What to see in Istanbul in 3 days on your own?

Given: a trip to Istanbul. Question: what to mark on the map in the phone to fit in 1, 2 or 3 days? We saw Istanbul on our own - now we are telling you.

Click on the nose of the traveler who claims Turkey is an all inclusive hotel and send him to Istanbul! A city saturated with the spirit of the times and the smell of spices, filled with the screams of seagulls, conversations in different languages ​​and the chants of the muezzin.

Plus, this is a cheap city, and lately even too much - a latte in a good coffee shop costs only 15 liras (140 rubles).

My trip to Istanbul

Turkey is available to Russians simply with a passport - no visa is needed. Therefore, you can break off at any time when cheap tickets appear (and they also come from the regions). Flights from Moscow cost 12,000 rubles in both directions. If taken in advance, it would have been cheaper. I lived in a small guest house in the Fatih area: an air-conditioned room came out at 2,250 rubles for two nights.

It is comfortable to go here in spring or autumn, when the temperature is conducive to walking. It is cold and windy in winter, quite hot in summer. I flew in July for the weekend and did not have time to get tired of the heat.

A word from the editor. And we were in Istanbul in November - we walked in hats and jackets, and in March - spring bloomed on the street, persuading us to put on a shirt and nothing more.

In this article I will tell you what you can see in Istanbul in 3 days - a universal term, not a lot and not a little for the first time. By the way, excursions are popular here - and believe me, knowing where to go is sometimes so necessary in a city that drives you crazy with its noise and hustle and bustle.

Not so long ago I heard about the Tripster service, where you can book non-trivial excursions-walks from local residents in Russian. The idea is cool, and considering that one of the leading destinations on the Tripster is Istanbul, I thought, "hmm, the excursions should be good." I instructed my friends to check - they took Asian Istanbul ↓ and left a good review.
* Reviews of excursions are already coming in September!

Bosphorus

The sunsets in Istanbul are very beautiful, be sure to meet them on the Bosphorus

Istanbul is Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus. They are connected by four bridges, an underwater subway and a dug tunnel for transport.

A cool way to see the Bosphorus is by ferry. For tourists there are:

• walks with dinner and Turkish dances costing from 200 liras (1900 rubles),
• but the most affordable is to take the ferry like a local. From Kabatas Square you can sail for 25 lira (240 rubles) for 6 hours - to the Black Sea and back. From Eminonu - 1.5 hours for 20 lira (190 rubles).
• a short walk between the banks - and at all 3 lira (28 rubles).

The main thing here is to take an advantageous place, not inside, from where you can hardly see anything, but on the deck. There are a lot of seats, but there are even more people, because for the Turks it is ordinary public transport, not entertainment. And it costs like a regular subway ride.

On the upper deck, people amuse themselves by raising their hand with a piece of bread or simit (Turkish donut) and watching the seagulls snatch food on the fly. Young people play guitar and sing. Some put their faces to the spray and wind, others doze in the sun. I rode the ferry and immediately felt the flavor and local spirit.

📍 A good spot for exploring the Bosphorus is the Rumeli Hisary fortress (entrance 25 lire).

Mosques

Turned off some street
and we immediately had such a view of one of the main mosques

The main attractions in Istanbul are mosques. A lot of them. And three times I thought: "Oh, this is the same Blue Mosque." Because to me they look the same on the outside, and the difference is revealed only on the inside.

To immediately understand, one can count the minarets. Blue has six of them. It is the most popular among tourists, and is officially called - Sultanahmet... And she was nicknamed blue because of the interior decoration of the heavenly color. Suleymaniye - the second largest Muslim shrine. I was more impressed by the surrounding area and the observation deck. In general, panoramic views in Istanbul open up unexpectedly and where you don't expect at all.

Saint Sophie Cathedral - again, a building not very remarkable from the outside. But inside the "yokayet", Orthodox paintings and mosaics and Arabic script are mixed here. Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian temple, now it is a museum, and the entrance is paid. The ticket price is 72 lira (680 rubles). But now admission is free for everyone - they attract tourists.

Mosques are closed to tourists 5 times a day during prayer times. Check the opening hours on the official websites, because it depends on the movement of the sun and changes throughout the year.

📍 Local tip: Zeyrek Camii Mosque - without the crowds of tourists and overlooking the Golden Horn and Suleymaniye. Grab a coffee for 6-8 lira from the cafe behind the mosque and enjoy!

And this is a view of the main mosque in the city / Try fried corn on the street, it costs only 4-5 lira, but we did not like the chestnut (10 lira per 100 g)

Grand Bazaar

Here - not for shopping, but to feel the flavor. Plus, the Grand Bazaar is a good place to go if the weather is bad. This is a covered space, a city within a city. In addition to hundreds of shops, cafes, fountains, several mosques, a bathhouse and even a school are scattered here.

