Istanbul sits on two continents, split by the Bosphorus. Three days is enough to see the historic core and get a feel for the neighbourhoods across the water.
Day 1: Sultanahmet
The historic peninsula holds the headline sights within walking distance: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace. Go early, and dress modestly for mosques; women need to cover their hair, and scarves are often provided.
Day 2: Bazaars and Galata
Spend the morning in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, then cross the Galata Bridge to Karaköy and climb to Galata Tower. The streets around Istiklal Avenue are lively in the evening.
Day 3: The Asian side
Take a public ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy for its food market and cafés. Ferries are cheap and give some of the best views of the city. A Bosphorus cruise is another relaxing way to see the waterfront palaces.
Getting around
An Istanbulkart works on trams, metro, buses and ferries. The T1 tram runs through Sultanahmet and is the easiest way between the main sights.
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