Sultanahmet Travel Guide
Istanbul





Visit Sultanahmet
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.

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.

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.

Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Istanbul. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.

Column of Constantine
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a trip to Column of Constantine. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its seaside.
Things to do

Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Top hotels in Sultanahmet

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff were very helpful. The location was very central and within walking distance to shops and restaurants and major sites like Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and Grand Bazaar. The breakfast buffet had a large selection of cold ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The airport shuttle arrangement and breakfast were great. There was some noise coming from the outside at night, but not enough to keep you from sleeping. This hotel did not disappoint, and we had a great stay. I did book this hotel hoping to get a hammam, but staff was out those days ;(
Reviewed on 4 May 2026

The Lola Hotel
They tell you something and show you something. Please don't believe them. They have very bad staff.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
We stayed at this hotel in 2023 and had a much better experience than this time. During our recent 10-night stay, the overall cleanliness was disappointing. The floors were dirty and were not cleaned even once during our stay, and the rooms had noticeable stains. A lot seems to have changed since ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Good location to explore historical sites. Beautiful rooms and friendly staff.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026

Fer Hotel
Great breakfast. Nobody should walk away disappointed.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Sultanahmet

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 Topkapi Palace.

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.

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.

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.

Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Grand Bazaar is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
