Istanbul itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The old city
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Golden Horn.
- 1
Morning
Sultanahmet
The heart of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque face each other across a garden square, with Topkapı Palace and Gülhane Park just behind.
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Topkapı Palace
Mosques close to visitors during prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees; women also need a headscarf, usually lent at the door.
Walk up Divanyolu along the tram line, about 15 min.
- 2
Midday
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest covered markets in the world, a maze of vaulted streets selling carpets, lamps, jewellery and leather, with old caravan inns hidden around its edges.
- Grand Bazaar
- Büyük Valide Han
- Çemberlitaş
Bargaining is expected. Look around first, decide what something is worth to you, and walk away politely if the price doesn't move.
Walk downhill through the market lanes, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Spice Bazaar & Galata Bridge
Down by the water at Eminönü: the Spice Bazaar, the busy ferry piers and the Galata Bridge, lined with anglers, with the whole old skyline behind you.
- Spice Bazaar
- New Mosque
- Galata Bridge
Day 2: Bosphorus & Beyoğlu
A ferry up the strait, the climb to the Galata Tower, and Istiklal Avenue after dark.
- 1
Morning
Along the Bosphorus
The strait between Europe and Asia, lined with wooden mansions, palaces and fortresses. Ride a public ferry up the shore, then walk the waterfront below Rumeli Fortress.
- Rumeli Fortress
- Waterfront mansions
- Bosphorus ferry
The public ferries cost a fraction of the tour boats and show you the same shoreline.
Bus or taxi back along the shore to Karaköy, about 40 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Karaköy & Galata
From the port of Karaköy, steep lanes and stairways climb to the medieval Galata Tower, past design shops, galleries and some of the city's best coffee.
- Karaköy
- Kamondo Stairs
- Galata Tower
Karaköy to the Galata Tower
Video by my delicious trips on YouTube
Walk up past the Galata Tower, about 15 min.
- 3
Night
Istiklal Avenue & Taksim
A long pedestrian avenue of 19th-century facades, churches, arcades and the little red tram, packed with people every evening from Taksim Square down towards Galata.
- Taksim Square
- Istiklal Avenue
- Red tram
- Galip Dede Street
Day 3: The Asian side
A ferry to Asia, Kadıköy's market, sunset in Moda and the mosques lit up at night.
- 1
Midday
Kadıköy
The Asian side's busy centre: a food market of fish, pickles, cheese and sweets, side streets of cafés and bookshops, and very few tour groups.
- Kadıköy market
- Moda Avenue
- Kadıköy Square
The ferry over from Eminönü or Karaköy is part of the trip: about 20 minutes on the water with views back over the old city.
Walk south to Moda, about 15 min.
- 2
Sunset
Moda seafront
A quiet neighbourhood on a point above the sea, with a long coastal path. At sunset people gather on the rocks and lawns to watch the sun go down behind the old city.
- Moda Pier
- Moda coast path
Ferry from Kadıköy to Eminönü, about 20 min, then the T1 tram up to Sultanahmet.
- 3
Night
Sultanahmet at night
Back across the water, the great mosques are lit up and the square between them is calm and cool after the day crowds have gone.
- Blue Mosque lit up
- Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet at Night
Video by 4K TRIPS on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Istanbul plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Istanbul
How many days?
Three days covers the old city, the Bosphorus and Beyoğlu, and the Asian side. Add a slower local day and the colourful lanes of Balat and Fener for five.
Where to stay
Sultanahmet puts the monuments on your doorstep; Karaköy and Galata are livelier at night and close to the ferries. Compare areas →
Getting around
Get an Istanbulkart at any station machine. The same card works on the T1 tram, the metro, buses and the public ferries between Europe and Asia.
Istanbul spreads over two continents, but a first visit falls neatly into three parts. The old city around Sultanahmet holds the great mosques, palaces and bazaars. Across the Golden Horn, Galata and Beyoğlu are the 19th-century city of steep lanes and long avenues. And a short ferry ride away, Kadıköy on the Asian side is where much of the city actually lives.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the bazaars, the waterfront and the evening crowds before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Istanbul itinerary: common questions
Is 3 days enough for Istanbul?
For a first visit, yes. Three days covers the old city, the Bosphorus and Beyoğlu, and a day on the Asian side. With five days you can slow down in local neighbourhoods and spend a day in Balat and Fener on the Golden Horn.
Which side of Istanbul should I visit first?
Start with the old city around Sultanahmet, where the main monuments are. Then cross the Golden Horn to Galata and Beyoğlu, and save the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side for a day when you want to slow down.
What should I wear to visit mosques in Istanbul?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes at the entrance. Women should cover their hair; scarves are usually available at the door. Avoid visiting during prayer times.
How do I get between Europe and Asia in Istanbul?
The easiest way is the public ferry, for example from Eminönü or Karaköy to Kadıköy, which takes about 20 minutes. The Marmaray rail tunnel under the Bosphorus is quicker but you miss the view.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Istanbul
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Istanbul self-guided walking tour
Sultanahmet to Taksim: about 5.6 km, 9 stops, with the whole route on video.
Walk the route →Keep exploring Istanbul
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Istanbul city guide →