For as long as I can remember, Istanbul had been on our travel list, but somehow it was always pushed to “later”. Maybe because it always felt close enough, or maybe because we were constantly tired from our job and simply kept postponing it for another time. Eventually, and in one of the most spontaneous decisions, we decided it was time to finally tick another country off the list, at least for me.
Istanbul is one of those cities that feels chaotic at first, but quickly reveals its rhythm once you slow down and start exploring its neighborhoods. The mix of history, street life, food and mosques create an energy that can feel overwhelming at first, yet strangely captivating once you settle into it. Spread between Europe and Asia, the city blends centuries of history with street food vendors, ferries crossing the Bosphorus, cats lounging on every corner and coffee shops tucked into old buildings.
We spent three days wandering through some of its most vibrant areas, from Eminönü and Karaköy to Kadıköy on the Asian side, discovering incredible food, great coffee and sunset views along the water. Here’s how our Istanbul trip went.
Table of Contents
- Istanbul in 3 Days: Overview
- Where to Stay in Istanbul
- How to Get Around Istanbul
- Our 3 day Istanbul Itinerary Day By Day
- Day 1: Fish Sandwiches, Mosques & Sunset Views
- Day 2: Coffee Shops, Vinyl Records & Kadıköy
- Morning Coffee Hunt in Beyoğlu
- Vinyl Records & Petrikor Coffee
- Wandering the streets of Çukurcuma
- Quick Snack: Galata Simit Shop
- Ferry to Kadıköy: Crossing Continents
- Lunch at Kadıköy Midyecisi
- Exploring Kadıköy Streets & Shopping
- Traditional Manti at Gözlemeye Mantı ve Gözleme Evi
- Coffee in Kuzguncuk & Sunset at the Kadıköy Waterfront
- Upscale Dinner & Dessert in Beyoğlu
- Dessert at Hafiz Mustafa
- Day 3: Balat, Bazaars & Ottoman Streets
- Where We Ate & Drank in Istanbul
- Map of Locations
Istanbul in 3 Days: Overview
In just three days, we explored Istanbul at a slower, more local pace, focusing on food, coffee, and neighborhoods rather than rushing from monument to monument. From the bustling streets of Eminönü and Karaköy on the European side to the lively, youthful vibe of Kadıköy on the Asian side, we wandered through markets, cafes, and colorful streets, stopping for street food, sunset views, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. This guide offers local tips on transport, dining, and stays to help you experience Istanbul like a resident.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
Picking the right neighborhood can make a big difference in how you experience Istanbul. We focused on hotels in and around the Karaköy neighborhood. From here, you can explore much of the city on foot, enjoy cafés and local street food, and easily catch ferries to the Asian side. The area is also a transport hub, with convenient access to the metro, tram, buses, funicular (Tünel), and even the ferries, making it easy to reach the airport and all corners of Istanbul. Here are our top recommendations:
Momento Golden Horn – This is where we stayed and loved it. The hotel is central, with the Galata Bridge and Karaköy’s cafes, shops, and ferries just steps away. From here, you can walk to historic neighborhoods or hop on the ferry, tram, or metro to explore further. Rooms are comfortable, staff are friendly, and the waterfront view from the rooftop breakfast is a big bonus.
RUZ Hotels – A boutique hotel with modern design and cozy rooms, located close to cafés, galleries, and the Galata Tower. Its artistic vibe makes it ideal for travelers who enjoy boutique style and local flair.
10 Karaköy Istanbul – Sleek, contemporary interiors and great rooftop views. Perfect if you want a central base with a trendy, creative neighborhood feel.
Vault Karaköy The House Hotel – Combines historic architecture with modern comfort. Ideal for travelers who appreciate a blend of old-world charm and boutique luxury.
How to Get Around Istanbul
Getting around Istanbul is surprisingly easy and affordable, and there’s a mix of options depending on how much walking you want to do or how quickly you want to get somewhere. The Istanbulkart is a rechargeable transport card that works on metro, tram, bus, funicular, and ferries. You can even use one single card for two people as long as there’s enough balance.
