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.
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.
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.
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
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
Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide
Acemoglu Historical Turkish Bath with Private Options
Top hotels in Old City
Recital Hotel
Brilliant hotel n no issues n reception very helpful
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Wonderful staff. Great stay.
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Great location, close to so many points of interest for first timers in Istanbul. Very friendly and helpful staff, very responsive to messages ahead of our arrival and they helped us arrange transportation from the airport which was very helpful. Clean room and premises, rooftop restaurant was very ...
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Hotel location is convenient which is central to everything. Staff is friendly and breakfast is good. Only the room is a bit outdated and needs to be renovated.
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
A standard room is so small, especially the bathroom is so tiny. I am unable to pretend it is a 5 star hotel. Valet parking staff is not always on duty.
Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025
AJWA Sultanahmet
Beautiful property, rooms are dark though. Wish i had known hotel was “dry” and that gym hourse were segregated by gender. The timing with active touring never worked for me to go to the gym. Be aware that this part of Istanbul has very steep hills and wear appropriate footwear to walk to restaurants ...
Reviewed on 6 Dec 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 Grand Bazaar.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – 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 Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, 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.
