Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Eminönü Square
Learn about the local history of Istanbul with a stop at Eminönü Square. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.
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
Istanbul: Camlica Tower Entry with Optional Dining Choices
Top hotels in Old City
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Clean hotel and spa with a personality.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Staff were amazing; so helpful, courteous, amusing, thoughtful and went over and above to make sure our stay was the best possible
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Excellent hotel in a great location. Walkable to so many major attractions.
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Recital Hotel
Very good location to visit main attractions of the city. Staff is very generous and friendly! Highly recommended! The rooms are a little bit old but everything seemed well maintained.
Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Clean room. Staff very kind. Breakfast was amazing
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Good location and great service
Reviewed on 8 Jan 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 Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – 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 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.
