Istanbul City Center

Istanbul

Hagia Sophia showing a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Basilica Cistern featuring religious aspects, interior views and a church or cathedral

Galata Tower featuring a bridge, a river or creek and a city

Hagia Sophia which includes a church or cathedral, views and interior views

Visit Istanbul City Center

Things to do

Where to stay

Istanbul travel guide

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

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.

Galata Tower

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Topkapi Palace

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Things to do

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

CA $35

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

CA $13

per adult

74% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

CA $67

per adult

80% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar Tour

CA $43

per adult

Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City

CA $40

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Istanbul: Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table

CA $48

per adult

86% of travellers recommend

See all activities in Istanbul

Other neighbourhoods around Istanbul City Center

Istanbul featuring a sunset, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(366 area reviews)

Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.