Merkez Travel Guide
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
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.
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.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a popular museum in Istanbul with a story of its own. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
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.
Galata Tower
You can learn more about the history of Istanbul when you visit a top site such as Galata Tower. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a popular museum in Istanbul with a rich history. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Top hotels in Merkez
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025
Selectum City Atasehir
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Merkez
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 Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
Fatih
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.
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.
Şişli
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.
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.
- Taksim Square
- Hagia Sophia
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- Mall of Istanbul
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Sultanahmet Square
- Galataport
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Bağdat Avenue
- Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center
- Florya Beach
- Bahçeşehir Gölet Park
- Basilica Cistern
- Ciragan Palace
- Pera Palace Hotel
- Kadıköy Port
- Vadistanbul AVM
- Forum Istanbul
- Istanbul Expo Center
- Ataturk Olympic Stadium
- Istinye Park
- Egyptian Bazaar