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.
Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Topkapi Palace
Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.
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
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
"The Sultanhan is in a perfect location to walk to everywhere we wanted to go, yet it is set back off a main street to escape the noise of a bustling city. Our room was very comfortable and clean. The free breakfast on the top floor was awesome and provided wonderful views. We ate there enough days ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
The Lola Hotel
"it was really bad i can’t say it is a hotel i could get in this price better choice if they didn’t put other rooms instead of this room."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"I had a lovely stay here. The location was in a great area, within walking distance of lots of restaurants, shops, and some of the main sites. My room felt quite spacious and was very clean, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Would happily stay here again!"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
"Mr Emir at the reception was exemplary, but it ends there! The housekeeping were hit and miss, but mostly miss. Breakfast staff on top floor were not polite and showed bad attitude. The property only and only makes up the positive reviews for it’s location and views, but the hotel itself is very ..."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
"The hotel has a perfect location looking out over the sea. There is a short but uphill walk to all the main attractions. At the end of the day it is a short downhill walk."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
"Great location, close to Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque. The rooms are amazing. Breakfast here is wonderful. Staff is very nice!"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 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 Sultanahmet Square 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 Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet 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.
