Istanbul City Center Travel Guide
Istanbul
Visit Istanbul City Center
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.
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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Istiklal Avenue
During your visit to Istanbul, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Istiklal Avenue. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide
Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath with Private Options
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour
Top hotels in Istanbul City Center
Titanic City Taksim
It was an excellent experience. The staff were helpful, the rooms were luxurious. The food was wonderful.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Divan Istanbul
Best hotel
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The room was spotless and the staff was superb!!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
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
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
After a long travel day, we were lucky enough to meet the supervisor, Hatice, at the front desk after we checked in. She was extremely welcoming and helpful with any of our requests. The rooms were spotless and beautiful, the spa was immaculate and the service was just outstanding! We are frequent ...
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
This was one of the best stays we’ve had in Istanbul. Never having stayed in Taksim Sq and with a car, we appreciated the valet parking and relatively very easy access off the highway. The location is great to be able to walk and take public transport to most of the great sights. We were upgraded ...
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
