Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsMonuments & Statues
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Sultanahmet Square
The area
Neighborhood: Sultanahmet
With so many unmissable attractions within a mere stroll of each other – and all set around the site of an ancient Byzantine hippodrome – Sultanahmet is an overwhelmingly popular tourist destination, and a prime location for visitors to be wowed on a truly epic scale. Beyond the wonders of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more, this relatively small area of Istanbul somehow manages to retain an air of peace and calm. It offers visitors a significantly less celebrated but nonetheless pleasant network of quaint lanes and side streets, majestic panoramas of the Bosphorus, and an impressive assortment of accommodation options for all budgets and tastes.
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,591 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,199 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,516 reviews
Excellent
2,535
Very good
846
Average
121
Poor
7
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Neil W
50 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
The square is located in the centre of the Old city. There are several historic sites either in the square within a few min walk.
If you are staying in sultamant area it is an easy walk if not the metro, trams and buses all stop there.
Apart from the main historical sites the square has several cafes which are reasonably priced and lots of shops. Lots of tourist stuff but if you shop around you can find some interesting things such as Islamic prints etc.
Overall well worth a look but allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
If you are staying in sultamant area it is an easy walk if not the metro, trams and buses all stop there.
Apart from the main historical sites the square has several cafes which are reasonably priced and lots of shops. Lots of tourist stuff but if you shop around you can find some interesting things such as Islamic prints etc.
Overall well worth a look but allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
Written January 8, 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.
Angela
Walldorf, Germany9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The main attractions are located on Sultanahmet Square: Hagia Sfiya Mosque, Blue Mosque, Basilica/cisterns, Constantine and Egyptian Columns, Roksolana Baths, Topkapi Gardens and Church of Hagia Irene, Gulkhany Park. Download audio guides and feel free to go on excursions! The complex ticket does not justify itself :(. To visit the mosques, the Basilica, it is better to go from 16 to 18 hours, there are fewer people. Paid only for the Basilica (450 TL) and the Topkapi Gardens (complex ticket 750 or 950 TL). Also nearby is the Hoca Rustem Madrasa Madrasah , where 6 times a week at 19-00 (except Tue) there is a dervish show, recognized by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage”, cost 600 TL/person. The performance lasts 1 hour.
Written November 2, 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.
Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia5,863 contributions
Mar 2020
This square has so much history surrounding it and near it.
We were here in March 2020, prior to the Covid19 virus arriving into Turkey so there was no social distancing or covid19 restrictions in place.
The area was well policed with various units so it felt extremely safe to be in during the day and even in the night which was really good. It was lovely to be able to walk around without being accosted by people trying to sell carpets.
There was lovely gardens and a lot of seating so it was nice to be able to sit and watch an hour go by in a very beautiful area. A must visit when in Istanbul.
We were here in March 2020, prior to the Covid19 virus arriving into Turkey so there was no social distancing or covid19 restrictions in place.
The area was well policed with various units so it felt extremely safe to be in during the day and even in the night which was really good. It was lovely to be able to walk around without being accosted by people trying to sell carpets.
There was lovely gardens and a lot of seating so it was nice to be able to sit and watch an hour go by in a very beautiful area. A must visit when in Istanbul.
Written September 16, 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.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,004 contributions
Sep 2020
Istanbul's most famous sites are gathered around this square: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, ancient Hippodrome (for which you must use your imagination), Egyptian obelisk,...etc.
There's a round pool fountain in the middle with many benches around to soak the beauty.
Also, they introduced an almost airport style security checkpoint station when entering the square. It wasn't there during my last visit 3y ago, so I suppose it has something to do with converting Hagia Sophia into a Mosque.
Anyway, it's a place not to be missed and from where you'll make terrific photos.
There's a round pool fountain in the middle with many benches around to soak the beauty.
Also, they introduced an almost airport style security checkpoint station when entering the square. It wasn't there during my last visit 3y ago, so I suppose it has something to do with converting Hagia Sophia into a Mosque.
Anyway, it's a place not to be missed and from where you'll make terrific photos.
Written October 1, 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.
