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.
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
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
I had an excellent stay at this hotel. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The room had everything I needed. The rooftop restaurant is fantastic. The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to many attractions.
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Great place to stay! Very Clean, close to everything. The restaurant attached was an excellent choice for dinner. The hotel was close to everything, from the port to shopping, sightseeing, and the Blue as well as the Brown Mosques. I highly recommend!
Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
The hotel was perfect for our needs. Well located with very friendly and willing staff. We had a generous breakfast included, so we took this on the rooftop, enjoying the incredible views. The room was well appointed with a very comfortable bed. Particular mention to Ozi - for his helpful advice ...
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Despite a troubled start, the manager and his team went above and beyond to make sure our stay was nothing short of perfect. My sincere thanks to the hotel for their professionalism and customer focus. The Hotel is superbly fitted out, comfortable and the breakfast range is excellent. I look forward ...
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025
Recital Hotel
Staff was great, breakfast was decent. The mattress was a bit hard but acceptable, and the hotel was clean. The location was good, close to the tram and attractions.
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
Kare Hotel Sultanahmet
En terminos de limpieza y servicio el hotel esta muy bien. El desalluno podria mejorar en variedad. Nos disguto el hecho de que apagan los aires acondicionado. Ellos alegan que como afuera esta frio no se necesita el aire. Entonces hay que dejar la ventana abierta y el ruido que entra de la calle ...
Reviewed on 2 Nov 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 Topkapi Palace.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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.
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.
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.
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
Old City Travel Guide
- Places of interest
- Hotels in Old City by Star Rating
- Choose Your Old City Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Istanbul neighborhoods
