Next, I headed to the Basilica Cistern. A deep contrast to the other two mosques I had just seen. It is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in all of Istanbul. It’s made of 336 columns taken from broken temples. All the columns are symmetrical, giving a tunnel feel to it. You can see down each aisle while the lights are changing color from orange to green. It’s a little dark and eerie, especially when you notice little details like the upside down medusa heads in the rocks. There have been a couple movie scenes filmed in the cistern, such as James Bond and Inferno.

Time to stop and grab some lunch before heading to the Topkapi Palace. There are many little restaurants around the square serving traditional Turkish food, so I sat and had some chicken shish. It was amazing and nice to give my feet a little rest. The weather was hot while I was there, so I definitely indulged in some ice cream. Turkish ice cream was different from any other ice cream I’ve had before. The consistency was a little strange to me, but it’s still ice cream and it hit the spot while cooling me off before going to the palace.

Seeing the Topkapi Palace from afar doesn’t give you a glimpse into the size of the palace and its grounds. It was the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. It contains jewels, swords, robes and relics said to be from the prophet Muhammad. I was blown away by some of the things just because of the state they were in. They looked untouched and as if they had never been used. The grounds of the palace contain many rooms and quarters, you could easily spend hours there. The architecture inside some of the buildings is so detailed with beautiful tiles and stained glass. I don’t think you should skip the palace, although quite expensive ($60) to me the beauty is worth the price.

Note: the palace is closed on Tuesdays and the last entrance into the palace is 5:00. It closes at 6:00 every day.

The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are all within 10 minutes walking distance so it’s easy to see all of them in one day or afternoon.

By early evening, your legs could be aching so a seat on the boat is perfect. Head to Eminönü Pier and hop on your Bosphorus sunset cruise. The boat ride goes between the European and Asian side of Türkiye. Pass by palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions. It’s another view of the city and a great way to watch the sunset. There are many types of cruises to choose from. You can take a dinner or sunset cruise, or the local ferry depending on what you are looking for. I took the local ferry and then had dinner at a rooftop restaurant near the pier. It was a nice relaxing end to the day.

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Evening: Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus

Day 2

Morning: Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Start your second day at the Grand Bazaar, a barrage of colors, scents, and noise. This isn’t just a market—it’s an experience. With more than 4,000 shops under a labyrinth of domes, you’ll find everything from handwoven rugs and glass lanterns to gold jewelry and Turkish ceramics. Even if you’re not planning to buy, it’s a must see. Make sure you shop around, many shops sell similar things and the prices can vary, so I suggest you take your time and look around or barter.

A short walk away is the Spice Bazaar. Smaller and easier to navigate, this market is packed with pyramids of spices, herbal teas, dried fruits, and candies. Vendors hand out free samples of many things, so don’t leave without trying a Turkish delight. Turkish delights are candy made from a gel of cornstarch and sugar, traditionally flavored with rosewater and nuts.

Afternoon: Süleymaniye Mosque and Balat

After the sensory overload of the markets, walk up to the Süleymaniye Mosque. This elegant mosque, built by the master architect Mimar Sinan, offers a quieter, less-touristy experience with views over the Golden Horn. I found this area to be very peaceful and I took some time to relax while wandering around. The inside of this mosque was beautiful with colored domes, vibrant colors and tall ceilings.

After the mosque, I took a bus to the neighborhood of Balat. It’s a cute little area with colored houses and lots of cafes lining the streets. I sat down and enjoyed a coffee and tiramisu. It has a couple really colorful nooks which are great for pictures, but if you’re on a tight schedule I think you could skip it. The neighborhood is only a few blocks long with the colorful houses. While I enjoyed my afternoon coffee, for me it wasn’t a must see. 

Below are some popular activities to do in Istanbul. I used get your guide for my perfume making workshop, the basilica and mosque tours. I love get your guide as they usually provide transportation for day trips, which is great as a solo traveler and they have very knowledgeable tour guides.

Evening: Cross to the Asian Side 

Next, board a ferry to Kadıköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. Kadıköy is a more local and traditional experience. Take a stroll in the Kadıköy Market area where they sell fresh fish, colorful flowers, and books along the narrow streets. Grab dinner at a local restaurant, look for traditional Turkish recipes from across Anatolia.

End your evening walking to Moda, a laid-back seaside neighborhood. Watch the waves crash against the promenade, relaxing and taking in the sounds. The Asian side is much quieter than the bustling European side of Türkiye

Day 3

Morning: Karaköy & Istanbul Modern

Start your last day in Karaköy, once a port area now transformed into one of Istanbul’s coolest neighborhoods. Browse hand craft boutiques and get a coffee at a trendy cafe before heading to Istanbul Modern, the city’s contemporary art museum.

Afternoon: Galata Tower & Istiklal Avenue

Your next stop: The Galata Town. To get to the Galata Tower you need to climb a hill, it’s steep but only a short walk. This stone structure has stood watch over the city since the 14th century. Climb to the top for 360° panoramic views of the city, including the Bosphorus and the mosques of Sultanahmet.

From here, stroll down Istiklal Avenue, a street filled with music, shops, churches, and locals. Have lunch while people watching on the busy street. I stopped in a local cafe and had some amazing San Sebastian cheesecake.

I made time to squeeze in a perfume making workshop in the late afternoon and loved it. There, I picked out all my favorite oil scents, mixed them all together, then you just add alcohol and now I have a new perfume! It smells amazing. Well worth the $21 I paid and I was able to take home a large bottle of my self-made perfume. It was fun and something I’ve never done before. I would definitely say do it if you have time. It was only about 2 hours and I got to rest, have some tea and enjoy the smells.

Evening: Turkish Hammam & Farewell Dinner

Before you say goodbye, indulge in one of Istanbul’s oldest traditions: a Turkish hammam. I booked my hammam in a more local area so I could have the real experience. There are definitely hammans that are more spa-like, but I wanted something more traditional. It was quite a unique experience for me. I had definitely read a couple blogs before going so I would know what to expect. Normally you go naked, lay on a marble slab and have a foam massage. I chose to keep on some underwear to make myself feel a little more comfortable.

First you go in the sauna, then rinse, use the pool if you want and then the steam room. Next, after you’re all relaxed and hot, you have the foam massage. The foam massage was on top of the marble slab. They used a rough towel, but the massage itself was not hard or uncomfortable.  Beware that you are not the only person in the room having a massage, they were other women getting foam massages at the same time. Overall it was a good experience, but if I did it again I would want a more private massage for myself. It was hard for me to block out all the noise and really relax.

Enjoy your last dinner in Istanbul, reflecting on your experience and enjoying the amazing food. Treat yourself to a fine dining rooftop meal before you leave.  

Final Travel Tips for Istanbul

• Istanbulkart: A must for using public transport—works on ferries, trams, metros, and buses.
• Prayer times: Plan mosque visits outside of the five daily prayer windows.
• Currency: Turkish lira (TRY). Many places accept credit cards, but cash is handy in markets.
• Safety: Istanbul is generally safe, but stay alert in busy tourist areas.
• Cultural etiquette: Modest dress is expected in mosques. Women should carry a scarf.

Final Thoughts

Three days in Istanbul is just enough to enjoy and get to know the city. Historical sites, mosques, busy markets, ferry rides and incredible food made my visit to the city complete. I will not forget Istanbul. It’s a busy city with a lot to do, perfect for solo travelers. I always felt safe, public transport is great and the people are lovely.