Old City
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Sultanahmet Square
You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a visit to Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's notable monuments or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Basilica Cistern
The “Sunken Palace” is one of the most striking remnants of Byzantine Constantinople and is the largest of hundreds of ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
Old City Hotel Deals
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
This hotel is quite old although the rooms were spacious and very quiet. We found the bed extremely comfortable. We stayed at the hotel eight nights, and the breakfasts were tremendous. The yogourt was fantastic and I mixed honey directly from the comb with it. The hotel is located in a great area, ...
Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Senatus Hotel - Special Class
very good
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2025
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Lovely room and staff. Great time here. So close the the Hagia Sofia it felt like I was in the Mosque during the prayer times. Great central location to so many things! Loved it.
Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Seven Hills Palace & Spa
There is noise in the facility at late night hours around our room. Other than that it is a great
Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Recital Hotel
Nice and well maintained hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Streets are busy with traffic and shops.
Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Kare Hotel Sultanahmet
Good value. Very friendly helpful staff. I needed a cab at 3am, they made that possible. Great breakfast. USA
Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Other neighborhoods 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
Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.
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.
