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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
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.
Things to do
Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus\24 Hours Ticket
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive)
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour in Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide
Top hotels in Istanbul City Center
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The hotel is overall great! The staff is incredible! The majority of the restaurants are 5 stars the Nobu restaurant is not anything close to the kind in Miami. It’s also without a doubt one of the worst sushi restaurants I have ever been to. It really needs to be replaced.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Recital Hotel
Fantastic rooms and location.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Muy bien ubicado y una muy buena recomendación.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Everything was just as it should be. The concierge and doormen were excellent.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Titanic City Taksim
Excellent Hotel. Very nice staff especially Argan in reception. Close to tourists attractions.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
Very nice hotel
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Check Istanbul City Center hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
