Merkez
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
See historical monuments, attend performing arts shows and discover a lively shopping and dining scene in the heart of modern Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View
Istanbul:Princess Island Büyükada with Island Electric Car
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Merkez Hotel Deals
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
"Stayed for 3 nights, staff were fantastic, food was great and just an enjoyable stay! Highly recommend 10/10!"
Reviewed on May 18, 2026
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
"I stayed here twice - in September 2025 and again in May 2026 - and both stays were excellent. The staff are warm and professional, and the location is good for sightseeing by taxi, though less ideal for walking since the hotel sits on a hill. Nişantaşı is about 15 minutes away on foot, Dolmabahçe ..."
Reviewed on May 17, 2026
Titanic City Taksim
"Very clean and good location, near bus and metro and taksim square. Hotel was clean and staff were friendly. Spend 8 nights there with out issues"
Reviewed on May 14, 2026
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
"Breakfast was amazing and huge. Staff was very helpful and friendly"
Reviewed on May 18, 2026
Divan Istanbul
"Room was very spacious, and ultra clean! A/C worked well, and it was very easy to maintain a perfect room temperature. Never met a staff member who wasn't smiling. Morning breakfast buffet was an abundance of riches! (I won't dare tell how much weight I gained!) Highly recommend this hotel."
Reviewed on May 13, 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
"We enjoyed staying in the hotel. Especially caring staff and clean room. The breakfast was so nice. The location is very easy to approach all historic places. I definitely recommend the hotel."
Reviewed on May 11, 2026
Other neighborhoods around Merkez
Fatih
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.
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 Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
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 Taksim Square and Galata Tower.
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
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.
Taksim
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.