PATO-BETO
San Martin, Argentina20,299 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It is the most important park in the city, since a few meters away, separated by gardens, we find the Blue Mosque and Santa Sofia. It is an extremely well-kept place, where in addition to being able to sit down to admire everything that surrounds it, you have to stay for a long time observing the people and their different cultures. We enjoyed a moment of rest and took the opportunity to eat something. Then we continued touring and enjoying the few hours we were in Istanbul to the fullest.
Written January 22, 2024
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.
Matt
Istanbul, Türkiye71 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
This place was absolutely stunning, I was struck with emotion emediatly after entering. Girls need to cover so just a warning you will have to buy coverings at the entrance. Free to enter and just a very spiritual vibe. I was fascinated. It’s an out of body experience
Written April 28, 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.
Kashif AJ
New Delhi, India11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
The place is a bit touristy but lively. Plan your visit bearing in mind that you have to stand in long queues to enter the religious places. Try to wear simple shoes preferably laceless as you will be required to remove them every time you enter the Masjid.
Written October 16, 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.
deejay90210
New Delhi, India2,158 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The heart of Istanbul with so many touristic places within walking distance. The area is always lively with tourists and food carts, especially during the evenings. AN amzing place to spend time.
Written June 23, 2024
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.
Jos T
Melbourne, Australia181 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Lovely location within waking distance to all the sights on your must see list. It does get a little crowed but you have many shaded resting areas or tea houses if you want to chill. It's a great place to start ticking all your must see iconic buildings. It's very safe 🙂
Written September 24, 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.
Guillaumedu65
Tarbes, France499 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Beautiful square between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Very lively day and night, this square has greenery and fountains (luminous at night), magnificent! Vendors of Turkish ice cream or roasted corn/chestnuts dot the square.
The hippodrome square is also remarkable with its three "columns": an Egyptian obelisk, a column of bronze serpents and a "virgin" column.
The hippodrome square is also remarkable with its three "columns": an Egyptian obelisk, a column of bronze serpents and a "virgin" column.
Written August 2, 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.
What is the easiest & cheapest mode of transportation to Sultanahmet Square from the new airport (IST) at the top of the morning? What time should I go in order to find everything open for tourists?
Written October 19, 2019
In my mind easiest is Taxi, it was appr. 25 € from Barcelo Hotel Eresin Topkapi to the Airport (IST). Best way to travel inside the City area is Tram, for that you need Istanbul Card (10 TL only) and upload some money in it. Afterwards it is an excellent souvenir from Istanbul! Please check theistanbulinsider web pages.
Written October 23, 2019
ما هي مواعيد الزيارة للمزارات السياحية ( ايا صوفيا و جامع السلطان احمد)
Written November 20, 2018
Посещение Султанахмет комплекса бесплатно. За групповую экскурсию в посещением Ай Софии мы заплатили по 90 лир ( к очереди, стоявшей за билетом ,подошел молодой мужчина, представился экскурсоводом и предложил экскурсию)
Written January 9, 2019
Какая стоимость входного билета ?
What's the price of a ticket ?
Written May 31, 2017
в начале мая 2017 года было так . Площадь и Голубая мечеть бесплатно. София - 40 турецких лир. Цистерна - 25 турецких лир.
Written May 31, 2017
Is sultanahmet square open at night. and safe to go at night?
Written April 23, 2017
Yes it's safe to go, and you'll love the colourful fountain: make sure you take lots of photos of the mosques with the fountain in the middle, they'll look great! It gets very quiet at night so makes for a beautiful walk.
Written May 14, 2017
margaritaoneil
Los Angeles, California
Which transportation and tour shall we take from 9:30am to 5pm, since we are arriving in a cruise to Istanbul on Aug 25th with a limit of time. Will love to see the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Gran Bazaar and Hardrock cafe.
Written July 6, 2016
Well , all places of interest you indicated are walking ( max 10 min ) one from another. I don't think you need any special tour. Just get a cab from the port and ask to drive to Sultan Ahmed ( blue mosque ) . The Hagia Sophia is just across it, the grand bazaar is walking distance. The only thing - I would suggest to visit Basilica Cistern ( it's across Blue Mosque as well ) . it's absolutely unique!
Written July 6, 2016
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing