Sirkeci

Istanbul

Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge
Turkey showing a city, night scenes and a river or creek
Rustem Pasha Mosque showing a ferry, a bay or harbor and a sunset
Gulhane Park featuring a garden and flowers
Rustem Pasha Mosque showing religious elements, heritage architecture and a mosque
Discover many of Istanbul’s top attractions from this neighborhood base that’s surrounded by iconic landmarks, dazzling markets and traditional restaurants.

When exploring Istanbul, many tourists stay in Sultanahmet, but nearby Sirkeci is another neighborhood with plenty to offer. Boutique hotels mix with shops and top restaurants along pedestrianized streets. Find plenty to do between exploring the city’s renowned attractions.

Get happily lost at the Grand Bazaar, within walking distance of Sirkeci. As this is one of the world’s most beloved markets, prepare for the abundance of lanterns, textiles and jewelry lining a maze of lanes. Bargain respectfully with vendors and be sure to try Turkish coffee or tea at a food stall.

Visit the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam. You’ll see tools used by astronomers and seafarers, along with a physics room with fascinating objects. Set aside time for discovering other museums, including the jewels and weapons at Topkapi Palace Museum and contemporary art at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art to the north.

Hotels in Sirkeci are just a stroll away from popular Eminonu Square. The gathering place is a hub for restaurants next to the ferry docks and Eminonu Pier. Dine at floating fish restaurants and walk over the Golden Horn on the Galata Bridge, which is particularly beautiful at sunset. See Yeni Cami (the New Mosque) and Rustem Pasha Mosque. Visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Here, admire brightly colored spices and buy everything from Turkish delight to dried herbs and honey.

Put together a plan to see the city’s other magnificent mosques. Possibly the most photogenic is the Blue Mosque, with six distinctive minarets and blue tile work. Süleymaniye Mosque is near Suleyman the Magnificent’s Mausoleum. Explore the heart of Istanbul’s historic center to marvel at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, once a Catholic church, where you can hire tour guides to learn about local history.

Fly to Istanbul Airport for a drive of about 40 minutes to Sirkeci. You’ll find a range of attractions within easy walking distance of the neighborhood. Otherwise, take the metro, buses and taxis to explore.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Sirkeci Hotel Deals

Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Legacy Ottoman Hotel

5 out of 5
Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cad. No: 16, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Istanbul
$99 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
$113 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace ...
7.2/10 Good! (914 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Legacy Ottoman Hotel
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$98 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$111 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,055 reviews)
"A wonderful overall experience"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
$267 nightly
The price is $299 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$299 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,023 reviews)
"Great place… the best in Istanbul"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul
$133 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
$148 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,053 reviews)
"We arrived at the hotel before the check-in time but the hotel front desk attendant assured us to get our room ready as quickly as possible. My family appreciates the hospitality and caring attitude after a very long tiring flight from the U.S.The breakfast buffet was a treat every morning with a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Selectum City Atasehir

Selectum City Atasehir

5 out of 5
Dudullu Cd. 29, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (845 reviews)
"All good many thanks"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Selectum City Atasehir
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul

5 out of 5
Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. NO. 19, Macka Besiktas, Istanbul, Istanbul
$287 nightly
The price is $321 total per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
$321 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"This hotel is by far the best hotel in Istanbul. Luxury and comfortable with the best views"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
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 Sirkeci

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Galata Tower showing night scenes, a ferry and a bay or harbor

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.

Karaköy
Galata Tower which includes a marina, general coastal views and a city

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
Galata Tower showing night scenes, a ferry and a bay or harbor

Beyoğlu

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

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 Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Beyoğlu
Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(2,609 area reviews)

Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.

Fatih
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim


Sirkeci

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