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
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment
Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht Experience – Asian Side Visit in Kanlica
Short Bosphorus Cruise Tour With Hotel Pickup And Audio Guide
Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The room was made up everyday and it was spotless. The lady was very friendly too as was reception.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
The room was clean and the staff was very helpful.
Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Staff was amazing
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Beautiful room, stunning hotel!
Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025
Recital Hotel
So pleased with the hotel. Fantastic location: within 5 mins walk of all ‘attractions’ but also did not feel overly ‘touristy’. Located very close to lots of restaurants. Staff very helpful. Suggest you go for a room with a sea view. The 5th floor terrace bar is AMAZING. Better than all other views ...
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Kare Hotel Sultanahmet
Very friendly staff.
Reviewed on 3 Nov 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.
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. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
