Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
Hagia Sophia
A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.
Topkapi Palace
Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Basilica Cistern
'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Great location. Great hotel.
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Recital Hotel
ER love it
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Fer Hotel
The popular mosque was within walking distance, which was very convenient and great. Even though it was very close to the downtown area, it was quiet and comfortable to stay.
Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Great room. Very friendly staff. They arranged a tour guide for us who was excellent and made our stay in Istanbul very special
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Staff were excellent. Breakfast was phenomenal with lots of tasty local options. Room was very spacious and beds were very comfortable. Lots of hot water. Location is perfect for local attractions e.g blue mosque and hagia sophia
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
The guest relations, reception team and housekeeping are 2nd to none. They were very welcoming, helpful and make sure that your stay is perfect. Special thanks to Hikmet and Samet who came to my rescue when I needed help and they really are a credit to the hotel. The hotel is in a great location, ...
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Old City
Sirkeci
Travellers choose Sirkeci for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sirkeci Station or Eminonu Station and check out top sights like Topkapi Palace.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Karaköy
Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Karaköy, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.
Galata
Travellers choose Galata for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station and check out top sights like Galata Tower.
Beyoğlu
Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Grand Bazaar is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
Old City Travel Guide
- Places of interest
- Hotels in Old City by Star Rating
- Choose Your Old City Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Istanbul neighborhoods
