The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a trip to Istanbul

Day 2: Sip some tea and get ready for yet another day filled with historical treasures. There’s plenty left to be seen in Istanbul.

Capture the jaw-dropping sight of Dolmabahçe Palace in your heart:

Begin your second day with a spectacular palace located on the European coastline of the Bosphorus strait. Extensively decorated with crystal and gold, Dolmabahçe Palace often leaves its onlookers bedazzled. Don’t faint, but fourteen tonnes of gold (yes, you got it right) in the form of gold leaf were used to gild the ceilings. The Palace also has the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, in its Ceremonial Hall. Spend half a day here admiring the grandeur of the Palace.

Climb up the Galata Tower:

Constructed in 1348, Galata Tower with its famous Golden Horn was the tallest edifice in the city for centuries. A high, cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline of Istanbul offers a great view of the city. There’s an observation deck, café, restaurant and a night club too. However, be prepared as it can be very crowded and the admission fee is steep.

Walk across the Galata Bridge:

One of the most magical Istanbul experiences is walking across the Galata Bridge. The bridge itself is not a beautiful sight but it offers a splendid view of the mosques atop the hills of the city. Watch the ferries come and go from one of the many lovely café’s here.

Take a walk in Taksim Square:

Located in the European part of Istanbul, Taksim Square is Istanbul’s famous leisure district and a major tourist attraction for its shops, restaurants, and hotels. Regarded as the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square was inaugurated in 1928. Take a stroll around the square to watch the locals go about their daily lives.

Party hard in Beyoglu:

Conclude your Day-2 in Istanbul by letting your hair down in Beyoglu, the high-octane entertainment hub in the city, Beyoğlu is where the search for bohemian bars, live-music venues, hip hotels, good restaurants and edgy boutiques end.