Merkez Travel Guide
Istanbul
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.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
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.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Top hotels in Merkez
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
"Staff were wonderful and always helpful"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
"Fantastic hotel. Staff extremely helpful, great gym and pool. A really pleasant experience."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Titanic City Taksim
"Very clean and good location, near bus and metro and taksim square. Hotel was clean and staff were friendly. Spend 8 nights there with out issues"
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
"Breakfast menu good and varied. Car parking not used"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Divan Istanbul
"Room was very spacious, and ultra clean! A/C worked well, and it was very easy to maintain a perfect room temperature. Never met a staff member who wasn't smiling. Morning breakfast buffet was an abundance of riches! (I won't dare tell how much weight I gained!) Highly recommend this hotel."
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"Very clean facility, friendly staff, great location. Breakfast was also excellent."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merkez
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Hagia Sophia is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
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 Hagia Sophia 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.
Şişli
Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.
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.
Taksim
Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.
