Fatih Travel Guide

Istanbul

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
The Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that are used to decorate the interior) is one of the grandest and most famous mosques in Istanbul.

The mosque was criticized early on for having 6 minarets – the same number of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Sultan Ahmet overcame this problem by ordering a 7th minaret to be built at the Great Mosque.

One local anecdote claims that the original design called for several gold minarets. The architect realized that there wasn't enough gold in the empire to construct gold minarets, so he built six minarets instead. When questioned about his decision, the architect claimed that he mistakenly heard the instruction to be six ("altı" in Turkish) minarets rather than gold ("altın" in Turkish) minarets.

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This repurposed Medusa head helps to support the roof of the Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century CE by the Byzantine emperor Justinian as part of Constantinople's water system.

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Fatih

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7 Istanbul Istanbul
The price is ฿2,945 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿2,945
per night
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (2,225 reviews)
Location!

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul

4 out of 5
Dr. Imran Oktem Cad. No:1 Istanbul
Stay at this hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Great sized room, comfy bed and excellent location. Perfect for exploring all the sights by foot. Hotel staff were friendly and breakfast was excellent with plenty of options with a breathtaking view. Only slight negative was the duvet was not quite big enough to cover 2 People, a larger duvet or ...

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class

Cankurtaran Mh. Istanbul Istanbul
The price is ฿2,945 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿2,945
per night
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Amazing staffs. Clean room, great location. We initially had an issue with our room and the staff were very helpful and gave us a different room immediately. One of the best hotel stuffs I have ever seen.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Seven Hills Palace & Spa

Sultanahmet Mahallesi Kadi Cikmazi Sok. Istanbul
The price is ฿3,273 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
฿3,273
per night
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,060 reviews)
Stuff was very kind and helpfull

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Recital Hotel

Recital Hotel

3 out of 5
Binbirdirek Mah., Piyerloti Caddesi 21 Istanbul
The price is ฿3,087 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
฿3,087
per night
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Staff was extremely nice and helpful! Plenty of space in the room. Great proximity to tourist sites.

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Recital Hotel
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel

4 out of 5
Ahirkapi Sok. No: 24 Istanbul Istanbul
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (986 reviews)
Courteous front desk staff, bell boy, restaurant staff. Very nice hotel With excellent breakfast and rooftop restaurant.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
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 Fatih

Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

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.

Sirkeci
Panorama of Golden Horn Gulf and the Bosphorus in Istanbul

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
Karaköy

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
Blue Mosque which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet


Fatih Travel Guide