Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
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.
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
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 notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.
Eminönü Square
Learn about the local history of Istanbul with a stop at Eminönü Square. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The room and all services were excellent. Loved the rooftop restaurant and the service was superb!
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Great sized room, comfy bed and excellent location. Perfect for exploring all the sights by foot. Hotel staff were friendly and breakfast was excellent with plenty of options with a breathtaking view. Only slight negative was the duvet was not quite big enough to cover 2 People, a larger duvet or ...
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Amazing place
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Amazing staffs. Clean room, great location. We initially had an issue with our room and the staff were very helpful and gave us a different room immediately. One of the best hotel stuffs I have ever seen.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Recital Hotel
Staff was extremely nice and helpful! Plenty of space in the room. Great proximity to tourist sites.
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Courteous front desk staff, bell boy, restaurant staff. Very nice hotel With excellent breakfast and rooftop restaurant.
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
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 Grand Bazaar.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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.
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.
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
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.
