An Ancient Neighborhood

There's a lot about Sultanahmet and it's always confusing for people so they never know where to begin. It's a district filled with historical buildings from different ages, like the Hagia Sophia (the church of St. Sophia) or the Blue Mosque (called Sultanahmet Mosque by locals).

There are many hotels that are situated in the Sultanahmet district providing people to stay in close proximity to all of the attractions. They also allow you to take one day of a walking tour of the old city district without the hassle of tour busses. Two of the most visited places in this district (maybe all of Turkey) are here: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. With a visit to the Hagia Sophia, you feel the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire in its golden ages and understand why the Crusaders were charmed at the city of Konstantine. Looking from a distance you see the architectural competition between Christianity and Islam when you see the Blue Mosque with its towering minarets standing right in front of Hagia Sophia. Chandeliers and blue tiles are some of the things you see but are nothing compared to the spirituality inside the still active mosque with individuals praying inside as you walk through.

The palace from the Ottoman period (Topkapi Palace) is also located here with different sections to be visited that'll give you an insight to the Ottoman Empire. One section that big tour groups usually skip is the "Harem" which will shed light on the daily lives of the Sultan and his family.

The Basilica Cistern is also another site overlooked by many, but has a stunning atmosphere and is unbelievably serene as there is a bustling city just above this dark cavern built with salvaged columns.

Shopping Anyone?

One of the oldest covered markets of the world, the Grand Bazaar, will be an unforgettable experience with more than 3000 shops in a maze of streets, even for those who are not into shopping.