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.
Eminönü Square
Learn about the local history of Istanbul with a stop at Eminönü Square. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.
Activities
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Half day Fener-Balat Walking Tour in Turkiye
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guided Tour
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-line Entry & Guided Tour
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
Our pick of the best Old City Hotel Deals
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
I enjoyed my 6 days stay at sultanhan hotel warm welcome from the staffs very clean hotel spotless good room size nice turkish breakfast Close to all tourists attractions Short walking distance to blue mosque I will definitely go that hotel again And i truly recommend to anyone who wants to book ...
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is lovely and we were upgraded to a beautiful room. The pool was being renovated but I imagine in the summer it’s really nice. Great location to old town Istanbul all within walking distance.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
Recital Hotel
The room and hotel generally was very clean and exceeded my expectations. Staff were very helpful and kind, they even lent me their Istanbulkart and didn't struggle moving around. Would highly recommend and stay at Recital again anytime I'm in Istanbul.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
AJWA Sultanahmet
fantastic experience
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
The service and housekeeping was superb. The Hotel is convenient, informative, and affable. The restaurant has an excellent breakfast, excellent lunch and dinner but the spectacular aspect is the view. Culminating with the view ( especially for children ) is the rooftop where they can feed the birds. ...
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Amazing service staff really good. Very helpful. Will go back
Reviewed on 26 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 Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – 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 Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, 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
