Istanbul is often referred to as the place where East meets West. As you can imagine, it is a rich melting pot of cultures of where these two streams mix together. You could spend days here and not get bored, but it also makes for the perfect short-stay destination. Incidentally, it is also one of the cheapest round-trip tickets available from the USA over to Europe. My ultimate guide to 72 hours in Istanbul covers everything you need to know about this city which I just adore. I hope that you enjoy.
72 Hours in Istanbul | Your Ultimate Guide
Getting There
Getting to Istanbul is easy. The city is a major international hub and has excellent connections by air, road and even sea. Obviously, the quickest (and arguably best) way to arrive is by plane. Istanbul Airport (IST) has excellent links as it is the base of Turkish Airlines, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) serves more domestic flights and shorter travel. IST in particular is an excellent airport and the city is a perfect place for a long layover. Regular shuttles run from the airport to the city centre.
If you are travelling from Europe, you can also take the Balkan Express which comes in from Sofia and Bucharest. Equally, ferries and cruise ships regularly cross from Greece and Italy.
Where to stay
In Istanbul you can find a whole range of accommodation that suits every and any traveller. You have hotels that are highly luxurious where you can see key landmarks, as well as more basic packages.
As you’d expect from such a diverse city, you’ll get a different experience based upon where you stay. You have Sultanahmet which is home to major destinations like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Or, if you want somewhere a bit more lively, try Beyoğlu and Takism. Lastly, for hostels and more budget boutiques, try out Galata and Kadiköy.
Istanbul offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels with Bosphorus views to budget-friendly stays in the heart of the city. For a historic and cultural experience, stay in Sultanahmet, where you’ll be steps from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar—top choices include Four Seasons Sultanahmet or Hotel Amira. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with great dining and nightlife, Beyoğlu and Taksim are ideal, with options like Pera Palace Hotel and The Marmara Taksim. For a more upscale experience, Beşiktaş and Ortaköy offer stylish waterfront hotels, such as Çırağan Palace Kempinski. Budget travellers will find plenty of hostels and boutique hotels in areas like Galata and Kadıköy, perfect for exploring both the European and Asian sides of the city.
Here are a few options that you can choose from based upon my stays in Istanbul:
| Accommodation Type | Hotel Name |
| Budget Traveller | Santa Sophia Hotel |
| Luxury | Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul |
| Best of Both Worlds | Levni Plus Hotel |
Getting Around
Getting around Istanbul is easy thanks to its efficient public transport network, but traffic can be challenging, so using trams, metro, and ferries is often the best choice. The Istanbulkart, a rechargeable transport card, works on buses, trams, metro lines, ferries, and funiculars, making it a convenient option. The T1 tram line is great for tourists, connecting Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu. Ferries offer a scenic and quick way to travel between the European and Asian sides, while the Marmaray metro runs under the Bosphorus. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi are available but can be affected by heavy traffic. Walking is a great way to explore historic neighborhoods, though some areas, like Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet, have steep hills.
Day 1: The Historic Heart of Istanbul
Morning – Sultanahmet’s Iconic Landmarks
After a delicious Turkish breakfast, hop aboard the tram towards Sultanahment, the home of the historic and gorgeous Old Town. I would suggest starting your journey at Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece with a diverse history. Nowadays it acts as a museum and exploring the rich history here is a must-do whilst in Istanbul. Your next stop is the Blue Mosque. This iconic landmark was built in the early 17th century and has a striking blue-tiled interior. To get here, you’ll pass through the Hippodrome, once the centre of Byzantine life.
Tip: Remember that the Mosque is operational and closes five times a day for prayer. If you can, avoid Fridays as there is only one visiting slot available and try to arrive mid-morning. Men and women should adhere to the dress code and cover up – headscarves for ladies, covered shoulders and neither men nor women should wear shorts.
