Istanbul City Center Travel Guide
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.
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.
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.
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 Historical Tour with Guide, Lunch and Transfers
Monuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
2-Day Tour of Cappadocia, with Flights & Accommodation
Istanbul Turkish Bath in Ottoman Style at Hammam with Drinks
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Top hotels in Istanbul City Center
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 7 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 8 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old City
Enjoy the popular shops in Old City. Grand Bazaar is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Cemberlitas Station or Sultanahmet Station to see more of Istanbul.
- 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
- Vodafone Park
- Gülhane Park
- Galata Bridge
- Istanbul Cruise Ship Terminal
- Yenikapi Ferry Terminal
- Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
- Acibadem Taksim Hospital
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Eminonu Pier
- Taksim Gezi Park
- Istanbul University
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
- Nişantaşı Hotels
- Galata Hotels
- Sirkeci Hotels
- Old City Hotels
- Eminönü Hotels
- Laleli Hotels
- Zeytinburnu Hotels
- Aksaray Hotels
- Bayrampasa Hotels
- Pera Hotels
- Beyazit Hotels
- Cihangir Hotels
- Cagaloglu Hotels