Best Things to do in Istanbul in Three Days – A Complete Guide to Istanbul, Turkey in 3 Days
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Connecting two separate continents, Istanbul is full of so much life, culture, color and history! Leave any possible misconceptions behind you and you’ll be absolutely enchanted by the beauty of Turkey and its people. It’s one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 15 million and growing! You’ll find so much to do visiting Istanbul. We decided to stay longer so that we can take our time with our kids and take in all the sites at our own pace before moving on to the islands! However, if you have limited time, here are some of my recommendations on the best sites to visit to make the most out of your time there!
click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Istanbul Travel Tips
Even though the transport system is quite reliable in Istanbul, we decided to take cabs to get around with our family. I also wouldn’t suggest renting a car when the cab drivers know their way around and you don’t have to worry about getting lost or navigating the busy streets! Don’t forget, a couple bucks go a long way (quite literally) in Turkey! As of this post 1 US dollar would equal about 6TL. You might also want to stay near Old Town (Sultanahmet) as most of the historical attractions are around this area.
You can also, buy a 5 Day Museum Pass Istanbul from an attraction or from hotel concierge for 135 EUR/adult for a 5-day-pass. The 2 day pass is for 95 EUR. Children under 5 do not require passes. (Children 5-12 are about 50% off).
They allow you free access into the following areas:
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace (excluding the Harem)
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
- Istanbul Mosaic Museum
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
- Chora Church or Mosaic Museum
- Galata Mevlevi House Museum
- Yildiz Palace Museum
- Rumeli Hisar Museum
- Fethiye Museum
- Hagia Irene
There are a few essentials that you will need to take with you so that you will ensure yourself a good trip you will make the most out of. Whether it’s your first time or your 5th time, you should consider the following:
Bring a guide book because that will provide maps, itineraries and suggestions to local spots for dining purposes and otherwise. Also, if and when your phone dies or you have a bad internet connection you don’t have to worry.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the city. I would recommend taking with you a good pair of tennis shoes as shown here, so that you can easily coordinate it with different outfits (jeans v. dresses)
Carrying a small dictionary and phrasebook would also be a good idea since Turkish is the official language in Istanbul.
A travel adaptor is a must in Europe to plug into the outlets so you’ll need to purchase yours ahead of time to take with you. This one also includes USB ports to plug into the converter.
Two Days In Istanbul Itinerary
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Day 1
Hagia Sophia Museum
(1 hour suggested duration)
Our first stop was the Hagia Sophia Museum! Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings –inside and out. It was once a church and then a mosque but is now one of the most visited museums in the world.
It’s truly impressive in person with rich displays of architecture and art.
When it was constructed in 537, it served as a Greek Orthodox cathedral until 1453. Within that time it was briefly converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire between the years 1204 and 1261. It was later converted into an imperial mosque when the Ottoman Turks conquered Istanbul in 1453, and served as so until 1931. It was opened as a museum shortly after that in 1935.
Beautifully detailed patterns inside of the domes
• Hagia Sophia was one of my favorite parts of our trip to Istanbul. You can easily get lost staring at the stunning mosaics and images.
• Hagia Sophia remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.
Hours: 9am to 7pm from April 1st to October 31st (last entry is an hour prior to closing) and 9am to 6pm hours from November 1st to March 31st (last entry is an hour prior to closing)
Cost: 72 Turkish Liras without a museum pass (Children under the age of 8 are free)
We Recommend:
Sultan Ahmed Mosque- Blue Mosque
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1 hour suggested duration
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as “The Blue Mosque” is just a 4 minute walk from Haige Sophia. They’re both directly across from each other.
Even though the domes are blue, the mosque isn’t and the name comes from the stunning blue tiles in its stunning interior.
This mosque is what often comes to mind when one things of Istanbul.
The design of the mosque is so beautiful and intricate from every angle.
The Blue Mosque became famous for its six minarets, one large dome and eight smaller domes. It was built to rival the Hagia Sophia.
Visit Istanbul With Kids
You should be aware of a few things before entering:
-No entrance fees to enter
-Prayer Times
-The mosque closes for 90 minutes during each of the 5 prayer times so plan accordingly.
-You will not be granted access into the mosque (they do have security) if you are not wearing the correct attire.
– Ladies must wear a headscarf but if you don’t have one of your own there. are some attendants located a couple of feet away that will let you borrow one. They’ll also give you a skirt if your legs are showing.
– Men shouldn’t wear anything above their knees either.
– Shoes are also to be taken off, they’ll give you a plastic bag to put them in too.
-No flash photography is allowed and they would also ask that you be respectful of those who are praying.
The design of the mosque is so beautiful and intricate from every angle,
Visit Istanbul With Kids
The Topkapi Palace
(1 to 2 hours suggested duration)
The Topkapi Palace is another major sight to see and is only a 3-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.
It was one of the biggest palaces in the world, housing elements from various ages, added by each sultan.
