Old City Travel Guide
Tourist 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.
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.
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.
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 shops or stunning cathedral 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: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025
AJWA Sultanahmet
Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025
Fer Hotel
Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025
Recital Hotel
Reviewed on 17 Sept 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 Topkapi Palace.
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.
