What's Old City like?

People go to Old City to see popular places such as Basilica Cistern, and to take in culture at top venues such as Hagia Sophia. Take time to enjoy the neighbourhood's museums and selection of cafes. Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square are a couple of popular sights that will definitely leave an impression.

Where are the best places to stay in Old City?

We have 874 accommodation options in the neighbourhood. Here are our customers' top places to stay in Old City:

White House Hotel Istanbul

Upmarket hotel with restaurant

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

Peyk Hotel

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

Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel with indoor pool and restaurant

• • Free valet parking • Free WiFi • Hot tub • Garden • Walkable location

Hotel Empress Zoe

City centre hotel with bar

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

Elanaz Hotel

3.5-star hotel with restaurant and bar

• • Free breakfast • Free WiFi • 24-hour front desk • Central 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
• • Istanbul (SAW-Sabiha Gokcen Intl.), 19.2 mi (30.9 km) from Old City

Getting to Old City on the metro

Stations in the neighbourhood 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 21°C)
• • Coldest months: January, February, March, December (average 6°C)
• • Rainiest months: December, January, November, February (average 106 mm of rainfall)