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.
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.
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.
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
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"Very clean facility, friendly staff, great location. Breakfast was also excellent."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
"Everything you need is closeby and very convenient the staff were amazing special praise for zul kifl, the brothers Batu and Ata Han Engin and also staff in the restaurant Ali hussain and the lady Emel i believe is her name they all looked after me and my wife really well thank you once again will ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 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
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
"Excellent staff and location. Very comfortable rooms with satellite TV. Staff members speak English and breakfast up on the 9th floor gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. Everything is very close in walking distance. 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
"Kind and attentive staff. Comfy beds and pillows. Good breakfast. Great location. Hagia Sophia (don’t waste your money), Blue mosque and other sites about 5 mins walk from the back gate."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
"Beautifully ornate hotel elegantly decorated with marble everywhere! Little details like keeping the towels and washcloths in their own fabric bags stood out. We loved our “greenery” room and would stay here again!"
Reviewed on 29 Apr 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 Sultanahmet Square – 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.
