Istanbul City Center Travel Guide

Istanbul

Istanbul City Center
Hagia Sophia featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city
Basilica Cistern showing religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral
Galata Tower featuring a ferry, skyline and a river or creek
Hagia Sophia which includes interior views, views and religious elements

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

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.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious aspects

Blue Mosque

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar

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.

Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Galata Tower
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Topkapi Palace

Things to do

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

฿752
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
a lot birds and their lovers.

3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Stop in Asia Side

฿282
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Stop in Asia Side
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour

฿1,123
per adult
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool

฿1,691
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour

฿1,425
per adult
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour
From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch

฿831
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Istanbul: Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch
See all activities in Istanbul

Top hotels in Istanbul City Center

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is ฿10,055 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿10,055
฿11,261 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"The service was individualized and above our expectations. Great location and views! Everything felt effortless."

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cad No: 1 Taksim, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ฿6,033 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
฿6,033
฿6,965 total
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ฿4,655 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
฿4,655
฿5,214 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,076 reviews)
"Highly recommended. The hotel is in a tree lined street and feels very safe even at night. They gave us a free room upgrade facing the street. The staff are very friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Free breakfast at the rooftop restaurant gives a clear view of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Bosphorus ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sep 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The Marmara Taksim

The Marmara Taksim

5 out of 5
Taksim Square, Istanbul, Istanbul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,370 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
฿5,370
฿6,014 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Favorite hotel in Istanbul
"Marmara Taksim hotel is in great location and close enough to the main attractions and can walk down to the summer palace. The staff is very nice and great in helping with whatever is needed. Our room had a great view and very clean. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 8 Sep 2025

The Marmara Taksim
Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace Hotel

Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 52, Tepebasi Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ฿8,385 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
฿8,385
฿9,914 total
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, beautiful decor, attentive and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2025

Pera Palace Hotel
Divan Istanbul

Divan Istanbul

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cd. No:1, Taksim, Sisli, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is ฿6,374 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿6,374
฿7,139 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Excellent Experience – Even Better Than the Grand Hyatt Compared to our stay at the Grand Hyatt, this hotel exceeded all expectations and truly stood out as the better choice. The staff were absolutely wonderful—warm, helpful, and accommodating from the moment we arrived. We were upgraded to a premium ..."

Reviewed on 7 Sep 2025

Divan Istanbul
See all 3,226 properties in Istanbul City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center

Istanbul which includes a city, a marina and a sunset

Fatih

4.5/5(1,512 area reviews)

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.

Fatih
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Eminönü

Known for its breathtaking beach views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eminönü. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Eminönü Square, and jump on the metro at Eminonu Station or Beyazit Station to see more of the city.

Eminönü
Default Image

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.

Sirkeci
Galata Tower featuring cruising, general coastal views and a city

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.

Galata
Galata Tower featuring a bay or harbour, night scenes and a ferry

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.

Karaköy
Galata Tower featuring a bay or harbour, night scenes and a ferry

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.

Beyoğlu

Istanbul City Center Travel Guide