Merkez Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

Taksim Square

4/5(78 reviews)

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.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a mosque

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(77 reviews)

Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(80 reviews)

A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(88 reviews)

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.

Grand Bazaar
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

4/5(64 reviews)

Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.

Galata Tower
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(65 reviews)

Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.

Topkapi Palace

Activities

Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht Istanbul Bosphorus

Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide

AU$71
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide
Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht Istanbul

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

AU$80
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul

AU$64
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool

AU$80
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool
Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan

Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan

AU$4
per traveller
Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan
Blue Mosque

Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

AU$129
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert
See all activities in Istanbul

Our pick of the best Merkez Hotel Deals

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is AU$540 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$540
per night
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,021 reviews)
"Excellent Service but sometimes Sun/Heat didn’t help for in room freshness."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cad No: 1 Taksim, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is AU$314 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
AU$314
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
"the service was excellent , beautiful hotel, great staff very clean and excellent atmosphere"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
Divan Istanbul

Divan Istanbul

5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cd. No:1, Taksim, Sisli, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is AU$343 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$343
per night
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,024 reviews)
"We had great time. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Divan Istanbul
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul

5 out of 5
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. NO. 19, Macka Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is AU$455 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
AU$455
per night
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,073 reviews)
"Amazing hotel with great service. Only recommendation would be for non-smoking rooms - The smell of cigarettes resides in the air conditioning system, which can be unpleasant. Otherwise, everything else is excellent."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$321 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$321
per night
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,107 reviews)
"Wondeful staff and great views from the roof top restaurant. So many things ate within walking distance. We enjoyed our time here."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is AU$135 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$135
per night
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,130 reviews)
"Guest services at checkout and room services"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
See all 5,283 properties in Merkez
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Merkez

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Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

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.

Istanbul City Center
Istanbul featuring a sunset, general coastal views and a marina

Fatih

4.5/5(230 area reviews)

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.

Fatih
Galata Tower featuring night scenes, a bay or harbour and a ferry

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.

Beyoğlu
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Şişli

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

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.

Şişli
Galata Tower featuring a city, cruising and general coastal views

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.

Galata
Galata Tower featuring night scenes, a bay or harbour and a ferry

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.

Karaköy

Merkez Travel Guide

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