Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Visit Old City
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 notable monuments or shops 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
"rooms are so clean, staff are awsome, and within a short distance of everyting I was looking for"
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
"We had an amazing time at the Arcadia Blue hotel at Sultanahmet. It’s a wonderful hotel and the staff were super helpful and accommodating. The location was fantastic, you could literally walk to every attractions in the area from Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi, Grand Bazaar, etc. the tram is ..."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
The Lola Hotel
"It's a best hotel. The service is good provided everything on a time best experience with Lola hotel. 😊"
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"This hotel was in a great location close to all the major sites. The hotel staff was super friendly and helpful. The bellman helped us immediately with our luggage and they let us check in early as soon as our room was available. The staff helped us with any information we needed and helped set up ..."
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
"Hotel is nice, spacious rooms but needs better maintenance"
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
"The hotel was lovely, clean and staff were very helpful. There was a delay checking in as our room wasn't ready but we were offered a free breakfast. We didn't eat there as we felt the food was very overpriced, there are many, many other more reasonably priced options."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Old City
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Taksim
Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.
Kadıköy
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.
Beşiktaş
Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler 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 Galata Tower and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