Afternoon – Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern
After a delicious lunch picked up en-route, walk to the Topkapi Palace. This was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and, as such, has an incredible amount of treasure and beautifully-decorated chambers. Incidentally, the palace also has one of the best views of the Bosphorus that you’ll see during your 72 hours in Istanbul. Once you’ve explored, head down into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an underground wonder with rows of ancient columns.
Tip: If you find the palace interesting, it’s worth the extra entrance fee to tour the harem where the sultan housed his wives, female slaves, eunuchs (the guards), concubines and female relatives.
Evening: Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus
To end your first day in Istanbul, I think the best way to look forward to the rest of your 72 hours is a scenic Bosphorus cruise. You’ll get to watch the sun set over Istanbul’s diverse skyline and sip Turkish tea as you do so. You’ll also get to sail by the iconic Bosphorus Bridge!
Day 2: Bazaar Wanderings and Local Flavours
Morning: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
When I think of Istanbul, I naturally think of the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the oldest covered markets in the world and features a maze of shops offering everything you can imagine. Think the Souks of Dubai, just bigger and grander! Whilst you’re here, check out the nearby Spice Bazaar for a real sensory overload of colourful and rich-smelling spices, teas and, of course, Turkish delights.
Nearby, I would also recommend a visit to the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque. This is an architectural gem of the Ottoman Empire and features incredible courtyards along with panoramic views of the city. If you fancy it, head to the Galata Bridge to see the fisherman catch fresh fish which can then be served in sandwiches at nearby stalls. Trust me – they are delicious.
Afternoon: Colourful Balat
In the afternoon, you need to check out Balat. This is a colourful, historic neighbourhood, known for bright houses and cobblestone streets. You have striking landmarks here, such as St. Stephen’s (Iron) Church, and you have cosy, quaint cafés and shops to go with it. I think that this is one of the best places to immerse yourself in authentic Istanbul culture and makes for an excellent place for people watching and photography!
Evening: Dining in Karaköy
For your second evening, I’d check out the neighbourhood of Karaköy. You’ll find cool cafés and restaurants here, along with modern twists on Turkish cuisine and mezes.
Day 3: Cultural Discoveries and Hidden Gems
Morning: Galata Tower and Istiklal Street
To kick off your third day, climb up the Galata Tower. This impressive stone structure offers panoramic views of Istanbul, making it an ideal opportunity for photographs. After you have climbed to the top, head to Istiklal Street and stroll through the different shops and art galleries.
Nearby are two landmarks which I think are worth seeing. Firstly, the Rainbow Steps in Cihangir are truly a hidden gem. I love the story behind them which you can read about in my Blog Post. Next is the St. Anthony of Padua Church, which is just really pretty and worth exploring.
Tip: If you’re staying around Sultanahmet I would recommend crossing the Galata bridge by foot as the bridge offers great views and photo opportunities. If you don’t fancy the walk, take the tram in the direction of Kabataş.
Afternoon: Istanbul New and Old
For your final afternoon, you have two options. If you love a bit of art, then check out the Istanbul Modern for their collection of Turkish pieces. Alternatively, you could also go to the Dolmabahçe Palace for gorgeous interiors and gardens. Then, after your exploring, head to a neighbourhood of choice (I would suggest Ortaköy) and enjoy a famous kumpir as a well-earned snack.
Evening: Traditional Turkish Hammam
Without a doubt, one thing you need to do in Istanbul is enjoy a traditional Turkish hammam (boathouse). You can relax in a rejuvenating steam bath, followed by a massage, as a perfect way to end your adventure.
Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offers great weather for exploring.
Getting Around: Istanbul’s public transport system, including trams, ferries, and metros, is easy, efficient and affordable.
Final Thoughts | 72 Hours in Istanbul
72 hours in Istanbul gives you just enough time to really get to know this incredible city. There is just so much history and culture here that 3 days won’t actually seem enough time, and you’ll soon be booking your next trip here. I hope that you have found my ultimate guide useful and, if you have any questions, just let me know. I always love hearing from you.
