Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the historic peninsula's open-air museum: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern sit within a short walk of each other. Stay here for first visits and early starts, but choose a quieter street if you want to sleep before midnight.
Sultanahmet
Istanbul is the meeting point of Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus running through the middle. Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the bazaars, ferries and neighbourhood food culture make it a city that rewards both a short visit and a long stay.
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the historic peninsula's open-air museum: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern sit within a short walk of each other. Stay here for first visits and early starts, but choose a quieter street if you want to sleep before midnight.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November; start before 09:00 for the main sights.