It was built in 1453 during the Ottoman period as a royal palace. It was the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. However, after 1856, the emperor moved to the Dolmabahce Palace (which is also listed below in our guide).
Hours: 9:00am to 6:45pm from April 1st to October 2nd
9:00am to 4:45pm from October 2nd to March 31st
Topkapi Palace Museum may be one of the world’s richest museums but does not cost much to enter.
Cost: 72 Turkish Liras without a museum pass (Children under the age of 8 are free)
To avoid the lines and have a guide you may want to try the Skip the Line Guided Tour to the Topkapi Palace.
You’ll find Islamic art and manuscripts, clothing, weapons, books, jewelery, treasures and so much more.
The whole palace is decorated with incredible mosaic tiles giving us all a glimpse into the lives of the Sultans. The Gardens overlook the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. From its huge balconies you’ll be sure to get some of the best views of Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern
Get underground at the Basilica Cistern!
Just a 6-minute walk from Topkapi Palace,
Basilica Cistern, also known as “Sunken Palace” by the Turkish people is the next place to visit!
It’s hidden beneath the city of Istanbul just as hundreds of other ancient cisterns that stored and supplied water to its inhabitants in the ancient past. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of these and could easily be mistaken for a sacred subterranean temple. It has a dark and eerie feeling to it but it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen.
The columns include the legendary Medusa Heads, under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern. Don’t worry you won’t turn into stone for looking at the heads! They’re oriented sideways for that purpose and attract most of the visitors.
The entrance fee for the Basilica Cistern is 20 TL and it is not covered by the museum pass.
The Grand Bazaar
If you’re a shopping enthusiast like I am, you’ll want to visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world. You can admire the beautiful architecture of the Grand Bazaar.
You’ll find plenty of colorful lanterns, garments, musical instruments, souvenirs, jewelry, crafts, and much, much more. Don’t forget to pick some of their famous traditional sweets and aromatic spices.
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Day 2
Dolmabahce Palace
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Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world and sits on the beautiful Bosphorus.
As you walk through the palace you will see how the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived– in extraordinary luxury.
Downside is they don’t allow you to take pictures inside. But take as many pictures as you like of the gorgeous gardens. They include many fountains, flowerbeds, and the view of the Bosphorus through the gates.
-You need to buy an extra ticket for 40 TL if you would like to visit the Privy Chambers, the Clock Museum, and Glass Pavilion.
-We Would Recommended booking a Skip the Line Ticket with Guided Tour to avoid the crowds.
-Dolmabahce Palace is closed Mondays and Thursdays
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Taxim
Considered to be center of modern Istanbul, you will find the high-end hotels, restaurants and shops here.
Take a ride on the Nostalgic Tram from Taksim to the Tunnel and back.
And specifically through Istiklal street to experience the unique energy of Istanbul and its lively spirit.
Definitely enjoy the Turkish ice cream from one of the many vendors who make serving ice cream an experience with a string of “thing fast” tricks flipping your dessert away as you reach for it from a long serving spoon. And then go ahead and indulge in some of Istanbul’s delectable delights just as we did!
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most striking skyline landmarks.
For unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, head over to the medieval stone tower built-in 1348. The elevator takes you most of the way up.
The entrance fee for Galata Tower is 35 Turkish Liras as of 2020. Admission is free for children 7 and under.
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European & Asian Side of Istanbul is a Must by Boat
Taking a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to see both the European & Asian Side of Istanbul.
Even though the sites mentioned above are located on the European side of Istanbul, taking a trip to the Asian side is considered by many a more authentic side of the city with a strong sense of community. A ferry ride is also a great option. As the boat takes off, you’ll be able to enjoy Istanbul’s vast landscape and architecture as the sea gulls chase the boat. There’s a great selection of restaurants to choose from Kadikoy, the cultural center of the Asian side where you will also find entertaining vendors, bars and markets.
Visit Istanbul With Kids
Day 3
Take a Trip To The Princes' Islands
Once you’re done sightseeing and experiencing Istanbul, you’ll want to spend a day on an Island.
The Princes’ Islands are the ultimate escape from Istanbul’s hustle and bustle. They are pieces of heaven with their impressive villas and lemon trees. You’ll feel like you’re a world away from Istanbul even though you’d only be kilometers away (a ferry may take you about 100 minutes to get there). It’s only a ferry ride away from the 15-million inhabitants of Istanbul. To read more about our trip to the Prince’s Islands click here.
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I haven’t been to Istanbul yet so this list will definitely come in handy – lots of great things you’ve listed!
Thanks Krista, hope you get a chance and that we can all safely travel again soon!
The architecture looks amazing! Thanks for including the info about when they are closed for certain things. Super helpful when planning a visit!
Thank you Tiffany! So glad you found it helpful!
Istanbul has been on my bucketlist for a while, thank you for this comprehensive guide, I’m saving it for when I get to go. Can’t wait to see all these palaces, the architecture is just amazing
It really is! My pleasure glad you found it useful!