Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
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.
Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. 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
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Great location
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Great location, clean room, helpful staff
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Arcadia Blue and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul. A special thank you to Emir, who was incredibly helpful in guiding us with transportation around the city—his advice made getting around Istanbul so much easier. Furkan was also fantastic, assisting ...
Reviewed on 5 May 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
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Hotel itself was mostly fine, but fell below expectations in the photos on Expedia. Our room was in the 'annexe', separate from the rest of the hotel, and with a corridor that opened onto the city street. This on several occasions was left unlocked which, along with the wonky lock on the door of ...
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Fer Hotel
We felt very welcom at Fer Hotel. The staff was amazing, and the service was very good. The rooms were spotless, and housekeeping was quick each day. The breakfast was amazing!
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
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 Sultanahmet Square to Blue Mosque – 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.
