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
amazing stay ,, so glad we picked this hotel. can’t think of anything in city that’s not accessible from this location. Amazing breakfast with views Touche was above and beyond taking care of guests.
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills was one of the best experiences I’ve had traveling. I travel a lot. Oran, who I always wanted to call Michael, but I knew that was wrong 😂, helped me so much with arrangements. Fatima is an awesome gal, and I’m mad at myself for not remembering other names. You might see Groucho Marx ...
Reviewed on 7 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
What a great hotel we thoroughly enjoyed. It actually came back to stay an extra day.
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025
Fer Hotel
The FER Hotel has a fantastic location within walking distance of all the Sultanahmet tourist spots. The staff is wonderful and very efficient. It all works from reception to breakfast to cleaning. The building is modern and so quite. We will be back soon
Reviewed on 7 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.
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. Grand Bazaar 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
