I lived in Istanbul for one month in September 2023 as a digital nomad . I was on a quest to go deeper into exploring this amazing city, but I have to admit that in one month I could only touch the surface. Turkey has a super rich culture, and Istanbul is where you can find a lot about it.
This is a city where East meets West, history meets modernity, and every corner tells a story. This itinerary will help you experience the best of Istanbul—its landmarks, delicious food, and amazing cultural experiences.
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Day 1: The Classics – Sultanahmet & Old City
Morning: Topkapi Palace
Start your day early and head to Topkapi Palace, the home of Ottoman sultans. Don’t miss the Harem (extra ticket but worth it), the Imperial Treasury (say hi to the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond!), and the palace kitchens. It is great for some impressive historical aesthetic inspiration, but also to understand more about Turkey’s history.
To be honest, you could very well spend an entire day here. In that case, make some adjustments to the itinerary. It’s up to you to take it slower or faster!
Afternoon: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
Next, head to Hagia Sophia. The line is long, but don’t be intimidated by it: it goes fast. Appreciate the beautiful architecture while your feet touches the softest carpet (you need to take off your shoes at one point).
Just a short walk away is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), famous for its striking blue İznik tiles. Remember to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and visit outside prayer times. If you are a woman, don’t forget to cover you head – they provide scarfs in any case, but I advise to bring your own.
Next, descend into the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir with Medusa-head columns and moody lighting—perfect for your Instagram dark academia vibes.
Evening: Sunset at the Bosphorus & Dinner
Hop on a Bosphorus cruise (budget-friendly public ferry works too!) for golden-hour views of palaces, bridges, and waterfront mansions.
Day 2: Arts, Bazaars & Hidden Gems
Morning: Grand Bazaar & Spice Market
Get lost (literally) in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. Bargain for lamps, ceramics, and evil-eye souvenirs. Then, follow the spice scent to the Egyptian Spice Market (it’s just a few blocks away, even if you don’t trust your smelling skills)—stock up on saffron, Turkish delights, and çay (tea).
Afternoon: Istanbul Modern & Galata Tower
Art lovers, head to Istanbul Modern for contemporary Turkish art with a Bosphorus view. Then, climb (or take the elevator) up Galata Tower for panoramic city views.
A few other museums you can visit if you’d like:
- Pera Museum: in Beyoğlu, has Ottoman art and photos of Istanbul through the years;
- SALT Galata and SALT Beyoğlu: two contemporary art spaces with great architecture;
- Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam: for the STEM nerds (one of my favorites <3), it exhibits and explains the principles of several classic technologies developed by Islamic countries.
Evening: Sufi Whirling Ceremony & Istiklal Street
Experience a Sufi whirling ceremony at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge—a spiritual dance based in spinning movements to reach a trance.
Later, stroll down Istiklal Street until Asmalımescit.
Day 3: Asian Side & Local Experiences
Morning: Üsküdar & Kadıköy
Take a ferry to Üsküdar for a quieter, more local vibe. Visit the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), then head to Kadıköy for its food scene. If you have the budget, hire a food tour to indulge in Turkish cuisine with a knowledgeable guide!
Alternative: Fatih
Alternatively, visit Fatih for some instagrammable opportunities – it’s such a cute neighborhood! Look for architectural gems, visit the Coloured Houses of Balat, the very impressive Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, and enjoy the cafes and vintage shops.
Afternoon: Street Food & Coffee Culture
If you haven’t yet, go hunting for local street food:
- Lahmacun – Thin “Turkish pizza” topped with minced meat or vegan-friendly spicy veggie mix.
- 🌱 Vegan option (ask for “etsiz” – without meat)
- Gözleme – Hand-rolled flatbread stuffed with spinach, cheese, or potatoes.
- 🥕 Vegetarian (some stalls use butter, so ask for oil if vegan)
- Midye Dolma – Stuffed mussels with spiced rice (sometimes contains seafood broth).
- 🌱 Often vegan (but confirm no animal broth)
- Kumpir – Loaded baked potato with endless toppings (cheese, olives, pickles, veggies).
- 🥕 Vegetarian (can be vegan if you skip dairy)
- Nohutlu Pilav – Chickpea rice, a simple but delicious street food.
- 🌱 Vegan
Then, try Turkish coffee fortune-telling! You can also learn how to make Turkish coffee by taking a workshop.
Alternatively, you can take an afternoon off and try a Hamman or Turkish bath – a relaxing spa experience.
If you still have energy to spare, get hands-on with a traditional lantern-making workshop. Decorate your own Turkish mosaic lamp and learn about this craft—a perfect souvenir!
Unique Cultural Experiences
Depending on the time you have and your preferences, you can try to fit these activities in your itinerary for more immersion in Turkish culture (most of them were mentioned before – but everything is just a bit rushed for only three days, so make the combination that makes sense to your interests):
- Sufi Whirling – Witness the hypnotic Mevlevi ritual.
- Coffee Fortune-Telling – Curious to know what the coffee would say about your future? Let the grounds reveal your fate 🔮
- Lantern-Making – Craft your own Turkish lamp, learn about the craft, and spend time listening to locals’ stories.
- Hammam (Turkish Bath) – Enjoy a sauna and get scrubbed, so you’ll leave Istanbul with your softest skin.
- Traditional Shadow Puppetry (Karagöz & Hacivat) – Catch a show at a cultural center.
Final Tips for Your Istanbul Trip
- Transport: Get an Istanbulkart for cheap metro/ferry rides.
- Bargaining: Expected in bazaars, not in shops.
- Dress Code: Modest near mosques, otherwise casual – it is a big city thought, so I’d say no “beach” outfits.
Safety Tips for Female Travelers in Istanbul
Istanbul is generally safe for women, but like any major city, it’s wise to stay alert. Dress modestly in conservative areas (like mosques) to avoid unwanted attention. Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night, and avoid walking alone in deserted areas. Use trusted taxis (like BiTaksi or Uber) instead of unmarked cabs. NEVER agree to cancel the trip and pay in cash instead of in the app – they will charge you a lot more (unfortunately I learned that by experience).
Be firm with pushy vendors or catcallers—ignoring them works best. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable on public transport, but opt for women-only sections on metros and ferries if available- it’s less crowded in general, what will make you feel safer. Scams (like overfriendly “guides”) happen, so trust your instincts. Overall, Istanbul is welcoming, but staying aware ensures a smooth trip!
I personally did’t experience any unconfortable situation, but I was told by locals they might happen. So, be cautious. You can go around your activities normally, just don’t push on luck.
I hope you have more than 3 days to experience Istanbul. If not, I hope this guide will help you to immerse into the best of Turkish culture in the time you have!
Got questions or favorite Istanbul spots? Drop them in the comments! 👇