- Airport to City – We took the Havaist airport bus to Eminönü. Tickets are available right outside the terminal, cost-effective, and take about 1h10min.
- Ferries – One of the highlights of Istanbul! Ferries connect the European and Asian sides, and the ride itself is a scenic experience with mosques, palaces, and seagulls overhead. We loved taking the Karaköy → Kadıköy ferry.
- Public Buses – Convenient for reaching neighborhoods that aren’t directly served by tram or metro. For example, we used the 30D and 15F buses to reach Ortaköy Mosque and local restaurants.
- Tram & Metro – Useful for getting across the historic areas and beyond. The T1 tram line is particularly handy for Sultanahmet, Karaköy, and Eminönü.
- Funicular – Short but steep routes, like Karaköy (right next to the Momento Golden Horn hotel) → Beyoğlu, save time and energy.
- Uber / Taxi – Affordable for short rides, especially when carrying luggage or returning from a late evening dinner.
- Walking – Our favorite way to get around! Especially around Karaköy, Galata Bridge, and Balat. Side streets reveal cafes, street art, and photo opportunities you can’t get from public transport.
Our 3 day Istanbul Itinerary Day By Day
Day 1: Fish Sandwiches, Mosques & Sunset Views
Arrival at Istanbul Airport & getting to the city
We landed in Istanbul at 14:45 and were pleasantly surprised by how smooth the arrival process was. Passport control was quick, luggage arrived almost immediately and within minutes we were outside the airport withdrawing some Turkish Lira.
Instead of taking a taxi into the city, we opted for the airport bus to Eminönü. Michiel stayed true to the Dutch stereotype. Tickets can be purchased at the small ticket office right outside the terminal.
The ride took about 1h and 10 minutes. A comfortable and affordable way to reach the historic center, thank you Michiel. From the bus stop we walked about 20 minutes to our hotel, crossing the iconic Galata Bridge along the way.
First Impressions of Istanbul & Galata Bridge
Fishermen lined both sides of the Galata bridge, casting their lines into the Golden Horn while the city skyline stretched out around us. Even though the hotel was only 20 minutes walk away, it ended up taking us about 45 minutes. We kept stopping to take photos. I was already completely wowed by how beautiful the city looked. It was our first glimpse of Istanbul and we could already tell this was going to be one of those cities we would fall in love with.
Lunch by the Water: Fish Sandwiches
Not long after we checked in at our hotel (Momento Golden Horn), we stumbled upon our first Istanbul food experience. A small fish sandwich shop by the river selling simple but incredibly flavorful fish wraps. For just 200 TRY, we got a fresh grilled wrap stuffed with vegetables and spices. Let me tell you: until today I’m talking about it. We sat by the water surrounded by dozens of fishermen, and of course, plenty of Istanbul’s famous cats, patiently waiting for some food. It was the perfect welcome to the city.
Sunset at Ortaköy Mosque
Later in the afternoon, we took the bus to the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, also know as the Ortaköy Mosque. This is one of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques. Built in 1854 during the Ottoman period, it sits right on the edge of the Bosphorus. With the Bosphorus Bridge rising behind it, it’s creating one of the most iconic views in the city. We arrived just in time for sunset and blue hour. Even though it was extremely crowded, we still managed to take some great photos. We even managed to take one of the two of us together, which is quite rare since we’re usually the ones behind the camera.
Snack Stop: Kumpir
After exploring the area and wandering through streets filled with vendors, ice cream stands and restaurants, we stopped for another Turkish classic: Kumpir. A giant baked potato stuffed vegetables, pickles, sausage, sauces and cheese. We just said yes to pretty much everything.
