Neighbourhoods of the Historic Peninsula: Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Fener-Balat, Kumkapı, Samatya
The Historic Peninsula is not a single museum but a living city made up of neighbourhoods, each with its own character: Sultanahmet, where the monuments are gathered; Eminönü, the heart of ferries and markets; Fener and Balat with their colourful houses; Kumkapı with its fish restaurants; and Samatya, which keeps its neighbourhood life. On this page you will find what to see in each neighbourhood, how to get there and how much time to set aside.
To decide which neighbourhood to stay in, see our guide where to stay in the Historic Peninsula; this page covers the sightseeing side of the neighbourhoods.
Also in this category
Frequently asked questions
Which neighbourhoods make up the Historic Peninsula?
Today the Historic Peninsula matches the boundaries of the Fatih district. Its main neighbourhoods are Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Beyazıt, Süleymaniye, Zeyrek, Fatih, Fener, Balat, Aksaray, Kumkapı, Samatya and Yedikule.
How do you get to Fener and Balat from Sultanahmet?
From Eminönü, take one of the buses running along the Golden Horn shore (for example the 99A) or a taxi; it takes 15–20 minutes. In good weather, walking along the Golden Horn shore from Eminönü is also pleasant.