Places to see in Sultanahmet

The Historical Peninsula, also known as Sultanahmet, is home to some of Istanbul's most iconic attractions, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. After visiting Topkapi Palace, you can take the tram to Eminönü, walk across the Galata Bridge, and don't forget to climb the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the peninsula and Istanbul.

At the Grand Bazaar, built in the 15th century, you can explore local clothing from various regions of Turkey, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, copperware, antiques, leather goods, carpets, and souvenirs. In the Spice Bazaar, you will find a wide variety of spices and products related to Turkish cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cağaloğlu Hamam, a historical Turkish bath from the 1700s.

When you visit the history-filled Sultanahmet, make sure to start with Sultanahmet Square. Then, explore the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue, green, and white tiles. It is one of Istanbul's most significant mosques.

You can visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a world-renowned masterpiece that served as a museum for many years. Also, explore the Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine-era structure, and the Binbirdirek Cistern, which has survived from the Byzantine period.

Don't miss the chance to see the 3rd Ahmed Fountain and the German Fountain, significant landmarks of the Historical Peninsula. Sultanahmet is home to several museums, including the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works.

As one of Istanbul's most significant touristic centers, Sultanahmet offers mesmerizing architecture, museums, and historical artifacts from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Here are the top places to visit in and around Sultanahmet:

1. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Built between 1609-1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, this mosque is one of Istanbul’s most important places of worship. Known as the "Blue Mosque" due to its interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles, it stands out with its six minarets and magnificent dome.
📍 Location: Sultanahmet Square
⏰ Visiting Hours: Open all day, but limited access during prayer times.
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

2. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Originally constructed as a church by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453, later served as a museum in 1935, and regained its mosque status in 2020. Its grand dome and interior mosaics create a captivating atmosphere.
📍 Location: Sultanahmet Square
⏰ Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours, but some sections may be closed during prayer times.
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

3. Topkapi Palace
The administrative center and royal residence of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace houses the Harem, Sacred Relics, the Imperial Council Hall, the Courtyard of the Enderun, and the beautiful Gulhane Park with views of the Bosphorus.
📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Fatih
⏰ Visiting Hours:

Winter (Oct 1 - Apr 1): 09:00 - 17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Summer (Apr 1 - Oct 1): 09:00 - 18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
 
4. Basilica Cistern
Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most enchanting underground structures. With 336 marble columns, including the famous Medusa heads, it captivates visitors with its mysterious ambiance.
📍 Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan St.
⏰ Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 22:00

5. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Located in the 16th-century Ibrahim Pasha Palace, the museum displays significant artifacts of Islamic art from the Ottoman, Seljuk, and Mamluk empires, including carpets, manuscripts, calligraphy, and ethnographic works.
📍 Location: Sultanahmet Square
⏰ Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 18:30

6. Gulhane Park
Once the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park is one of the city's most serene retreats, adorned with tulips in the spring and offering a stunning view of the Bosphorus. The Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is also located here.
📍 Location: Cankurtaran Neighborhood, Fatih
⏰ Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

7. Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Among the world's most significant archaeological collections, the museum complex includes three main sections:

Archaeology Museum (ancient sculptures and sarcophagi)
Museum of Ancient Oriental Works (Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Anatolian artifacts)
Tiled Kiosk Museum (Seljuk and Ottoman ceramics)
📍 Location: Osman Hamdi Bey Slope, Gulhane
⏰ Visiting Hours: 09:00 - 20:00
 
8. Grand Bazaar
Established in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. With its jewelry, spices, antiques, and handmade carpets, it offers a genuine shopping experience.
📍 Location: Beyazıt, Fatih
⏰ Visiting Hours: 08:30 - 19:00 (Closed on Sundays)
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

9. Spice Bazaar
Located in Eminönü, the Spice Bazaar has been a lively market for spices, nuts, Turkish delight, and herbal products since the Ottoman era. It is one of the best places to buy Turkish coffee and delights.
📍 Location: Eminönü, Fatih
⏰ Visiting Hours: 08:00 - 19:30
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

10. Süleymaniye Mosque
Built by Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this mosque offers breathtaking views of Istanbul, remarkable acoustics, and elegant architecture. The mosque's courtyard also houses the tombs of Suleiman and his wife, Hürrem Sultan.
📍 Location: Süleymaniye, Fatih
⏰ Visiting Hours: Open all day, but limited during prayer times.
🎟 Entry Fee: Free

Sultanahmet and its surroundings present a rich blend of Ottoman and Byzantine history, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Istanbul. Here, you can trace the footsteps of empires, marvel at the architecture, and immerse yourself in the city's mystical atmosphere.