Dinner at Mahir Lokantası
Dinner that night was at Mahir Lokantası, a traditional Turkish restaurant where we ended up ordering a bit too much: lahmacun acılı, often described as Turkish pizza. A thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs and spices. Adana kebab, a famous spicy minced lamb kebab grilled over charcoal. Içli köfte, stuffed meatballs usually made with bulgur and filled with seasoned minced lamb. Paired with çoban salad, or Shepard’s salad, a fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumber and greens mostly to balance things out and make the meal feel a little healthier.
Dessert at Milota
Just a short walk from the iconic Galata Tower, to finish the night strong and on a sweet note, we stopped by Milota. We came here to try their famous San Sebastián cheesecake and Turkish hot tea. The streets were crowded and full of energy, with people on terraces, enjoying late-night drinks, desserts, and the lively atmosphere that makes Istanbul feel alive well into the night.
Day 2: Coffee Shops, Vinyl Records & Kadıköy
Morning Coffee Hunt in Beyoğlu
Still recovering from the food coma of the previous night, we had a quick and small breakfast at the hotel, while enjoying the rooftop views of the Asian side of Istanbul’s skyline. After that, we started the day with a clear mission: finding good coffee.
We took the funicular to Şişhane, planning to visit Petra Roasting Co, one of Istanbul’s best know speciality coffee shops. I’m sure the coffee was great however the location felt a bit too tucked away inside a building, lacking the terrace and the street atmosphere we’re looking for.
Vinyl Records & Petrikor Coffee
So we moved to our second option, Le Oba Coffee House. However along the way we unexpectedly discovered Petrikor Coffee & Records. The vinyl records displayed immediately caught my attention. Inside we found everything from Sting to Donna Summer to Michael Jackson and even David Guetta.
We grabbed a table outside, ordered some iced matcha and spent some time flipping through vinyl records while watching the neighborhood slowly waking up. I managed to snatch the only Turkish vinyl, and it was none other than the Queen of Turkish Pop, Sezen Aksu. Sold.
Wandering the streets of Çukurcuma
One of the things we loved most about our visit to Istanbul was simply strolling through random streets across the city. One of the best areas to do this was Çukurcuma, located in Beyoğlu. Known as Istanbul’s antique district, it’s filled with vintage shops, street vendors selling carpets, and charming cafés, all set among beautiful heritage buildings and winding streets.
Quick Snack: Galata Simit Shop
After wandering around Karaköy, we stopped for a quick snack at Galata Simit Shop. We had two simits and two iced teas. The area was filled with a mix of locals and tourists, with narrow streets lined with cafés, bakeries and small shops. The shop itself was simple and no-fuss, the kind of place you’d easily walk past if you didn’t know better. Simit is a classic Turkish street food, often called the Turkish bagel, covered in sesame seeds, slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for a quick and satisfying bite on the go.
Ferry to Kadıköy: Crossing Continents
We took the ferry from Karaköy (European side) to Kadıköy (Asian side), one of the best and most scenic ways to move around Istanbul. The ferry ride itself is worth doing even if you’re not heading anywhere specific. Seagulls flying overhead, views of mosques and palaces, and the feeling of moving between Europe and Asia under 30 minutes. Kadıköy has a completely different vibe from the historic center. It feels younger, more local and full of life.
Lunch at Kadıköy Midyecisi
For lunch we stopped at Kadıköy Midyecisi and ordered 20 stuffed mussels with rice, a popular Turkish street food. They became especially popular in Istanbul because the city sits between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, where mussels are abundant. Over time, midye dolma (stuffed mussels) turned into a classic late night snack and street food. Sold by vendors in busy neighborhoods like Kadıköy, Taksim and Karaköy.
Exploring Kadıköy Streets & Shopping
After lunch, we wandered around Kadıköy’s streets, taking plenty of photos, discovering a couple of record shops and browsing a few more stores along the way. Eventually, we made a not-so-quick stop at Mavi, a clothing brand founded in Istanbul in 1991. According to Michiel, its actually much more expensive in Amsterdam than it is here, which of course made the stop even more justified. About an hour later, we walked out with lighter wallets and a suspicious number of shopping bags.
