built in the 14th century by the Genoese colony outside of Constantinople. You can go up the tower to get panoramic views of the old city.
Taksim square
Taksim square is the heart of Istanbul and is the happening place. Take a walk around the square and try one of the many eateries here.
Day 3
Emirgan park
We visited when the tulip festival was going on. It was a feast for the eyes. Emirgan park is a very big park in the European side of Istanbul.
Walk around the park and see the tulips in bloom. Try the roasted chestnuts which are sold on carts.
The Dolmabahce Palace
An impressive palace that served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman empire. Find more information here.
Opening times: 9 am to 4 pm
Closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Please note that the Museum Pass cannot be used to enter the Dolmabahce palace.
Tickets are:
Selamlik (official part) 60 TL
Harem 40 TL
Combined Selamlik and Haren 90 TL
In the evening take a ferry across the Bosphorus or visit one of the many eateries in the Beyoğlu area - the European side of Istanbul.
Try the famous lokum in the many flavours available.
And finish your day with a cup of turkish coffee.
Suggested hotel: Double Tree by Hilton at Old City, Istanbul. The hotel is in a very convenient location and within walking distance to most of the historical sites in the Sultanahmet area.
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