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.
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.
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.
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 Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option
Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St.John
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025
AJWA Sultanahmet
Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Reviewed on 16 Jul. 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 Sultanahmet Square 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. Sultanahmet Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.