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 visit to Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral 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: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

3 Hours Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Stop in Asia Side

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table
Top hotels in Old City

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Seven Hills Palace & Spa
Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Fer Hotel
Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025

Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

AJWA Sultanahmet
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel
Reviewed on Sep 14, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Old City

Sirkeci
You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Sirkeci. Spend some time visiting top spots like Topkapi Palace, and catch the metro at Sirkeci Station or Eminonu Station to see more of the area.

Sultanahmet
Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

Eminönü
Known for its breathtaking beach views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eminönü. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Eminönü Square, and jump on the metro at Eminonu Station or Beyazit Station to see more of the city.

Karaköy
Consider a visit to Galata Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Karaköy. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station.

Galata
Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Galata, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.

Beyoğlu
Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.