Istanbul City Center Travel Guide
Istanbul
Visit Istanbul City Center
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide
Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath with Private Options
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Top hotels in Istanbul City Center
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Everything was super perfect
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Titanic City Taksim
Very nice staff
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Nice Hotel perfect area to walk around
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Wabi Hostels
it’s so clean and ppl so good ,it’s the best hostel in Istanbul.
Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025
The Marmara Taksim
Amazing location Amazing staff Everything top notch!!
Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Beautiful room and amazing view! Staff upgraded us without asking. Highly recommend!
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Check Istanbul City Center hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
