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 notable monuments or shops 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
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Stop in Asia Side
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour
Troy: Full-Day Tour from Istanbul
Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis Ancient City, Laodicea Ancient City
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025
Legacy Ottoman Hotel
Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025
AJWA Sultanahmet
Reviewed on 20 Aug 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 Topkapi Palace.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Eminönü
Known for its breathtaking beach views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eminönü. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Eminönü Square, and jump on the metro at Eminonu Station or Beyazit Station to see more of the city.
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.
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.