Not sure if this is a shopping place because the prices are touristy. But if you like to haggle, then why not. Turks also love.

Galata Tower

Alas, there was no time to climb the Galata Tower,
therefore we looked from the side of one of the streets of Istanbul

The tower can be seen from everywhere - it is on a hill and rises more than 60 meters. Built in the Middle Ages, and over the years of its existence it was a lighthouse, an observatory, and a fire tower. Now it is a restaurant, a nightclub and an observation deck that EVERYONE is eager to climb. Entrance to the observation deck from 9 am to 8 pm for 30 liras (280 rubles).

Near the tower, across the Golden Horn, there is a two-story Galata bridge. On the ground floor there are dozens of restaurants with more than tourist prices. Upstairs, traffic and a bunch of fishermen with fishing rods are a rather unusual sight.

📍 Roofs - and the view from them - are not only in St. Petersburg! The most famous open roof in Istanbul is Kubbe Istanbul (search on Instagram).

Sirkeci train station

This is what the station looks like from the inside and outside.

It was here that the famous Orient Express arrived. The station was built in the 19th century and was gorgeous and strategically important for its time. Today it serves domestic trains and infrequent international trains. The building has lost its former chic, but nevertheless it is interesting for its architecture, carved windows and stained-glass windows. It is also a rare, almost deserted place in Istanbul.

There is also a cafe with traditional Turkish cuisine and a museum of the history of the station. You can watch it for free from 9 am to 5 pm. Take tram T1, stop Sirkeci.

Basilica Cistern

The cistern is an ancient reservoir that has been preserved since the days when Istanbul was Constantinople. It doesn't sound very encouraging, yes, and from the outside the Cistern is not remarkable, but inside it is O_O.

The huge underground room with rows of columns looks like either a fairy forest, or a mysterious palace, but certainly not a banal reservoir. The place is so cinematic that more than one film was filmed here, for example, one of the episodes of Bond.

Among other things, this is the best place to escape the summer heat. The Basilica is located in the very center, in the Sultanahmet area - Alemdar Mh., Yerebatan Cd., 1/3. Opening hours from 9 to 17:30. The entrance costs 30 liras (280 rubles). Cards are not accepted, so stock up on cash.

📍 The panorama of the city at night opens from the tallest skyscraper in Istanbul - Sapphire. Entrance to the observation deck - 38 lira (355 rubles).

Topkapi Palace

The former residence of the Turkish rulers. This is not one building, but a whole complex that served the Sultan - the government, the treasury, the armory, the stables and, of course, the harem. Now it is a museum, in the interiors of which one can easily imagine how life would have developed “if I were a sultan”. Opening hours: 9am to 7pm in summer and 4pm in winter. The ticket price is 100 liras (935 rubles). Entrance to the harem - 70 lira (650 rubles).

Nearby is the Gulhane Park, one of the largest in Istanbul. It used to be part of the palace gardens. The park is large and green - in the shade of trees it is good to hide from the heat and enjoy the bloom.

📍 Interested in shopping like in Dubai Mall? You are in the shopping mall Zorlu Center and Istinye Park.

Miniature Park

You can go here with children. On a huge territory, there are architectural models of the main attractions not only of Istanbul, but also of the whole of Turkey. There are also models of buildings destroyed long ago.

The park is entertaining not only for children - it is a great opportunity to see all the iconic places, albeit in miniature, but in one day. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee is 20 liras (185 rubles).

Cats

In addition to cats, there are many such dogs in Turkey 🙂

Yes, an attraction! Cats in Istanbul are at every step, and they strive to get in the photo. Turks love cats, do not disturb or drive them out and feed them. Someone out of kindness of soul, and someone for religious reasons - according to one of the legends, the cat saved the Prophet Muhammad from a snakebite, and since then Muslims have worshiped the tailed beasts.

For the first time I wanted to Istanbul after the film Kedi, which translates as Istanbul - the city of cats. Note: in the area of ​​Nisantashi, in the park "Machka", there are hundreds of catofees.

Princes' islands

Few people know that there are nine islands in the vicinity of Istanbul in the Sea of ​​Marmara. Four of them are open to the public.

You can get there in about an hour and a half by ferry from Eminonu or Kabatas pier from the western part, or Kadikoy and Bostanji from the Asian part. See the Sehir Hatlari website for the schedule. One way fare is 5.2 liras (50 rubles), you can pay with an IstanbulCard transport card.

There are no cars here, they travel on foot or on horseback. But there are hotels and well-equipped beaches. Prices are higher than in Istanbul. It is better to see the islands on weekdays, because on weekends there is an influx of Turks who escape from the stuffy city.

The largest island is Büyükada, where churches of different religions coexist. The quietest and most non-tourist is Kynilyada. This is exactly where I went, hoping for some peace of mind. But in the summer there were people here too. Although the island itself is small and cozy.

