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.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. 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 shops.
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The hotel was super traditional, and our room was spotless. The staff was really helpful and friendly too. Everything, like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, was just a 15 minute walk away. I had issues with my mobility, so I wouldn't stay on the European side. It's very hilly. The tram was quick ...
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Great, fresh breakfast spread. Room was clean. Then only disappointing part was that we booked two rooms and the room with three beds for our kids was larger was bigger with a bigger en-suite than our room/washroom with the king bed. Having said that, location was amazing (central to all major attraction ...
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
I had no idea what to expect because I didn’t know Istanbul when I made the booking. I figured we’d stay a few nights and then move once we knew the layout of the city. Instead we extended here for the whole week. The location is perfect for sightseeing and vacationers. Plenty of convenient walking ...
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Fer Hotel
Extremely lovely little gem in the heart of old town, Istanbul. A beautifully designed hotel around a well lit courtyard. The staff is very courteous, the breakfast buffet is extensive and the location of this hotel is picture perfect being a five minute walk from the great mosques, the grand bazaar ...
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
The Lola Hotel
They tell you something and show you something. Please don't believe them. They have very bad staff.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
The Hotel Beyaz Saray & Spa - Special Category
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 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.
