Historic Areas of Istanbul
Historic Areas of Istanbul
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
10,709 reviews
Excellent
8,480
Very good
1,949
Average
232
Poor
30
Terrible
19

Ranjani K
Pondicherry, India4 contributions
Nov 2019
The Galada towers and the area surrounding are a fairytale town with steep streets, nice kind people, a fun funicular train and a breath taking view of the city from the tower. every ice-cream seller is also a performer to rival the best bar men and fun to watch. Juices to die for! loved wandering around.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

594cecilyg
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Aug 2021
The Basilica Cistern is closed. Hagia Sofia is entirely converted to Islamic worship at this point. The mosaics and floors are covered, the inner vestibule and galleries are closed. You can see one mosaic just above the tourist entrance, but otherwise there is little reason to visit unless you are Muslim. As a Christian woman I felt unwelcome.

What remains is one aggressive street vendor after another, literally stepping in front to block our path. Many men calling me "baby, baby, baby" when I refused purchases. I dressed modestly and wore a head scarf, but still was not allowed to simply walk around in peace. I expected to love Istanbul, but I just feel harassed.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerome T
Standish, MI8 contributions
Sep 2020
The woman that we hired as a guide was very knowledgable in Turkish, as well as the city's history. She spoke clear, fluent English and was very descriptive in the points that she made. She really pointed out well, the importance of what she was showing us. I would hire her again. Dreadfully, I can not remember her name. I think it was Karrie.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EtienneT
New York City, NY3 contributions
Apr 2023
Istanbul's historic areas are truly a marvel to behold. Walking through the ancient streets, it's easy to feel transported back in time to when the city was the center of the world. The architecture and atmosphere of these neighborhoods are breathtaking, and every corner seems to hold a new surprise or hidden gem. Whether you're a history buff or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world charm, exploring Istanbul's historic areas is an experience not to be missed. I highly recommend taking a guided tour to truly appreciate all the stories and secrets these neighborhoods have to offer.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ivanna I
23 contributions
Jan 2021
Istanbul is a great city, worth visiting every season and even during the Covid period, when the hotel prices are so low and no crowds in the streets.. Some advices. There are no lines anymore to Haja Sofia or Blue Mosque. Blue mosque is still under renovation and currently you will not see its inner beauty. Haja Sofia is no longer the museum, as it is an acting mosque the mosaics are covered by the cloth (depiction of faces is prohibitied by Coran), the second floor is closed - but it is still worth visiting to feel the space, which looks very beautifull with the lamps. During the weekends the museums and mosques are open for visitors, but the stores are mainly closed. Süleymaniye mosques in open on saturday, but the

CamiiThe hours of operation in some sightseeing places are one hour shorter. The Basilica (water storage) is closed currently because of covid.
Written February 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 contributions
Sep 2020
Istanbul is the only city in entire world spreading on two continents which makes it quite unique. Besides, it's a very old city and blooming with history.
It's historic areas are spread on the European side, which is again divided in two by the Golden Horn.
The most historic part is south of the Golden Horn - the Sultanahmet neighborhood, where's the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, ancient Hippodrome and Egyptian obelisk. Next door is Eminonu with the outstanding Suleyman Mosque and Kapali carsii market.
North of the Golden Horn rises the historic Galata tower and Pera district.
Best of all, all the above is easy to explore on foot being in walking distance.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Olga L
Kansas City, MO20 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Great area to live around, you are a walkway from many museums, from tram 1 line, small groceries and of course restaurants. Although I would advise to walk 10-15 min away from the square and prices in restaurants will be more reasonable.
It is quiet at night and active during the day. There is a nice bazaar right next to it.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trail45788035206
3 contributions
Oct 2022
We had taken 1 day Guided trip wherein we were taken to Hippodrome, Haghia Spohia, Blue Mosque, Top Kapi Palace and some Alternate Bazar to Grand Bazar (as it was closed on Sunday). All places were good and enjoyable, However the guide gave us limited time to move around so we revisited the places on our own again post our extended stay at Turkey

Haghia Sophia had long long que on Sunday but on our revisit on Monday it was shorter que and we could revisit in time, you should be in que by 3 pm to be in time before they close by 4 or 5 pm. TopKapi has been places of visit and need to provide enough time to see all places
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

County-Hunter
Tacoma, WA3,176 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The chance to see the historic sites of this amazing city!

And the best part is that most of the sites, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern are located all right next to each other meaning you don't have to walk all over the city to see them. It is possible to see them all in a day, but I would recommend taking your time and taking another day. You'll be glad you did.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mehmet E
Istanbul, Türkiye5 contributions
Jan 2020
I set my mind on how to tell the unique beauties while visiting the historical peninsula. But the fiction has changed! Because there are so many cultural treasures that if I tell the Galata Tower, the Antuan Church will be taken, if I tell Istiklal Street Nevizade will reproach, Galata Mevlevihanesi, historic Pera Hotel and Galatasaray High School that door.
You have no choice but to see these beauties. Come, see and experience.
In addition, the restaurants located on Istiklal Street will provide you with unforgettable taste cruises.
But you must walk. It is really easy to get down from the sidewalk next to the High Sidewalk and Galata Tower.
But if you want, you can make history journey with Tunel metro which is one of the first subway of history.
Galata Bridge is waiting for you below. If you want to watch the fishermen on this bridge, take a moment to say.
When you look over the bridge, Yeni Cami is looking at you in all its glory.
Pigeons are waiting for you to feed them.
And ... Spice Bazaar
Here is the atmosphere where you will go to another place with spice fragrances.
The rest is also up to you. It doesn't seem to end with narration.
Come Istanbul and history are calling you
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Historic Areas of Istanbul - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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