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.
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
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
I stayed 3 nights. Everything was good except internet connections. I had not WIFI connections in the room. Staff was really humbel and nice.
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Recital Hotel
Rich breakfast buffet with healthy food. The room was spacious, clean and well maintained. Location near Historic sites in walkable distance. Spectacular roof top view.
Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025
Fer Hotel
Clean and good location with friendly staff
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
I was immediately greeted, offered Turkish tea or coffee during registration and then taken to my room. This location is PERFECT for the main attraction sites. I was able to walk to most sites I wanted to visit. Hospitality was superb!
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Brilliant hotel, located close to some of the main attractions in Sultanahmet - and within easy reach (5mins walk) of two tram lines. The room and bathroom offered everything needed (including a fridge, free bottled water daily and air conditioning), the breakfast buffet had a good range of options, ...
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Excellent service Clean room Excellent location
Reviewed on 15 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 Grand Bazaar.
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
