Old City Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
Blue Mosque
The bright blue ceramic tiles that line the interior of this great traditional mosque are a sight to behold.
Grand Bazaar
Stock up on artisanal curios as you explore thousands of shops in Istanbul's enormous covered market, one of the largest and oldest in the world.
Hagia Sophia
Throughout its various incarnations as a church, an Orthodox cathedral, a mosque, and a museum, this magnificent structure has dominated Istanbul's skyline.
Topkapi Palace
Admire a vast array of artefacts as you explore this magnificent palace in the Old City, home to the Ottoman sultans for around 400 years.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.
Basilica Cistern
Visit the Sunken Palace, the city's largest and most impressive Byzantine underground reservoir, for a tourist experience unique to Istanbul.
Activities
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
Topkapi Palace with Harem and Blue Mosque Guided Tour
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Cruise to the Princes' Islands
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 20 May 2024
Reviewed on 17 May 2024
Reviewed on 22 May 2024
Reviewed on 16 May 2024
Reviewed on 22 May 2024
Reviewed on 20 May 2024
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.
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.
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.