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 shops or stunning cathedral 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
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive)
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Istanbul Hop On Hop Off Bus\24 Hours Ticket
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Great location. Great hotel.
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Recital Hotel
ER love it
Reviewed on 16 Nov 2025
Fer Hotel
The popular mosque was within walking distance, which was very convenient and great. Even though it was very close to the downtown area, it was quiet and comfortable to stay.
Reviewed on 20 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Great room. Very friendly staff. They arranged a tour guide for us who was excellent and made our stay in Istanbul very special
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Staff were excellent. Breakfast was phenomenal with lots of tasty local options. Room was very spacious and beds were very comfortable. Lots of hot water. Location is perfect for local attractions e.g blue mosque and hagia sophia
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025
No:12 Hotel Sultanahmet
Excelent hotel in the heart of Istanbul, great breakfast ando super friendly staff, they store our lugagge after the check out. Totally recomended for your vacations in Istanbul.
Reviewed on 13 Oct 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 Grand Bazaar.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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.
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.
