Old City Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Hagia Sophia
A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
Topkapi Palace
Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.
Basilica Cistern
'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.
Activities
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
Half day Fener-Balat Walking Tour in Turkiye
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
The room was very clean. Staff tried to tell us tours immediately upon check-in and were upset that we had already booked tours. Not super helpful with directions or other things.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Location was amazing! You can walk everywhere or take the tram. Plus staff was really nice.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Recital Hotel
Room is basic but meet the needs. Staff is very helpful
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Clean room. Staff very kind. Breakfast was amazing
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
the hotel is in a perfect location close to Hagia Sophia with a rooftop terrace and dining area with outstanding views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque Staff were very friendly and hospitable
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class
The Management is always welcoming and friendly
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
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 Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
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.
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 Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
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.
Old City Travel Guide
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- Basilica Cistern
- Binbirdirek Cistern
- Hagia Sophia
- Visit Aksaray
- Visit Altunizade
- Visit Bağcılar
- Visit Bayrampasa
- Visit Bebek
- Visit Bostanci
- Visit Cankurtaran
- Visit Çukur
- Visit Emin Sinan
- Visit Etiler
- Visit Fatih
- Visit Fındıkzade
- Visit Fulya
- Visit Goztepe
- Visit Gungoren
- Visit Iskenderpasa
- Visit Kadıköy
- Visit Kâğıthane
- Visit Karaköy
- Visit Kumkapi
- Visit Kurucesme
- Visit Laleli
- Visit Levent
- Visit Macka
- Visit Merter
- Visit Ortaköy
- Visit Rasimpasa
- Visit Suadiye
- Visit Talimhane
- Istanbul Holidays
- Visit Istanbul
- Sogukcesme Sokagi
- Sultans Trail
