Sultanahmet Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

1. Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

Discover the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome on a private or shared guided walking tour in Istanbul. Admire the historic architecture and unique views of the city. Get an insider perspective of these must-see sights. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Blue Mosque, the most visited monument in Istanbul famous for its stunning blue tiles. Marvel at this imperial Ottoman Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet. Witness the evocative power and splendor of its past as you enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the Blue Mosque. Afterward, enjoy the courtyard for breathtaking views of modern Istanbulites and take a stroll around the neighborhood. Walk through the Hippodrome, the social and political center of the city, and learn about the significance of the famous obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Explore the Arasta Bazaar nestled right under the shadow of the Blue Mosque to understand 17th Century architecture of public buildings. It is a well-known but modest open-air market in the heart of Sultanahmet. Enjoy a last-minute tea break and hunt for gifts to take home. End your tour in Sultanahmet Square with enough information and hints to help you be independent for the rest of your time in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

2. Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch

Discover Istanbul's most iconic sights on a tour. Listen to your guide recount tales of the city's colorful past as you pass by landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome. Round off the experience with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Start your tour at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was the sports and social center of the old city. Discover major artworks including the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Willhelm II. Then, continue to the Blue Mosque, whose 6 minarets adorn Istanbul’s skyline. Next up is the Topkapi Palace, which was home to Ottoman emperors between the 15th and 19th centuries. Marvel at the jewel-stuffed treasury, the Ottoman Empire's imperial collections, and priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. If the Topkapi Palace is closed on your trip date, you'll visit the Nakkas Cistern instead. Continue to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a monument of equal significance to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Behold the dome and stunning mosaics of this architectural gem as your guide recounts its turbulent history. Then, enter the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry to ceramics and leather goods. Take a stroll around the Bazaar and soak in the aroma of different spices, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, and lokum (Turkish Delights). Tour ends in Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

3. Istanbul: Topkapi Palace & Harem Tour with Entry Ticket

Discover the Topkapi Palace on a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets. Learn about Ottoman history in the Palace and the life of Sultan's family in the harem. Explore the splendor of Topkapi Palace, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Discover how the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards was a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Immerse yourself in the heart of the great Ottoman Empire. Stroll through the palace, and imagine the ruling Sultans who lived in its hundreds of rooms with their vast families and countless servants. Visit the harem, ruled by the Queen Mother who wielded domestic and political power. The harem housed hundreds of women and family members as well as hundreds of eunuchs, who performed a wide range of duties. Take a moment to spot the cupboard doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. Walk through the Harem is also the only way to see the very early, exceptionally-crafted Iznik tiles decorated with floral designs and verses from the Quran. The tour ends with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary

4. Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Commentary

Explore the beautiful city of Istanbul at your own pace with this hop-on-hop-off bus ticket including audio commentary in 8 languages. Your ticket is valid for 1 day and will let you spend more time discovering the highlights that most interest you. Jump aboard your double-decker bus and enjoy a tour designed for those who want flexibility during their sightseeing exploration of Istanbul. With additional commentary from your audioguide, you will learn interesting facts about key sights. During the route you can stop at locations like Sultanahmet Square, Eminönü, Karaköy, Galataport, Dolmabahçe Palace, Naval Museum, Beylerbeyi Palace, Taksim Square, Beşiktaş Bazaar, Şişhane, and Egyptian Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul: City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

5. Istanbul: City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque

Discover the classic monuments of Istanbul on a half-day guided tour of the city center. Visit the colorful and lively Grand Bazaar to shop for unique local products. Start your trip with pickup directly from your chosen hotel or pickup point, and then make your way by air-conditioned vehicle to Sultan Ahmet Square. Explore Hagia Sophia, built on the site of an earlier church under the orders of Emperor Justinian I. Learn how it became the largest cathedral in the world and was later converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, and see the blue Iznik tiles and minarets of the city's most iconic attraction. Learn more about the former arena of the Byzantine Empire at the ruins of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Round off your trip at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 60 streets and 5000 shops. Stop into an authentic oriental atmosphere and see all kinds of gifts, leather clothing, rugs, antiques, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics, and more.

Istanbul: Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers

6. Istanbul: Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers

Learn about the historical development of the city under the Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire on a private tour. Compare the different cultures and religions of these empires while exploring iconic Istanbul sights like Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Travel stress-free with private roundtrip transportation. Enjoy unhurried visits to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, due to its unique interior decoration of blue royal Iznik tiles. At the Hippodrome, see where the Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights. Admire its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, and German Fountain. Finish your day by learning about Turkish handicrafts at the famous Grand Bazaar and its 4,000 shops (replaced with the Arasta Baazar or the Spice Bazaar on Sundays). With your private guide leading the way, there's no chance of getting lost in the bazaar. This tour is a good start for first-time visitors to Istanbul. You'll gain a good idea of the past, present, and future of Istanbul while visiting some of the city's must-see sights and monuments. You can pause the tour at any point to ask questions or adjust the itinerary.

Istanbul: Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tour

7. Istanbul: Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tour

Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from priority admission at the museum ticket offices to skip the long lines and head in faster. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome and minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards was a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoiseshell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. The tour ends with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens. You can choose to visit the Harem at your own pace.

Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

8. Istanbul: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket and Scenic Cruise

Discover every corner of Istanbul with this unique sightseeing tour combination. Travel around the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour with stops in both European and Asian parts of town. Navigate down the scenic Bosphorus Strait on a cruise and upgrade your experience with an insightful walking tour. Hop-on hop-off Bus Tour Travel aboard a double-decker bus and enjoy a hassle-free tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. Explore a looping route with 11 strategically placed stops close to must-see sights. Jump off at any of the stops or stay onboard for a relaxing ride through the vibrant streets. Pass by the famous Galata Bridge with fishermen lining the railing and Galata Tower soaring into the sky. Admire the view as you cross the legendary Bosphorus Bridge from Europe to Asia. The sightseeing route offers the following stops: 1. Sultanahmet 2. Eminönü 3. Karaköy 4. Galataport 5. Dolmabahce Palace 6. Istanbul Naval Museum 7. Beylerbeyi Palace 8. Beşiktaş Çarşısı 9. Taksim Square 10. Şişhane 11. Spice Bazaar 12. Sultanahmet Bosphorus cruise Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and navigate past spectacular palaces, mosques, and mansions from different empires along both shores of the Strait. Start out in the Old City, then navigate along the European side until the second Bosphorus Bridge, then return along the Asian coast. See the city from a whole new perspective as you sail past historical landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Ciragan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden Tower, and many more. Learn about the history and culture of Istanbul with the onboard audio guide. Optional walking tour Set foot on the Asian side of Istanbul by selecting the activity option with an included walking tour. Discover the famous local food market of Kadıköy, learn about Turkish food culture, and visit the backstreets of a local residential neighborhood.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque Tour

9. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque Tour

Tour includes visit with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque Hagia Sophia: Imagine a building standing in the same place for 1500 years, the number one temple for two religions. The headquarter of Orthodox Christendom and the first mosque in Istanbul. It was constructed within only 5 years. It's dome was the biggest dome with 55.60 height and 31.87 diameters for 800 years in the world. Depictions of the religions side by side. Coronation place for the Roman Emperors. It was the meeting place of the Sultan and his people. That is the famous Hagia Sophia of Istanbul. Blue Mosque: Located in the old city's heart, it is the most famous mosque in Istanbul and Turkey. Known by the name Blue Mosque, the original name of the Mosque is Sultanahmet Mosque. The tiles design the Blue Mosque interior which is named a Blue Mosque. These tiles come from the most famous tile-producing city in Turkey, Iznik.The tradition of naming mosques in the Ottoman Era is simple. The mosques are named after giving the mosque's order and spending money for the construction. For this reason, the majority of the mosques carry the name of those people. Another tradition is that the name of the region comes from the biggest mosque in that region. For this reason, there are three Sultanahmet. One is the mosque, one is the Sultan who gave the order for the mosque, and the third is the Sultanahmet area. Suleymaniye Mosque: Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks of Istanbul, Turkey. Built during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, this stunning mosque is an impressive example of Ottoman architecture and is widely considered one of the most impressive structures of its kind in the world.

Istanbul: Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Guided Tour

10. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Guided Tour

Join a guided tour in Istanbul and visit 2 of the city's most important attractions. Discover Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, and Topkapı Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Empire for more than 380 years. Meet your guide and set out on foot to visit these famous locations. Start with a visit to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, an architectural marvel believed to date back to 532 AD. Hear about how this building served as the center of political, religious, and artistic life in the Byzantine world. Uncover its past as you admire Islamic elements alongside Christian images and learn about its former uses as a Greek Orthodox Basilica and museum. Next, head to Topkapi Palace, the opulent building that once served as the home of mighty Ottoman sultans. Hear about how the palace was converted into a museum following the abolishment of the Ottoman monarchy, and learn about its history as you explore. Wander through the buildings and courtyards with your guide and see some of the treasures held within the palace walls, including 13th-century Japanese porcelain, weaponry used by the Ottoman army, an 86-carat diamond, the world-famous Topkapi Dagger, and much more. Leave your tour with a deeper understanding of Istanbul's past and a greater appreciation for 2 of the city's most significant attractions. 

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What people are saying about Sultanahmet Square

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,462 reviews

Our tour guide, Sabih, did a wonderful job and was extremely knowledgeable. At each of the places we went to he presented a variety of historical stories and a wealth of knowledge while keeping the tour at a very good pace. He pointed out many details about each of the buildings in ways that made things memorable and that made the tour far superior to other similar tours I have taken in the past. Additionally, I myself was a history major and I naturally had many questions for him about his various stories and the various parts of each building. He answered each of my questions with an abundance of additional facts and even more wonderful historical anecdotes. I would highly recomend this tour.

Good communication and flexibility from the company. We had an amazing day with tour guide Baris. Highly recommended when in Istambul.

Chetan was really nice and very informative I will highly recommend for my friends as well

The guide was incredibly knowledgeable. The tour was well-organised and I learned so much!

Mustafa was very helpful with the recommendations and knowledgeable about the city.