Istanbul in 3 days on a budget: day-by-day itinerary

The first day belongs to the heart of old Istanbul — the Sultanahmet quarter, where most historic landmarks cluster.

Morning

Start at the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) — free entry, just respect the rules (remove shoes, head covering for women). Best time — right after the morning prayer when no tourists are around. Address: At Meydanı, Sultanahmet.

Nearby — Hippodrome Square, where the Egyptian Obelisk and Column of Constantine stand. Free walk; the history dates to the Byzantine era. The Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm is another beautiful photo spot.

Breakfast: stop into any local çay bahçesi (tea garden) near the square. A glass of Turkish tea — 5-8 lira, simit (sesame bagel) — 5-10 lira. This is the genuine Istanbul breakfast.

Afternoon

After lunch head to the Bazaar Quarter. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — the world's largest covered market, free entry. You can wander 4,000 shops for hours without spending a lira. Address: Beyazıt, Kapalıçarşı.

From there, 10 minutes on foot to the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) — incredible smells, free entry. Buy a pack of Turkish tea or lokum (Turkish delight) as gifts — cheaper than tourist shops.

Lunch: look for 'lokanta' or 'ev yemekleri' (home cooking) signs. A bowl of soup + main + bread runs 80-120 lira. Good spot — Köfteci Ramiz on Tarakçılar Street, where locals eat.

Evening

Walk to the Galata Bridge — one of the best Istanbul views opens from here. The lower deck has fish restaurants, but to save money buy balık-ekmek (fish sandwich) at the boats right under the bridge. Price: about 60-80 lira.

At sunset head up to Beyazıt — the viewing terrace by Beyazıt Tower offers a stunning view over the Old City. Free.

Day two — the other bank of the Golden Horn and the famous Beyoğlu district with İstiklal Street.

Morning

Cross the Galata Bridge on foot (free) and climb into the Galata district. The Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) — entry is pricey (about 200 lira), but the exterior view is just as good, and walking around the tower and Galata's narrow streets is a treat. Lots of small cafes and workshops.

Breakfast at Karaköy Güllüoğlu — legendary baklava shop since 1949. Baklava portion — 100-150 lira. A bit pricier than street food, but it's iconic.

Afternoon

Walk down İstiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi) — Istanbul's main pedestrian boulevard, 1.4 km long. Free, shops for any budget. Stop into the Church of St. Anthony of Padua — a beautiful Catholic church right on İstiklal, free entry.

At the end of İstiklal — Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Perfect for resting in the shade, free.

Lunch: in Beyoğlu look for döner kebab joints away from İstiklal — prices halve. A good döner runs 80-120 lira.

Evening

Catch a ferry from Karaköy pier to Kadıköy — the Asian side. Ferry ticket with Istanbulkart — about 15 lira, one of the cheapest Bosphorus cruises. From Kadıköy a great view back to the European side opens.

In Kadıköy visit Kadıköy Çarşısı market — a vivid covered market with fruits, cheeses, meats and spices. Prices notably lower than the tourist center. For dinner — midye dolma (stuffed mussels) sold right on the street: 10-15 lira each.

On the last day you have two choices: a budget sea trip to the Princes' Islands or a visit to Topkapı Palace.

Morning

If you choose the Princes' Islands (Adalar) — take a ferry from Kabataş. Round-trip ticket with Istanbulkart — about 60 lira. The closest and most popular island — Büyükada. Cars are banned on the islands, only horse carriages and bikes. Bike rental — 100-150 lira all day. Beaches free.

If you choose Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) — entry about 500 lira (Istanbul Museum Pass pays off if you plan several museums). Arrive at opening (9:00) to dodge queues. Address: Cankurtaran, Fatih.

Afternoon

For Princes' Islands visitors: bring food from the city or buy simit and cheese on the island from local vendors. Lunch with a sea view is free.

For Topkapı: the palace complex is huge — minimum 3-4 hours. Don't miss the Harem (separate ticket, about 250 lira) and the Treasury with the legendary 'Kasıkçı' diamond. Next to the palace — Gülhane Park, free entry, great for a picnic.

Evening

Last evening — in Eminönü by the pier. Buy roasted chestnuts (kestane) from street vendors — 30-50 lira a portion. Watch the sunset over the Bosphorus — completely free, unforgettable.

For a farewell dinner head to Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi — famous köfte shop running since 1920. A serving of köfte with bread and ayran — about 200 lira. Legendary place and honest prices.

Rain in Istanbul isn't a reason to stay in the hotel. Here's what to do:

• Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) — 6th-century underground reservoir with columns and mysterious lighting. Dry and cool inside, atmosphere otherworldly. Entry about 1500 lira, open daily.
• Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — 4000 covered shops, no rain. You can wander 60 market streets for hours, bargain for spices and sample Turkish tea with vendors.
• Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) — covered spice market by Eminönü. Cardamom, sumac and Turkish coffee aromas erase any weather. Vendors generously offer samples.
• Cafes and tea houses of Karaköy — best third-wave coffee in Istanbul here. Petra Roasting Co. or Kronotrop Coffee — perfect for waiting out a downpour with a good filter coffee.
• Chora Museum (Carie Müzesi) — former 14th-century church with the world's best Byzantine mosaics. Few tourists, entry about 350 lira, take the tram to Edirnekapı.

Tip: Istanbul rains can be sudden but short. Stick to covered bazaars and underground sights in the morning — by evening the sky usually clears.