Traditional Manti at Gözlemeye Mantı ve Gözleme Evi
From there we took the bus to Karacaahmet Cemevi, followed by a 15 minute walk to a small local restaurant called Gözlemeye Mantı ve Gözleme Evi. The restaurant was very simple, the kind of place where you immediately feel you’re getting real homemade food. A few ladies were sitting at the table hand making the manti. Even though they didn’t speak much English, they were incredibly sweet and welcoming arranging a table at the small balcony the restaurant has. The food was simple but incredibly comforting. The kind of homemade cooking that doesn’t try to impress but ends up doing exactly that.
On our table we had mixed mantı, the famous Turkish dumplings that the ladies were hand-making when we first walked in. Alongside that came salad, bread, and home made cherry and plum juices. We finished the meal with the classic Turkish coffee. As a little surprise, they also brought us two bites of revani, a traditional semolina cake, generously offered by the house.
Coffee in Kuzguncuk & Sunset at the Kadıköy Waterfront
After a 15-minute Uber ride, we arrived at Bastet Coffee in Kuzguncuk, where we spent some time people-watching while enjoying iced coffees. Kuzguncuk offers a quieter, more local side of Istanbul, away from the busy crowds. The area is filled with colorful houses, cozy coffee shops, and relaxed streets that are perfect for wandering without a plan. It’s the kind of place where you can take a break, savor a coffee, and stumble upon little corners that make perfect photo opportunities.
As the evening approached, we walked down to the waterfront in Kadıköy and watched the sun slowly set behind the European skyline.
We enjoyed the views, the crowds and took plenty of photos until we suddenly realized we were about to miss the ferry. So we ran, ran, ran to catch it just in time before leaving the Asian side and heading back toward the European skyline. Cardio done for the day.
Upscale Dinner & Dessert in Beyoğlu
We figured it was time to upgrade ourselves, you know, going from fish wraps eating by the waterfront to something just a bit fancier. So, that night, we treated ourselves to a more upscale dinning experience, fancy for us at least!
Tucked away in the busy streets of Beyoğlu, Aheste feels like a hidden gem once you step inside. The space is cozy and intimate, offering a quiet escape from the chaos outside, with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on modern Turkish cuisine served as small sharing plates, combining traditional flavors with creative touches. However, we didn’t have a reservation and the place was fully booked, so we ended up heading to The Red Balloon instead. The Red Ballon Restaurant and Bar, a rooftop restaurant with surprisingly good cocktails. We toasted to our trip with a gin infused with bergamot and vanilla, yummy. The food was delicious, combining traditional flavors with a modern twist, with beautiful views over the city of Istanbul.
Dessert at Hafiz Mustafa
Of course, no Istanbul evening is complete without dessert. So we stopped at Hafiz Mustafa, one of Istanbul’s most famous historic dessert shops. We ordered Turkish tea with their famous baklava and let me tell you, was delicious and probably the most expensive dessert ever, but when in Rome right?
Before heading to the hotel and close to Hafiz Mustafa we spotted Mavi and decided to have the second look of the day and oh boy oh boy…
Day 3: Balat, Bazaars & Ottoman Streets
Exploring Balat: Colorful Ottoman Streets
Our final day started with breakfast at the hotel followed by coffee at Coffee Department, a small specialty coffee shop with cutest cat that kept us company.
From there we headed to Balat, one of Istanbul’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Balat is famous for its colorful Ottoman houses, steep streets and small local shops. Walking through the area feels like stepping into a different Istanbul, quieter, slower and full of character. We spent the morning just wandering around, taking photos, exploring the streets and petting the cats.
Vinyl & Souvenirs in Balat
On our way out of Balat, we stumbled upon a small vinyl shop. We browsed for a while until one of the staff members helped us pick out a few Turkish vinyl as souvenirs. He started playing a couple of them for us in the shop, and before we knew it, we were buying all of them, records that we still occasionally play at home.