What to see in Istanbul in 1-3 days

We sit in a cafe and wait for coffee and dessert, meanwhile it is already night in the city

What to see in Istanbul? If you have enough time, then in 5 days-a week, you will have time to see not only the main iconic points, but also the numerous museums of Istanbul and unusual places, such as the underground mosque Sancaklar.

Nature lovers will love the Belgrade forest - a huge park 15 kilometers from Istanbul with a variety of plants, birds and animals. Another botanical area called "Bird Paradise" is located 38 kilometers from the city. As the name implies, birds live here - ducks, pelicans and even flamingos.

How to get from Istanbul Airport?

For more details - from currency exchangers for buying an Istanbul Card to the schedule and bus numbers - read our article about the New Istanbul Airport (you were there in person!).

In short - so far there are 3 ways to get there:

• The cheapest are Havaist or IETT buses (20-40 liras one way)
• The most convenient way is a KiwiTaxi transfer, delivered to the hotel door (40 euros per car)
• Taxi is the most expensive

Prices in Istanbul - where to eat?

I stand in line for delicious coffee and dessert

Turkish cuisine is quite varied, so everyone will find a meal to their liking in Istanbul.

Lots of delicious and safe street food:

- simit (bagel) for 1.25 lira

- chestnuts for 5 lire

- the famous balyk ikmek (fish in lavash or bread) for 15 liras

- corn - 4 lira

- freshly squeezed pomegranate juice - 10 lire

✓ For fish and seafood, head to Akin Balik - a place near the fish market at the Kadikoy pier. Dinner for two will cost about 100-150 liras. Always full fit.

✓ Delicious kebabs for just 7 lira are prepared at Sehzade Cag Kebab.

✓ For those with a sweet tooth, I advise you to visit Hafis Mustafa 1864 - the most famous baklavichnaya. The main thing is to stop on time, because you want to try everything.

✓ If you want not only to eat, but also to drink, then do not go to establishments near the mosques, there will most likely be no alcohol.

✓ Nice place for vegans - Vegan Istanbul in Beyoglu area (all Turkish cuisine in vegan format!).

📍 Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri is a good restaurant with an open terrace and a view of the Bosphorus (and there is never too much of it!). The prices are inexpensive.

My tips for tourists

As they said in the movie "The Diamond Arm", Istanbul is a city of contrasts. This is true. I can’t say for sure whether I liked it or not.But Istanbul definitely does not leave you indifferent.

• He evokes strong emotions: an aversion to garbage that is thrown directly onto the street. They clean it up in the morning, but by the evening everything is dirty again.
• It is annoying when the Turks, like a herd of sheep, trudge on or off the ferry, absolutely not noticing that they are pushing you, the feeling that if you stumble, the crowd will crush you.
• I am repulsed by the mercantile nature, which is why I did not go to the grand bazaar - I do not like it when they grab the hand and try to sniff something.

But at the same time, the locals are friendly and sincerely smile. If necessary, they will help and give directions. And in general, people who care about cats, and there are a huge number of them here, cannot be bad by definition.

And Istanbul is also bright, even lurid. When you return to Moscow, it seems that vision problems have begun - as if they reduced the sharpness and brightness to a minimum.

To the tips:

Entrance to the metro and money exchange points in the city

- Install the maps.me application, which works offline, and mark the attractions and your hotel on the map so as not to get lost.

- Buy an Istanbul Card to get around, otherwise you won't have time to see much in Istanbul on your own. This transport card is valid for metro, tram and ferry services. It costs 6 lire, and when you are about to fly, you can return it.

- In the metro, here you have to pay for a transfer from one line to another, keep in mind. When paying with the Istanbul Card, each subsequent transfer is cheaper than buying a one-time trip.

- All mosques can be viewed free of charge, the main thing is to observe the dress code - men cannot wear shorts, while women must have their heads covered, their shoulders and legs covered. Each mosque has special skirts and headscarves, but there are huge influx of tourists on weekends, so dress appropriately and bring a headscarf to avoid queuing.

- Use earplugs if you do not plan to wake up at five in the morning from the muezzin's calls to prayer.

- Be sure to go to the hamam. There are many of them here, and the Turks know a lot about it.

- The city is huge, it is also divided by the Bosphorus into two parts, so choose housing “wisely”. For a first or short visit, the European part is ideal. The main attractions are concentrated in the Fatih area, specifically in the Sultanahmet and Sirkeci districts. For lovers of nightlife, Beyoglu is suitable - the Istiklal and Taksim quarters. For those who are already familiar with the city and want more authenticity, it makes sense to stay in the Asian part. There are fewer tourists here and the cost is lower. There are many cafes and shops in Kadikoy, a market with local prices, and a large park. And in Uskudar there is an excellent promenade for walking.