Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul





Visit Old City
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.

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.

Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's notable monuments or shops 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

Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Bursa Day Trip with Lunch & Cable Car Ride

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show
Top hotels in Old City

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
"Excellent stay with staff that went out of the way to help us at every turn. Hotel is ideally located for visitor attractions. Thank you"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026

Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
"Great location"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

The Lola Hotel
"We had a fantastic stay at this hotel in Istanbul. The location was excellent, making it easy to explore the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and shops. The staff were incredibly welcoming, professional, and always willing to help with any questions or requests. Our room was spotless, comfortable, ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"There are no blankets on the beds, The blanket is in the closet- it is dirty,( I had 3 beds and 3 blankets, one worse then the other) It’s obviously not washed between guests and it looks this way. I had to sleep in sweat shirt. That is a big -never staying in this hotel again -for me."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
"Same breakfast everyday, clean room but limited amenities, laundry is overpriced. Restaurant menu is mediocre and overpriced. Bathroom shower poor set up, water overflows to the bathroom floor outside of the shower. Staff was ok."
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026

AJWA Sultanahmet
"The hotel was lovely, clean and staff were very helpful. There was a delay checking in as our room wasn't ready but we were offered a free breakfast. We didn't eat there as we felt the food was very overpriced, there are many, many other more reasonably priced options."
Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Old City

Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Büyükada

Taksim
Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Kadıköy
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.
Old City Travel Guide
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- Visit Aksaray
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