Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
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.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
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.
Eminönü Square
Learn about the local history of Istanbul with a stop at Eminönü Square. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath with Private Options
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Location is fantastic. All the top attractions within easy walking distance. Many food choices all around. Staff extremely friendly.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Fer Hotel
not the best breakfast. clean. good staff. good location
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Excellent room , great staff
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
I had a truly wonderful stay at Seven Hills Hotel Special Class. The experience was exceptional from start to finish. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Sultanahmet, making it incredibly convenient to explore Istanbul’s top attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, all within ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Excellent location with easy access to the major attractions, various levels of restaurants and transportation through the city. Spacious rooms which need some updating and refurbishing. Wonderful friendly and helpful staff. Very good breakfast with wide selection of items and excellent service. ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 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 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.
