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
Muy bien ubicado y una muy buena recomendación.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Excellent service and very accommodating staff The staff at Seven Hills Hotel were extremely prompt, cooperative, and professional throughout our stay. We initially faced a small issue with the room that was provided, but the concierge handled it very kindly and even offered us a complimentary room ...
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Great experience. Check in was speedy, room /facility was ~good ( obviously smaller space vs. USA lodgings), overall acceptable. Breakfast was perfect and great attendance by staff. Overall very pleased with property and it is a great central location for all the old town activities you are looking ...
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
We got a free upgrade on our room staff were lovely, rooms were spacious and clean. Breakfast had so much to choose from it was my birthday whilst I was in Istanbul and they made it very very special. I didn’t get the name or everyone but Ekrem was very helpful.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Hotel Amira Istanbul
It was an amazing experience.
Reviewed on 15 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.
