Old City Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a popular museum in Istanbul with a story of its own. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and stunning cathedral.
Blue Mosque
Find out about the history of Blue Mosque, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its seaside.
Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Grand Bazaar
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Grand Bazaar, a popular shopping spot in Istanbul. Add the area's notable monuments or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a popular museum in Istanbul with a rich history. Add the area's stunning cathedral 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 shops.
Top hotels in Old City
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The rooms was very clean. The staff very friendly ,breakfast was very good. Perfect location.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
The Lola Hotel
They tell you something and show you something. Please don't believe them. They have very bad staff.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
Hotel was nice but the desk staff was pushing us to book tours through them. Really pushing hard making it uncomfortable.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
🌹❤️
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Fer Hotel
Great breakfast. Nobody should walk away disappointed.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Incredibly small room, bed and shower was not great. Location is excellent and worth the long drive from airport. That said, the service for reserved shuttle from airport was not great and fairly pricey. Shuttle back to airport was pricey, but the driver and service was much better. Rooftop staff ...
Reviewed on 28 Apr 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 Topkapi Palace.
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 Galata Tower and Blue Mosque, 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. Galata Tower is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.
