Istanbul City Center

Istanbul
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza
Experience the bustling atmosphere of the beating heart of Istanbul, with its splendid mix of cosmopolitan and historical attractions.

Visit Istanbul City Center to find a neighborhood full of opportunities. Go clubbing and shopping in Taksim, enjoy epic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn from a famous tower and discover quirky museums.

The neighborhood fans out from the famous transportation hub of Taksim Square. Starting at the square’s imposing Monument of the Republic, you can take your pick from several museums and cultural centers before seeing more of the district.

Stroll along İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), Istanbul’s main shopping street. This seemingly endless pedestrian mall packs a lot in, from modern clothes shops to stunning art nouveau buildings and hip little bars. Take the funicular tram to speed up your journey along the street. It brings you to the 15th-century Galata Tower, which you can climb to enjoy some of Istanbul’s most epic vistas.

If you have the time and energy, however, it’s nicer to walk the length of the street. This allows you to take little side trips to find hidden treasures, such as the Balik Pazari (Fish Market) near Galatasaray Square. Nearby, the Cicek Pasaji (The Flower Courtyard) is a nice place to have lunch.

Go see where Agatha Christi wrote Murder on The Orient Express by strolling to the heritage-listed Pera Palace Hotel. Also don’t miss the nearby Pera Museum with its treasure trove of art in the Beyoğlu district. The Old Galata and Pera districts of the Istanbul City Center were already inhabited during the days of the Byzantine Empire and there are many more historical buildings to see here.

Hidden in the backstreets of Çukurcuma, wedged between İstiklal Avenue and Tophane, you can find the quirky Museum of Innocence which is based on a novel.

Leave the Istanbul City Center behind by crossing the Galata Bridge. Enjoy a fresh fish roll in one of the bridge’s popular seafood restaurants as you watch the sun go down. From the other end of the bridge you can explore the Sultanahmet district, home to the famous Blue Mosque.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Istanbul City Center Hotel Deals

Villa Pera Suite Hotel
Villa Pera Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Kocatepe Mah. Feridiye Cad. No:80, Taksim, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34437
The price is $50 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
$50
per night
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (725 reviews)
"Close to Taksim"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2023

Villa Pera Suite Hotel
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34122
The price is $138 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$138
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent location. Walking distance to saint Sophia"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul, 34367
The price is $301 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$301
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (543 reviews)
"I spent a few days in hotel. It was nice days. The staff was professional. You can choose restaurants in lobby level. Also great view from my room on Bosporus bridge."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel
Pera Palace Hotel
5 out of 5
Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 52, Tepebasi Beyoglu, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34430
The price is $287 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$287
per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"It is a very unique hotel with history."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2023

Pera Palace Hotel
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
5 out of 5
Akbiyik Cad No 46, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34022
The price is $137 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
$137
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"The property is very close to Sultanahmet Square and the tram. Perfect way to spend the evenings. Hotel staff are very friendly apart from one individual on reception who seemed to be in a constant mood! No names mentioned. Breakfast is okay. Not to our taste but the “traditional Turkish” items are ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
Muyan Suites - Special Class
Muyan Suites - Special Class
4 out of 5
Binbirdirek Mah, Dizdariye Medresesi, Sok No: 13, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul, 34122
The price is $93 per night from Apr 18 to Apr 19
$93
per night
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (580 reviews)
"Break fast staff are very good including owners introducing and care. Receptionist was not very helpful. I had to ask for local map 3 days still didn’t get it."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023

Muyan Suites - Special Class
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Istanbul City Center



Istanbul City Center

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