What's Old City Like?

People go to Old City to see favorite places like Basilica Cistern, and to take in culture at top venues like Hagia Sophia. Take time to enjoy the neighborhood's museums and selection of shops. Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square are a couple of popular sights sure to leave an impression.

Where are the Best Places to Stay in Old City?

We have 902 accommodations in the neighborhood. Here are some of our travelers' top places to stay in Old City:

Meg Hotel

City-center hotel

• • Free breakfast • Free WiFi • Rooftop terrace • 24-hour front desk • Attentive staff

White House Hotel Istanbul

Upscale hotel with restaurant

• • Free WiFi • Rooftop terrace • 24-hour front desk • Central location

Hotel Empress Zoe

City-center hotel with bar

• • Free breakfast • Free WiFi • Rooftop terrace • Garden • Walkable location

Ada Hotel Istanbul

City-center hotel

• • Free breakfast • Free WiFi • Rooftop terrace • 24-hour front desk • Central location

Walnut Shell Hotel

City-center hotel with restaurant

• • Free WiFi • Terrace • Garden • 24-hour front desk • Walkable location

How to Get to Old City

Old City is located 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from the heart of Istanbul.

Flying to:

• • Istanbul (IST), 20.9 mi (33.6 km) from Old City
• • Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), 19.2 mi (30.9 km) from Old City

Getting to Old City on Metro

Stations in the neighborhood include:

• • Cemberlitas Station
• • Sultanahmet Station
• • Gulhane Station

Things to See and Do in and around Old City

What to See in Old City

• • Basilica Cistern
• • Sultanahmet Square
• • Hagia Sophia
• • Blue Mosque
• • Galata Bridge

Things to Do in Old City

• • Grand Bazaar
• • The Egyptian Bazaar
• • Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
• • Istanbul Archaeology Museum
• • Arasta Bazaar

Other Popular Old City Attractions

• • Topkapi Palace
• • Hippodrome of Constantinople
• • Gulhane Park
• • Beyazit Square
• • Suleymaniye Mosque

When Is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

• • Hottest months: July, August, June, September (average 70°F)
• • Coldest months: January, February, March, December (average 43°F)
• • Rainiest months: December, January, November, February (average 4 inches of rainfall)