Merkez Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
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.
Galata Tower
Marvel at Istanbul's natural and architectural beauty from this medieval watchtower.
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.
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: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour
Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table
Our pick of the best Merkez Hotel Deals
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
The Marmara Taksim
Dedeman Bostancı
Other neighbourhoods around Merkez
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
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.
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.
Şişli
Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.
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.
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.
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- Topkapi Palace
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Sultanahmet Square
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center
- Florya Beach
- Yorukali Beach
- Bahçeşehir Gölet Park
- Basilica Cistern
- Sedef Island
- Vadistanbul AVM
- Istanbul Expo Center
- Ataturk Olympic Stadium
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Istinye Park
