We’re taking you to Istanbul, Turkey for an unforgettable 3 days packed with historic landmarks, incredible food, cultural experiences, and the travel tips we wish we knew before going. We share everything from visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern to experiencing a traditional Turkish hammam, wandering the Grand Bazaar, and trying iconic Turkish dishes like kebabs, menemen, kunefe, and Turkish coffee.

We also shareIstanbul travel tips including the Istanbul E-Pass, currency, what to wear in mosques, where to stay, whether popular experiences like the Bosphorus cruise are worth it, and what its like navigating Istanbul’s public transit system.

In the Istanbul episode you’ll hear about:

• Best things to do in Istanbul in 3 days

• Visiting Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace

• Exploring the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

• Istanbul E-Pass review and whether it’s worth it

• Traditional Turkish bath (hammam) experience

• Best Turkish foods to try in Istanbul

• Istanbul transportation tips and Istanbulkart info

• Galata Tower sunset views & rooftop spots

• Turkish coffee, Turkish delights, and local desserts

• Where to stay in Istanbul using hotel points

• Tips for visiting mosques and cultural etiquette

• Day-by-day Istanbul itinerary recommendations

We recommend booking a private transfer from airport to hotel and back and installing an eSim before you get there.

Our top recommended hotels in Istanbul: 

• Orient Occident Hotel Istanbul 

• Hotel Sultania

• Adamar Hotel

Check out our Turkey Activities & Tours for all activities we recommend and even some that we wanted to do but couldn't get to. Visit the city’s highlights with an Istanbul E-Pass or if the E-Pass won’t work for you schedule, we recommend these front of the line tickets for: Hagia Sofia, Basilica, Cistern,Topkapi Palace, Dolmabache Palace & Galata Tower.

If you want to take this exact trip, download our 3-day Istanbul Itinerary!

Find a great flight deal to Istanbul by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

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