Sultanahmet-Old City Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Sultanahmet-Old City, Istanbul, including top cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and delicious local cuisine. Plan your perfect trip with our helpful travel guide.


Introduction to Sultanahmet-Old City

Sultanahmet-Old City is a historic district in Istanbul, Turkey. This area is the heart of Istanbul’s history, architecture, and culture. Sultanahmet-Old City is home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic and well-preserved landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.

List of Places to Visit in Sultanahmet-Old City

Sultanahmet-Old City has a lot to offer curious visitors. From cultural landmarks to beautiful scenery, here are some of the best attractions to visit in Sultanahmet-Old City.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Blue Mosque
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Hippodrome of Constantinople
  • Istanbul Archaeology Museum
  • Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum

Natural Attractions of Sultanahmet-Old City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gulhane Park
  • Bosphorus Strait
  • Prince Islands
  • Buyukada Island
  • Golden Horn
  • Camlica Hill

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sultanahmet-Old City

Sultanahmet-Old City has plenty of beautiful natural scenery and historic landmarks to explore on foot or bike. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes in Sultanahmet-Old City.

  • Istanbul Walking Tour
  • Istanbul Bike Tour
  • Istanbul Sunset Cruise and Galata Tower
  • Bosphorus Strait Boat Tour

Best Things to Do in Sultanahmet-Old City: Activities and Tours

  • Sampling Turkish Cuisine
  • Turkish Bath and Massage
  • Belly Dancing and Folk Music
  • Whirling Dervish Performance
  • Bosphorus Strait Sunset Cruise
  • Galata Tower and Sunset Tour
  • Photography Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Sultanahmet-Old City

Looking for a detailed itinerary for your week-long trip to Sultanahmet-Old City? Here’s a sample itinerary that includes some of the best attractions and activities:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
2 Explore Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
3 Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
4 Enjoy the natural beauty of Gulhane Park and the Bosphorus Strait.
5 Take a day trip to the Prince Islands and try local seafood.
6 Visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Camlica Hill.
7 Sample local cuisine and catch a whirling dervish performance.

Food and Drink Scene of Sultanahmet-Old City

If you’re interested in trying Turkish cuisine, Sultanahmet-Old City has plenty of amazing restaurants and cafes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Turkish kebabs
  • Pide (Turkish pizza)
  • Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread)
  • Mezze (Turkish tapas)
  • Turkish dessert (such as baklava or Turkish delight)

Local Beverages

  • Turkish tea
  • Raki (an anise-flavored liquor)
  • Turkish coffee
  • Ayran (a yogurt-based drink)

Where to Stay in Sultanahmet-Old City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sultanahmet-Old City has a variety of accommodation options, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the best options for hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Sultanahmet-Old City:

  • Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet
  • Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul
  • Lazzoni Hotel Istanbul
  • Gulhane Park Hotel
  • Stone Hotel Istanbul

What to Buy in Sultanahmet-Old City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sultanahmet-Old City also has plenty of shops and markets where you can find unique local products to take home as souvenirs, including:

  • Turkish rugs and carpets
  • Turkish lamps and lanterns
  • Turkish ceramics and pottery
  • Turkish spices and teas
  • Turkish textiles

Local Culture and Customs of Sultanahmet-Old City

If you’re planning to visit Sultanahmet-Old City, it’s important to be aware of the local customs and culture. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try to learn some basic Turkish phrases.

Best Time to Visit Sultanahmet-Old City

The best time to visit Sultanahmet-Old City is between March to May or September to November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sultanahmet-Old City

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable visit in Sultanahmet-Old City.

Do:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take your time and explore the city at your own pace.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Be disrespectful of local customs or traditions.
  • Leave your valuables unattended.
  • Rely on public transportation late at night.

Safety and Health

Sultanahmet-Old City is a relatively safe destination for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here’s what you need to know about safety and health in Sultanahmet-Old City.

Safety in Sultanahmet-Old City

  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your valuables.
  • Avoid walking alone late at night.
  • Be cautious when using public transportation.
  • Stay in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Sultanahmet-Old City

  • Make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
  • Drink bottled water or boiled water.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Be cautious when eating street food.

Getting to Sultanahmet-Old City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sultanahmet-Old City is easily accessible by public transportation or private car. Here are some transportation options to help you get to Sultanahmet-Old City:

Airports Near Sultanahmet-Old City

  • Istanbul Ataturk Airport
  • Sabiha Gokcen International Airport

Bus Stations Near Sultanahmet-Old City

  • Istanbul Esenler Bus Station
  • Istanbul Harem Bus Station

Other Options

  • Istanbul Ferry Services
  • Istanbul Taxis

How to Get Around in Sultanahmet-Old City

Sultanahmet-Old City is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of transportation options available for visitors. Here are some popular ways to get around Sultanahmet-Old City:

  • Public transportation (tram, bus, metro)
  • Taxi
  • Bike rental
  • Walking

Where to Go Next from Sultanahmet-Old City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re interested in exploring more of Turkey, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to choose from. Here are some popular options:

  • Cappadocia (famous for its unique rock formations and underground cities)
  • Pamukkale (known for its natural hot springs and white terraces)
  • Ephesus (an ancient Greek city known for its well-preserved ruins)

Conclusion

Sultanahmet-Old City is a beautiful and historic destination that offers visitors a unique window into Istanbul’s cultural and architectural heritage. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and landmarks or indulging in some local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Sultanahmet-Old City. Use our comprehensive travel guide to plan your perfect trip to Sultanahmet-Old City.

The Topkapı Palace as seen from across the Bosphorus The Topkapı Palace as seen from across the Bosphorus Alemdar Caddesi Alemdar Caddesi Hagia Sofia Hagia Sofia Inside Hagia Sofia Inside Hagia Sofia Sultanahmet also known as the Blue Mosque Sultanahmet also known as the Blue Mosque Basilica Cistern Basilica Cistern Istanbul Archaeology Museums Istanbul Archaeology Museums Main footpath of Gülhane Park lined with plane trees Main footpath of Gülhane Park lined with plane trees The domes of the Rüstempaşa (closer, lower) and Süleymaniye (further, upper) Mosques The domes of the Rüstempaşa (closer, lower) and Süleymaniye (further, upper) Mosques The Valens Aqueduct The Valens Aqueduct Zeyrek Mosque with the three former churches making it up still distinguishable Zeyrek Mosque with the three former churches making it up still distinguishable Interior of Chora Church Interior of Chora Church The tower of Phanar Greek College The tower of Phanar Greek College One of the Grand Bazaar rows One of the Grand Bazaar rows A shopping alley in Mahmutpaşa A shopping alley in Mahmutpaşa Restaurants beneath Galata Bridge Restaurants beneath Galata Bridge Kumkapı comes alive at night Kumkapı comes alive at night Four Seasons is a former History of justice prison Four Seasons is a former History of justice prison The city walls are indeed interesting and worthwhile to explore, but what appears to be fresh soot from a recent bonfire is a good indication of where you shouldn't linger for too long The city walls are indeed interesting and worthwhile to explore, but what appears to be fresh soot from a recent bonfire is a good indication of where you shouldn't linger for too long