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 notable monuments or stunning cathedral 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
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Staff excellent, super friendly and helpful Locaton was excellent, we were able to walk to aya sofia, thw basilica cisterns, grand bazaar, blue mosque and many other areas. The tram was locted within walking distance to visit ither areas like galata towera etx. The hotel had all the facilities we ...
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
The main selling point of this hotel is its location. You literally step outside, walk a short block, turn a corner and find yourself in front of Hagia Sophia and multiple other prime attractions. And the hotel’s rooftop restaurant has amazing views of everything. Everything else about this hotel ...
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Breakfast was really good with amazing blue mosque view
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
The staff were very good and informative. We had a lovely room that over looked the Bosphorus and the pool. It is set in a nice location, near all the sites in the Old City. Would recommend the hotel. The waitresses and waiters were very good and spoke good English, especially Tugba.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Fer Hotel
Clean room Good Selection-of items for breakfast Central location Comfortable
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
The Lola Hotel
No internet no service expensive
Reviewed on 20 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 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 Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, 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.
