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
The price is $103 total per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$103 total
per night
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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 ...
7/10 Good! (877 reviews)
"Some people say a hotel is just a room to lay your head at night. Sometimes this is true but not with the Legacy Ottoman Hotel. The hotel - the staff were wonderful. Fro the moment I booked the room they went out of their way to ensure that my stay with them was perfect and trouble free. They arranged ..."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 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
The price is $97 total per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
$97 total
per night
Jun 21 - Jun 22
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! (1,002 reviews)
"What experience is that. Perfect thanks for all stuff special BATUL"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Cityloft 161
Cityloft 161
Zümrüt Sokak, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is $44 total per night from Jun 20 to Jun 21
$44 total
per night
Jun 20 - Jun 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,267 reviews)
"The only problem is there is no parking."

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

Cityloft 161
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is $126 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$126 total
per night
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (417 reviews)
"All was fine"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
5 out of 5
Asker Ocagi Cad No: 1 Taksim, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is $202 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$202 total
per night
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"First class excellence!!"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

InterContinental Istanbul by IHG
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is $324 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$324 total
per night
Jun 22 - Jun 23
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Awesome hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, 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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