Merkez
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
![Taksim Square](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542735-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
![Hagia Sophia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475341-Hagia-Sophia-Ayasofya.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hagia Sophia
A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.
![Blue Mosque showing religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40924-Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
![Galata Tower](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507739-galata-tower-galata-kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Galata Tower
Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.
![Grand Bazaar](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507763-grand-bazaar.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.
![Bosphorus](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40874-Galata-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Bosphorus
Explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus, a popular spot to commune with nature in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.
Things to do
![Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48744650/03e6d401-42e5-4615-8e76-c6794722515e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
![Blue Mosque](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4939303/9102a6b8-b418-4edf-9797-d86dadeeadaf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul Must See:Hagia Sophia Bluemosqu Topkapı Basilica Cistern Bosphorus Tour
![Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46569018/b0be3130-6bff-418e-aa35-5e6bef003569.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool
![Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47551830/7cd1b51c-7fca-4abb-80f9-7545686600be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City
![The dome and windows at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/167622/dfb5e062-2c3f-4fae-96fc-86fcbad3a03c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
![Basilica of St.John](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2717720/a8b4c0a2-7a39-4340-b1f1-668d8e50d282.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St.John
Top hotels in Merkez
![The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/570000/565600/565576/1292561b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025
![Seven Hills Palace & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33790000/33786700/33786700/265977db_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025
![Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6500/6438/0d8ca72e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025
![Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1388800/1388776/8d7a5dab_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025
![Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95990000/95983500/95983453/c955f53d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2025
![Cityloft 161](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/23000000/22180000/22177000/22176908/b6086d6e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Merkez
![Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475355-Cumhuriyet-Ant-Republic-Monument.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Galata Tower and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
![Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Fatih
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are top sights in Fatih, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more sights in the area.
![Galata Tower showing night scenes, a ferry and a bay or harbor](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40868-Galata-Tower-Galata-Kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Beyoğlu
Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Galata Tower and Taksim Square.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/cbca2849b7176b56bda6aa192ddf07a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Şişli
Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.
![Galata Tower which includes a marina, general coastal views and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40865-Galata-Tower-Galata-Kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Galata
Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Galata, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.
![Galata Tower showing night scenes, a ferry and a bay or harbor](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40868-Galata-Tower-Galata-Kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Karaköy
Consider a visit to Galata Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Karaköy. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station.