A practical guide to the historic sites, cafés and walking routes to explore when you stay in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Photo: Arild Vågen / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Zeynep Sultan Hotel is within easy walking distance of Istanbul's most important historic and cultural landmarks. Plan an unforgettable Istanbul itinerary around Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
Hagia Sophia brings Byzantine and Ottoman history together beneath one remarkable dome. With its mosaics, architecture and central square, it is the essential first stop on a Sultanahmet itinerary.
Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Istanbul historyOpen route in Google Maps
Known for its blue Iznik tiles, the Blue Mosque shapes Istanbul's skyline with elegant minarets and a generous courtyard. Discover it together with Hagia Sophia across the historic square.
Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Mosque, historic peninsulaOpen route in Google Maps
Photo: Joseolgon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0Topkapi Palace Museum reveals Ottoman history through imperial treasures, sacred relics, courtyards and views opening towards the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul museums, Ottoman historyOpen route in Google Maps
The Basilica Cistern creates an atmospheric journey through Byzantine engineering, with forest-like columns and the famous Medusa heads. It is a cool and memorable pause in the city.
Basilica Cistern, Underground Cistern, Byzantine historyOpen route in Google Maps
Explore Istanbul's trading culture among spices, handwoven carpets, jewellery, ceramics and copperwork in the covered streets of the Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul shopping, historic marketOpen route in Google Maps
The Spice Bazaar opens onto a colourful world of spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and local flavours. Extend your walk towards Eminonu and taste the city along the way.
Spice Bazaar, Istanbul food market, EminonuOpen route in Google Maps
The German Fountain is an elegant monument in Sultanahmet Square, built to commemorate Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul and a graceful stop for a city walk.
German Fountain, Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul monumentsOpen route in Google Maps
The Obelisk, Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk make the former Hippodrome a living record of Istanbul's Roman and Byzantine layers.
Obelisk, Hippodrome, Sultanahmet historyOpen route in Google Maps
Historic fountains around Sultanahmet Square tell the story of Ottoman public architecture and the city's water culture. Pause here between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Sultanahmet Square, Ottoman fountain, Istanbul attractionsOpen route in Google Maps
Sirkeci Railway Station is a symbol of Istanbul's historic connection with Europe and the Orient Express story. It makes a rewarding walk through the eastern edge of the peninsula.
Sirkeci Station, Orient Express, Istanbul historyOpen route in Google Maps
From the ferry piers around Eminonu and Kabatas, travel across the Bosphorus towards the Princes' Islands. It is a timeless way to see Istanbul from the water.
Princes' Islands, Istanbul ferry, Bosphorus cruiseOpen route in Google MapsFive warm addresses our team loves for memorable evenings of different kinds.
Ottoman cuisine · Sultanahmet
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Traditional flavours · Historic peninsula
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Walk to Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square early in the morning; listen to the quiet of the historic peninsula before the crowds arrive.