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 shops or notable monuments 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 stunning cathedral.
Top hotels in Old City
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Yes it was good
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Excellent location. Very clean and comfortable bedroom. Brilliant views from the roof top restaurant.
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Clean room, great views, good shower and amenities, staff very very nice and on it. Amazing breakfast and perfect location for all tourist sites. We loved it
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Recital Hotel
The room and hotel generally was very clean and exceeded my expectations. Staff were very helpful and kind, they even lent me their Istanbulkart and didn't struggle moving around. Would highly recommend and stay at Recital again anytime I'm in Istanbul.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
fantastic experience
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Amazing service staff really good. Very helpful. Will go back
Reviewed on 26 Jan 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.
