A Three-Day Visit Guide to Istanbul

If you have never been on a trip to Istanbul, then you are definitely missing something. Few places in the world can compare with the city of Istanbul. Situated on the Mediterranean coast of the country’s northern region, Istanbul is among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Located in the heart of Asia, Istanbul provides a beautiful haven for visitors from every corner of the planet, offering them the chance to experience the best of both East and West. During your three stay here you will be able to enjoy a variety of activities so start preparing your carry-on packing list and be ready to tour this beautiful place.

Day One

1. Hagia Sophia

A visit to Hagia Sophia is a must for all visitors to Turkey. It was originally built as a Christian Orthodox church and it was later turned into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453 after the fall of Constantinople. In 1930, Hagia Sophia was declared a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

A visit here is the best way to experience the true beauty of Istanbul’s architectural heritage. It is the epitome of beauty and artistry and is a must-see for you in your three-day visit here.

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque was built between the years 1609 and 1616, and to date still remains an active house of worship. It is a few minutes’ walk from Hagia Sophia.

All visitors have to remove their shoes and women must wrap their hair to get inside this stunning mosque. However, visitors are not admitted during prayer times. You will enjoy the visit to this unique and wonderful establishment during your day one.

3. Topkapi Palace

A visit to Topkapi Palace can be the most rewarding and exciting day trip that you may ever undertake. It was Ottoman Sultans’ home till the mid 19th century. It took Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror eighteen years to build the palace beginning 1459. The sheer splendor and beauty of this palace are probably enough reasons for you to visit during your visit here.

Day Two

1. Grand Bazaar

A visit to Grand Bazaar Turkey is the best experience you can have in terms of shopping. A visit here is sure to delight your senses with its colorful array of colorful traditional Turkish carpets, silks, and terracotta wall carvings. It has more than 50 streets and 5,000 shops making it one of the biggest indoor marketplaces in the world.

If you want to make a purchase here, remember to bargain. Don’t lose your temper while doing so. Shopkeepers won’t get upset if you walk away as this happens to them every day.

2. Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque is a beautiful example of Turkish craftsmanship. It is sited on the Third Hill of Istanbul. It was built in 1550 and its construction ended in 1557 under the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque is now one of the most important mosques.

While the majority of people who attend these mosques are Muslims, there are some Christians as well. This makes it a very friendly and welcoming place to visit and enjoy your vacation.

3. Dolmabahce Palace

A visit here is a remarkable event. The beautiful facade of the palace is well known all around the world, and it attracts thousands of tourists every year. The palace was built in the 19th century and remained the favorite home of the sultan Abdulmecid. It’s a place where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Turkish Republic died in 1938. The clock was stopped at 9.05am, 10th November and to date, Turkey stops at that time to commemorate him.

Day Three

1. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is the largest of a number of ancient cisterns which lies beneath the city of Istanbul, which dates back to the 6th Century. It was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The Cistern has been providing Istanbul inhabitants with water.

The Cistern has also been used as a location for some Hollywood films like ‘From Russia with Love’, a James Bond movie in the year 1963.

2. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a 14th century stone tower. It was the tallest buildings in Constantinople when constructed, being 67 meters high, it was considered one of the world’s tallest freestanding buildings.

To get to the top of the tower, you need to follow the winding staircase. The path up to the top passes through gardens and along terraces that give you wonderful views over the city and sea beyond. There are beautiful views from the deck of the balcony leading to the observation deck where you can see all of the action below.

How to Get To Istanbul From Istanbul Airport

Taxi

If you would prefer to hire a car, there are many taxis that will charge you around €24. An hour drive to the city center from the airport

Shuttles

On the other hand, you can use a shuttle. There are many privately owned shuttles that you can hire to take you to the city center from the airport.

Where to Stay and Eat in Istanbul

If you want to find a unique place where you can enjoy both your sightseeing and eating, then you should consider staying in one of the hotels in or around the Istanbul airport. You can check istanbul-airporthotel.com and book the hotel of your choosing.

Over To You

Once you have everything needed for your trip, a three-day stay in Istanbul is certainly an excellent idea as it allows you to fully explore all the interesting aspects of the city. You can even take a trip to the beautiful Black Sea via the sea route and you can experience a truly unforgettable vacation.

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