Things to see in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula: mosques, museums, cisterns and bazaars
The Historic Peninsula is the oldest part of Istanbul, bounded by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the land walls. Byzantine Constantinople and Ottoman Istanbul were both founded here, and since 1985 the area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the “Historic Areas of Istanbul”. Its heart is Sultanahmet: most of the famous monuments are within a five-minute walk of each other.
Every sight page gives a short history, what to see, opening hours, whether there is an entry fee, how easy it is with a stroller, the nearest tram stop and the walking time from our closest family hotel. We do not quote ticket prices because they change often; instead we link to the official websites.
Categories
Most visited places
Sightseeing routes
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Historic Peninsula itinerary (3 days)
3 days (optional 4th day) · First-time visitors to Istanbul
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Imperial mosques route
2 days · Lovers of mosque architecture and Ottoman history
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Mimar Sinan route
1.5 days · Lovers of architecture and art history
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Byzantine Istanbul route
2 days · Lovers of history and Byzantine art
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Free things to see in the Historic Peninsula
2 days · Families on a careful budget
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Things to do in the Historic Peninsula in the evening
Evening (3–4 hours) · Families who visit museums by day and want to make the most of the evening
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Viewpoints of the Historic Peninsula
Full day · Lovers of photography and views
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Places to visit with the Müzekart
2 days · Turkish citizens and residents of Türkiye with a Müzekart
Maps and getting around
Where should first-time visitors start?
The must-sees on a first visit are Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar. For a day-by-day plan that spreads them over three days, see our Historic Peninsula itinerary. Themed routes (imperial mosques, Mimar Sinan, Byzantium, free sights, evenings and viewpoints) are on our sightseeing routes page.
When is the best time to visit the Historic Peninsula?
April–May and September–October are the most comfortable months for both weather and crowds; in April the Tulip Festival fills Gülhane Park. In summer, visit indoor sights such as cisterns and museums in the midday heat and save open-air places for the morning and late afternoon. We have collected seasonal advice for families in our guide the best time to visit Istanbul with children.
Where to stay and how to get around?
Staying in Sultanahmet means you can walk to most major monuments and rest at the hotel at midday. We compare the neighbourhoods for accommodation in where to stay in the Historic Peninsula. For farther sights, use the T1 and T5 trams, Marmaray and the ferries, all paid with an Istanbulkart (public transport guide). See our hotels for the list of our family hotels in Sultanahmet.
All things to see
Mosques
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Rüstem Pasha Mosque
- Little Hagia Sophia
- New Mosque
- Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
- Kariye Mosque (Chora)
- Fatih Mosque
- Nuruosmaniye Mosque
- Bayezid Mosque
- Şehzade Mosque
- Zeyrek Mosque
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- Hırka-i Şerif Mosque
- Yavuz Selim Mosque
- Laleli Mosque
- Fethiye Mosque
- Atik Ali Pasha Mosque
- Firuz Agha Mosque
- Kalenderhane Mosque
- Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Mosque
Frequently asked questions
What is the Historic Peninsula?
The Historic Peninsula is Istanbul’s historic centre on the European side, between the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the land walls; today most of it belongs to the Fatih district. Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Beyazıt, Süleymaniye, Fener and Balat are all in this area.
How many days do you need for the Historic Peninsula?
Three days is ideal to see the main monuments at a relaxed pace. You can add a fourth day for the Golden Horn shore, Kariye (Chora) and the city walls.
Are there free things to see in the Historic Peninsula?
Yes. All mosques, Sultanahmet Square, Gülhane Park, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the Galata Bridge and the seaside promenade are free. Hagia Sophia is free for Turkish citizens; foreign visitors pay to visit the upper galleries.
Which museum is closed on which day?
Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays. Closing days of other places are listed on their own pages; we recommend checking the official website before your visit.