Discover the Best of Istanbul in Just 3 Days
From ancient cisterns and grand mosques to bustling bazaars and panoramic rooftops, my Istanbul adventure was a whirlwind of history, culture, and delightfully steep cobbled streets. Day 1: Sultanahmet to Galata First stop: the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, where Medusa’s stony gaze greeted me underground. A short climb led to Hagia Sophia, then a quick kofte stop at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, right across the majestic Blue Mosque. After admiring ancient obelisks at the Hippodrome, we hopped on Tram 1 to Eminönü and explored the aromatic chaos of the Spice Market and the elegant Yeni Camii (New Mosque). Later, we ascended through Taksim and strolled Istiklal Street, catching the nostalgic tram and wandering down to Galata Tower, winding through centuries-old streets filled with synagogues, churches, and hidden gems. Day 2: Walls, Churches, and Cruise Morning took us to Chora Church, then along the mighty Theodosian Walls, once the spine of ancient Constantinople. Lunc...
