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.

Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

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.

Basilica Cistern
The “Sunken Palace” is one of the most striking remnants of Byzantine Constantinople and is the largest of hundreds of ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
Things to do

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

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

3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Stop in Asia Side

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

Troy: Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

From Istanbul: Day Trip to Cappadocia with Flight & Lunch
Top hotels in Old City

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

AJWA Sultanahmet
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Reviewed on 23 Jul 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 Topkapi Palace.

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. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.