Istanbul City Center Travel Guide
Istanbul
Visit Istanbul City Center
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Things to do
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City
Top hotels in Istanbul City Center
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025
The Marmara Taksim
Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025
Check Istanbul City Center hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
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.
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.
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.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
- Places of interest
- Choose Your Istanbul City Center Hotel Style
- Hotels in top Istanbul neighborhoods
- More trip options
- Taksim Square
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Galata Tower
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Egyptian Bazaar
- Gülhane Park
- Tupras Stadium
- Istanbul Cruise Ship Terminal
- Galata Bridge
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
- Yenikapi Ferry Terminal
- Eminonu Pier
- Acibadem Taksim Hospital
- Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I
Choose Your Istanbul City Center Hotel Style
Hotels Near Istanbul City Center, Istanbul
- Sultanahmet Hotels
- Taksim Hotels
- Beşiktaş Hotels
- Fatih Hotels
- Şişli Hotels
- Beyoğlu Hotels
- Karaköy Hotels
- Sirkeci Hotels
- Nişantaşı Hotels
- Galata Hotels
- Zeytinburnu Hotels
- Eminönü Hotels
- Laleli Hotels
- Aksaray Hotels
- Cagaloglu Hotels
- Bayrampasa Hotels
- Harbiye Hotels
- Old City Hotels
- Cankurtaran Hotels
- Cihangir Hotels
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