Sultanahmet Square
The former Byzantine hippodrome and the central open space of the historic peninsula.
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City
Istanbul
Istanbul spans both sides of the Bosphorus, joining European and Asian districts through a long maritime history.
- Country
- Turkey
- Population
- 15,701,602
- Coordinates
- 41.0082, 28.9784
Your travel history
Visits · Istanbul
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WARMSYRT / WIKIPEDIA
About Istanbul
Istanbul occupies both shores of the Bosphorus and grew as Byzantium, Constantinople and the Ottoman capital before becoming the largest city of modern Türkiye. Waterways and hills still organize how its districts connect.
The historic peninsula concentrates Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, cisterns, palaces and bazaars within walking distance. Ferries then reveal a wider city extending along the Bosphorus and onto the Asian shore.
Landmarks
A short selection of the best-known places to begin exploring this destination.
Blue Mosque
The seventeenth-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, recognized by its domes, minarets and blue tiles.
Hagia Sophia
A sixth-century domed monument that has served as cathedral, mosque, museum and mosque again.
Basilica Cistern
A vast Byzantine underground reservoir supported by hundreds of reused stone columns.
Grand Bazaar
A historic covered market formed by a dense network of lanes, shops and courtyards.
Around 120 minutes · walking
Two hours in central Istanbul
A compact introductory route through central landmarks, ordered for a continuous walk.
Open route in Google Maps- Stop 1Sultanahmet Square
- Stop 2Blue Mosque
- Stop 3Hagia Sophia
- Stop 4Basilica Cistern
- Stop 5Grand Bazaar
Walking time is approximate and does not include admission queues or full interior visits. Check access and opening hours before setting out.