3 days in Istanbul: The quick guide
Plan what to do, where to stay and find the best restaurants in Istanbul, the city of dreams and coffee.
3 days in Istanbul will be, simply put, an unforgettable experience. Mystical, busy, energetic, magnetic. Istanbul is a firecracker, a bustling city that never sleeps, where life happens in the streets and smells of food and roast nuts lead you through the alleyways. 3 days in Istanbul will fly by quickly as there is so much to take in, but don’t worry, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan what to do, where to stay and make the most out of this incredible city!
Sunrise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Morning walks to the Gala Tower in Istanbul
The top of the beautiful Galata Tower
Exploring Süleymaniye Mosque in Istnabul
A glimpse of Süleymaniye Mosque through a door
The view of the Blue Mosque behind a tree
Where to sleep in Istanbul
Splash out at Soho House Istanbul
If you want to treat yourself in style this is the right place for you. Modern yet full of character, fancy yet sophisticated and above all just plain cool. Located in the super central and hipster-ish Beyoglu district, Soho House is a members club, focused on the creative industry, housed in a 19th-century palazzo with its hotel next to it. The beauty of the interiors echoes the outstanding service and hospitality.
Take it easy at Basileus Hotel
If you are looking for a great location and a family-friendly solution, Basileus Hotel is for you. Good size rooms, delicious breakfast and tea and cakes available all day to make your stay extra comfy!
If one had but a single glance to give the world one should gaze on Istanbul
ALPHONSE DE LAMARTINE
Where to eat
Neolokal
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Lunch on the move
The best thing you can do in the city of grilled meats is to stop at one of the countless amounts of side stalls and have a doner kebab or skewer, we promise you will not be disappointed! If visiting during the winter months you will find the city dotted with little street stalls selling chestnuts and corn-on-the-cob, which makes for the perfect mid-afternoon snack.
Dinner at Neolokal
At this beautiful restaurant with a view of the city, you can discover Anatolian cuisine reinvented and served in dishes that resembled pieces of art and which taste of the freshest locally sourced produce in Turkey.
Top 5 things to do
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Get a haircut in a small barber shop to relax and experience the unique abilities of Turkish barbers. I would suggest Gold Hair Erkek Kuaforu - İstiklal Mahallesi, Oteller Sok. 11/A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul.
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Buy delicious little pastries at Sirin Fırın in the picturesque Büyük Hendek Cd. Street. It's one of the main streets leading up to the Galata Tower (and since you are there also visit the tower for a panoramic view of the city!)
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Visit the Blue Mosque to immerse yourself in the mystics of the city.
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Watch the sunrise with the fishermen on the Galata Bridge to start the day overlooking the Bosphorus.
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Watch the sunset on the rooftop of Seven Hills hotel, right in between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, to make all your photographic dreams come true.
