City: Sultanahmet
Top Things to do in Sultanahmet
Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Boukoleon Palace
2. Sogukcesme Sokak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Travelaround59 - London, United Kingdom
Sogukcesme Street has to be the cutest little street in Istanbul. I always love walking the little toad with the cobbled pavement and the beautiful wooden houses lining the wall with the Topkapi Palace. Nevertheless the weather is rather miserable Sogukcesme has stil lot of charme.
3. Sultanahmet Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,419 reviews
Reviewed By MrhBerkay - Istanbul, Turkey
I've been to there many times but the last one was probably the most interesting of all. The visit was in April 2020, during the early phase of the pandemic. As it was also a rainy day and most of the locals were at homes, there were literally no people around. It was a life time experience. Generally speaking, the area is worth to see at any time. It has many nice and historical buildings that date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Most famous buildings are the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The Hippodrome of Constantinople is a must-visit. The Serpent Column (from Delphi in Greece), the Walled Obelisk and the Obelisk of Theodosius (from the Temple of Karnak in Egypt) are absolutely worth to see. If you are wondering where the snake heads of the Serpent Column are, one of the heads is on display at the Archaelogy Museum. Other notable structures nearby: German Fountain, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, Fountain of Ahmed III and Million Stone Just a little tip: If you want to see the real remains of the Hippodrome, just go to the Kasap Osman Sokak and enjoy the history.
4. Hippodrome
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 790 reviews
The ancient Hippodrome was the center of Byzantine civic life, from political and theological controversies to chariot races and riots. Built in 203 by Emperor Septimus Severus, it is estimated that the arena could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators.
Reviewed By atulya_sinha - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
The Hippodrome lies in the very heart of Sultanahmet, adjacent to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It was initially laid out as a racecourse with decorative fountains along its spine, as visualized by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus in 198 CE. Later, Emperor Constantine I, the founder of the city of Constantinople, extended and levelled it. At its zenith, the Hippodrome was about 480 metres long and 118 metres wide, enough to accommodate 100,000 spectators! The Hippodrome was not only an arena for chariot racing and other sports, but also a meeting place for the citizens - who could even interact with the emperor. The chariot racing teams were extremely popular. The fans of two prominent teams –known as the Blues and the Greens – were organised into highly competitive sports clubs. It is these fans who were responsible for the Nika riots in 532 CE. Over the centuries, the Hippodrome became a sort of open-air museum where monumental artefacts from different parts of the world were brought and displayed, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column and the Column of Constantine. A massive statue of Hercules had also been installed there, which no longer exists. The German Fountain is located within the boundaries of the Hippodrome, near the starting point for the chariot races which were once held there. During the Ottoman period, the Hippodrome was used for state ceremonies and it was known as “Al Meydani” (square of the horses). Now it is a meeting place and promenade for both locals and tourists. There are plenty of attractions for tourists and one can get a wide variety of eatables around the Hippodrome.
5. Sirkeci Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 340 reviews
This train station in Istanbul was once the last stop of the famed Orient Express. Today, there is much less traffic but you can catch a train to other parts of Turkey or certain areas of Europe.
Reviewed By 116pinard - Istanbul, Turkey
It has been one of the landmarks of the old city. The Marmaray connection makes it easy to access. It is a useful vehicle for residents. The atmosphere is great with lots of memories.
6. Sepetciler Kasri
7. Hamidiye Sebili
8. Pudding Shop - Lale Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 215 reviews
When it opened in 1957, the Pudding Shop was a gathering place and information center for travelers heading across Europe and Asia. Today, this city landmark offers food and drink to tourists and locals.
Reviewed By defnemavi - Johannesburg, South Africa
World famous meeting point !! A well-known meeting and communication point for hippies during the 60s and 70s, Istanbul’s Lale Restaurant is becoming popular again among ex-hippies who visit the place decades later, sometimes to return borrowed items back. “Hippies used to sleep on the street or at the nearby park. We were giving directions to them for a city tour. We were giving food for free and they were sending money 5 or 10 years later,” restaurant owner Namık Çolpan told daily Milliyet. “When the Vietnam War ended, they all had professions. Hippies, who called themselves flower children, and members of the 68 generation didn’t hanker for money. We always received kindness from them,” he added. Opened in 1957 by the Çolpan family, the restaurant on the hippie trail extending from western countries to Nepal through Afghanistan or Iran was better known as “the pudding shop” of Istanbul. Pilgrims traveling east, often driving old cars or Volkswagen vans, would stop at this restaurant to meet new acquaintances and find other travelers with whom to share expenses and experiences. It was also a departure point for buses to the Iranian capital Tehran or the Afghan capital Kabul.
9. Merzifonlu Kara Mustafapasa Camii
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
10. Milion Stone
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By mohsina327 - Muscat, Oman
It was zero mile in Byzantium. All the roads and road measurement started from here and that is what makes it important. Next to basillica cistern. Just imagine yourself thousand years ago and starting your journey to Rome from this spot and you will appreciate it's historical value. Otherwise it's just a stone stump and nothing more.
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