Sultanahmet Square

The basics

Sultanahmet Square is a popular meeting spot for walking tours; unless your tour includes hotel transfers, then it is likely you’ll meet your guide here. Since the public square and its surrounding attractions are key stops on any Istanbul itinerary, visitors have a range of options to choose from when booking a tour: 2-hour to full-day, private to group, food-oriented or history-focused. Some landmarks, like Topkapi Palace, are also visible during cruises along the Bosphorus.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re hoping to visit the Blue Mosque or the Hagia Sophia, you should dress modestly: women are advised to bring a scarf or shawl to cover their head (although there may be head coverings available to buy or loan), while men should wear shirts that cover their shoulders and long pants.
• Note that you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before visiting the mosques. Some supply lockers or storage facilities to keep your footwear in, while others hand out a bag. If you’re uncomfortable going barefoot, then bring a pair of socks.
• If you’re visiting in summer, expect limited shade in Sultanahmet Square and sweltering daytime temperatures. Wear a hat for sun protection and sunscreen. If you can, book a tour for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong midday rays.

How to get there

If you’re staying in accommodation within the Old City, then you can easily reach Sultanahmet Square on foot. From Taksim Square, one of the city’s main hubs, you can take the F1 funicular to Kabataş then transfer to the T1 tram to Sultanahmet station. The T1 tram also links popular areas like Karaköy and Eminönü.

When to get there

Beat the crowds and tour buses (and the heat, if visiting in summer) by aiming to arrive early—say, before 8am. The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are ideal for sightseeing, while winter is typically quieter but wetter. Ramadan brings festive evenings as the city gathers to break its fast, although many attractions maintain early closures then.

Inside the Hagia Sophia’s 1,400-year-old history

Located around 5-10 minutes walking distance from Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s crown jewels. The domed building, with its gold mosaics and impressive calligraphy, is a testament to the city’s complex and multi-layered history. It was built as a Byzantine cathedral, converted into a mosque a millennium later after the Ottoman conquest, transformed into a museum after the founding of the secular Turkish Republic, and in 2020—amid controversy—reconverted into a mosque.