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 notable monuments 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
Recital Hotel
Fantastic rooms and location.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Wonderful staff. Great stay.
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Great location, close to so many points of interest for first timers in Istanbul. Very friendly and helpful staff, very responsive to messages ahead of our arrival and they helped us arrange transportation from the airport which was very helpful. Clean room and premises, rooftop restaurant was very ...
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Hotel Amira Istanbul
This was one of the most perfect Hotel stay.The staff was great, everything was 10, Thanks for making our Vacation wonderful 👍
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
A standard room is so small, especially the bathroom is so tiny. I am unable to pretend it is a 5 star hotel. Valet parking staff is not always on duty.
Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025
AJWA Sultanahmet
Beautiful property, rooms are dark though. Wish i had known hotel was “dry” and that gym hourse were segregated by gender. The timing with active touring never worked for me to go to the gym. Be aware that this part of Istanbul has very steep hills and wear appropriate footwear to walk to restaurants ...
Reviewed on 6 Dec 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.
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 Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, 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.
