Getting to the old city

Istanbul’s old city, the historic peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, is home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque. From Nişantaşı (Nisantasi) it is roughly 30 to 45 minutes door to door by public transport, and there are two good routes. Both start at Osmanbey metro station and both are paid with the Istanbulkart.

Quick comparison

Route 1: the M2 metro to Vezneciler

1. At Osmanbey, take the M2 heading south, towards Yenikapı.
2. The train passes Taksim and Şişhane, then crosses the Golden Horn on a bridge with its own station, Haliç. Look up from your phone: the view of the old city skyline is one of the best you will get from public transport.
3. Get off at Vezneciler, four stops from Osmanbey.

From Vezneciler the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque are each about a 10 minute walk. For Sultanahmet, walk downhill along Divanyolu for 15 to 20 minutes, or pick up the T1 tram at Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı and ride it to Sultanahmet.

Route 2: funicular and tram

1. Take the M2 one stop to Taksim.
2. Change to the F1 funicular, a short underground ride down to Kabataş on the waterfront.
3. At Kabataş, take the T1 tram. It runs along the water past Karaköy, crosses the Galata Bridge to Eminönü (for the Spice Bazaar and the ferries), then climbs to Gülhane (for Topkapı Palace) and Sultanahmet.

This route drops you right at the main sights and is easy to follow, but the tram is crowded at busy times. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket.

By taxi

A taxi takes anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic around the Golden Horn bridges. Ask for Sultanahmet Meydanı (Sultanahmet Square), make sure the meter is running, or use an app that calls licensed taxis. A taxi makes most sense for the trip back in the evening, when you are tired.

Coming back

Both routes work in reverse. The metro runs until around midnight on most nights, so there is time for dinner in Sultanahmet, Eminönü or Karaköy before you head back. From Karaköy you can also walk up through Galata to Şişhane and take the M2 from there.

Tips for a day in the old city

• Start early. Queues at Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace grow through the morning, especially in summer.
• Mosques close to visitors during prayers, and for longer at midday on Fridays. Plan your mosque visits around prayer times.
• Dress for the mosques: shoulders and knees covered, and a scarf for women’s hair.
• The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays, and several museums close one day a week. Check before you go.
• Hagia Sophia’s visiting arrangements have changed several times in recent years. Check the current rules and entry times before you plan your day around it.
• Choose rather than rush. Topkapı Palace alone can fill half a day. Pick two or three sights and see them properly.

A licensed guide makes the history far easier to follow and can save time in the queues.

Frequently asked questions