Old City
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
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.
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.
Things to do
Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit
Flexible Combo: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Basilica, Blue Mosque
Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide
Top hotels in Old City
Recital Hotel
Fantastic rooms and location.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Good service, ideal location, amazing breakfast.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Staff was very accommodating. Hotel is in a perfect location, near Hagia Sophia. View from rooftop is incredible. Four Seasons is just down the street at a much more expensive price. Only issue is that there’s a sister hotel near the water named Seven Hills Palace and my driver confused the two.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
Room was great, breakfast was excellent, staff was very friendly, location was super
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
What a great hotel we thoroughly enjoyed. It actually came back to stay an extra day.
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025
Fer Hotel
Great service from start to finish. Great location, clean and nice hotel. Will definitely stay there again
Reviewed on 30 Nov 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 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.
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. Grand Bazaar is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
