Historic Peninsula itinerary: Sultanahmet, Topkapı and Süleymaniye in 3 days
Route summary
| Duration | 3 days (optional 4th day) |
|---|---|
| Best for | First-time visitors to Istanbul |
| Number of stops | 22 |
| Total walking (approx.) | 6.6 km |
What did we keep in mind when planning?
The plan is designed for families staying in Sultanahmet who want to spend the day on foot. Each day starts in the morning with the busiest monument and continues with quieter stops in the afternoon. Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays, so do not put day two on a Tuesday or day three on a Sunday. Mosques close to visitors during prayer times; to adjust the day around them, see our guide sightseeing around prayer times.
Day 1: The heart of Sultanahmet
All stops are within 5 minutes’ walk of each other.
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About 4 min walk to the next stop (250 m) Directions
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About 6 min walk to the next stop (410 m) Directions
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About 3 min walk to the next stop (220 m) Directions
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About 1 min walk to the next stop (100 m) Directions
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Carpets and a nomad tent; tea on the terrace.
Suggested time: 1 hour
About 5 min walk to the next stop (370 m) Directions
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Day 2: Topkapı Palace and Gülhane
Topkapı is closed on Tuesdays; do not put this day on a Tuesday.
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About 3 min walk to the next stop (200 m) Directions
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About 1 min walk to the next stop (60 m) Directions
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About 4 min walk to the next stop (310 m) Directions
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About 2 min walk to the next stop (170 m) Directions
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Gülhane Park
Rest on the lawns, tea with a Bosphorus view at the northern end.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Day 3: The Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye and Eminönü
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. The day ends downhill.
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About 6 min walk to the next stop (440 m) Directions
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Grand Bazaar
Enter through the Nuruosmaniye Gate and leave through the Beyazıt Gate.
Suggested time: 2 hours
About 3 min walk to the next stop (220 m) Directions
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About 13 min walk to the next stop (880 m) Directions
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Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan’s masterpiece and the courtyard overlooking the Golden Horn.
Suggested time: 1 hour
About 8 min walk to the next stop (550 m) Directions
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About 4 min walk to the next stop (270 m) Directions
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About 8 min walk to the next stop (590 m) Directions
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Day 4 (optional): The Golden Horn shore and the walls
Start from Eminönü by T5 tram or taxi; a baby carrier is recommended because of the hills.
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Fener and Balat
Colourful houses, the Phanar Greek School and the Iron Church.
Suggested time: 2 hours
About 16 min walk to the next stop (1.2 km) Directions
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Kariye Mosque (Chora)
The peak of Byzantine art with its mosaics and frescoes.
Suggested time: 1 hour
About 6 min walk to the next stop (420 m) Directions
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Palace of the Porphyrogenitus
The last Byzantine palace and a terrace overlooking the Golden Horn.
Suggested time: 45 min
The next stop is 3 km away (about 43 min on foot); a taxi or public transport is recommended Directions
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Adapting the plan for children
With children, add a park break to every day and plan an hour’s rest at the hotel in the afternoon; this is why staying within walking distance in Sultanahmet makes things much easier. For child-friendly stops and activities see things to do with kids in Sultanahmet, and if it rains, our rainy day plan.
Transport and tickets
The whole plan can be done on foot; when you get tired, the T1 tram links the Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Beyazıt, Sirkeci and Eminönü stops. The Istanbulkart is used for trams, ferries and the metro (public transport guide). Buying museum tickets in advance shortens queues; for places that accept the Müzekart, see our Müzekart route.
Our family hotels closest to the start of the route
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Hagia Sophia: 10 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Hagia Sophia: 10 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Sareban Hotel
Hagia Sophia: 10 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Hagia Sophia: 12 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Historic Peninsula?
Three days is ideal to see the main monuments at a relaxed pace. The essentials can be seen in two days; a fourth day can be set aside for Fener-Balat, Kariye and the city walls.
Where should you start a Historic Peninsula tour?
It is best to start early in the morning with Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern; both get very crowded as the day goes on.