Exploring Sultanahmet
After exploring Balat we took the bus to Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the city. We spend a few hours walking around the Egyptian bazaar, one of the city’s oldest and most famous covered markets. We explored the colorful stalls filled with spices, teas, Turkish delight, nuts and countless souvenirs. The market is incredibly busy and lively and despite the crowds, the venders were never pushy, allowing us to browse at our own pace. From there we continued towards the Grand Bazaar, stopping for a quick kebab at Sultan Doner Kebab Restaurant.
Then came the full Istanbul experience, walking through the Grand Bazaar. Thousands of shops, endless corridors, carpets, jewelry, lamps, spices, souvenirs and venders inviting us inside. It was chaotic, overwhelming and fascinating all at once, and absolutely worth experience at least once.
Shopping for Turkish Delight
On our way back to the hotel from the bazaar, we stopped by DİLŞEKER, a small shop filled with Turkish delights, baklava, nuts, and coffee. Compared to many places around the Grand Bazaar, the prices felt more reasonable and it didn’t have that typical “tourist trap” vibe. The shop was colorful and well organized, with trays of sweets neatly displayed and the smell of fresh baklava in the air. The staff were friendly without being pushy, letting us try a few things and take our time, which made the whole experience feel much more genuine and relaxed.
Final Walk & Farewell to Istanbul
And just like that, our day and our trip to Istanbul came to an end. We took one last walk through the streets of the city, picked up a few Turkish sweets and Turkish delights and crossed the beautiful Galata Bridge one last time before heading to the hotel, to collect our bags and catch our flight.
Where We Ate & Drank in Istanbul
Street Eats & Quick Bites
- Fish Sandwich by the Galata Bridge – Karaköy
Freshly grilled fish wraps by the water, surrounded by fishermen and Istanbul’s famous cats. (~200 TRY) - Kumpir (Giant Baked Potato) – Ortaköy
Loaded baked potato with vegetables, pickles, sausage, sauces, and cheese. (~300 TRY) - Galata Simit Shop – Karaköy
Classic Turkish bagel (simit) with sesame seeds, perfect for a quick snack. (~220 TRY) - Kadıköy Midyecisi – Kadıköy
Famous stuffed mussels (midye dolma) with rice, a street food favorite. (~220 TRY with drinks)
Traditional Restaurants
- Mahir Lokantası – Karaköy
Traditional Turkish restaurant with lahmacun, Adana kebab, içli köfte, and fresh salad. (~1500 TRY for two) - Gözlemeye Mantı ve Gözleme Evi – Karacaahmet / Kadıköy
Homemade manti (Turkish dumplings) with salad, bread, cherry & plum juices, and Turkish coffee.
Upscale & Rooftop Dining
- Aheste – Beyoğlu
Cozy, modern Turkish small plates in an intimate rooftop setting; fully booked during our visit, but worth trying. - The Red Balloon Restaurant & Bar – Beyoğlu
Rooftop dining with modern Turkish cuisine and cocktails; our choice for dinner when Aheste was full.
Dessert & Sweets
- Milota – Near Galata Tower
Famous San Sebastián cheesecake and Turkish hot tea. - Hafiz Mustafa – Sultanahmet
Historic dessert shop for Turkish tea, baklava, and other sweet treats. - DİLŞEKER – Sultanahmet
Authentic Turkish delights, baklava, and nuts; local, relaxed atmosphere.
Coffee & Cafés
- Petra Roasting Co – Şişhane
Specialty coffee shop tucked inside a building; great coffee, quiet interior. - Le Oba Coffee House – Karaköy
Specialty coffee with street-side seating. - Petrikor Coffee & Records – Karaköy
Coffee + vinyl records. Ice matcha, local vibes, and a chance to pick up unique Turkish vinyl. - Bastet Coffee – Üsküdar
Cozy café for iced coffee and people-watching; quiet side of Istanbul with waterfront views. - Coffee Department – Balat
Small specialty coffee shop with a cute cat and local charm.
Map of Locations
Visited: August 2025.
