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.
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.
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.
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
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive)
Istanbul:Princess Island Büyükada with Island Electric Car
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View
Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus\24 Hours Ticket
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
"The hotel is perfectly located in the historic district. Their buffet breakfast had a wide variety of well made food. The rooftop restaurant & view was excellent. Staff went above and beyond expectations and were extremely helpful and pleasant. I felt perfectly at home here and will return ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"Great property, well located within 10 mins walk to both hagia Sofia and blue mosque, well connected to the tram as well. We stayed there with 2 kids. Breakfast was excellent with a great spread, friendly staff, especially the front desk folks like Burhan. The pick and drop from airport was a great ..."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
The Lola Hotel
"it was really bad i can’t say it is a hotel i could get in this price better choice if they didn’t put other rooms instead of this room."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
"Best location and very good view!"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
"Nice hotel in reasonable location . Close to the blue mosque and topikia place . Decorating slightly weird"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
"While the property is amazing, the staff is the crown jewel of this property. Very courteous, ready to accommodate all your requests Location is wonderful lot of eating places around and the historical sites are 10 minutes walk"
Reviewed on 26 May 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 Sultanahmet Square – 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.
