Merkez
Istanbul
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Sultanahmet Square
Find out about the history of Sultanahmet Square, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Things to do
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
Istanbul: Perfume Making Workshop with Bosphorus View
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
Top hotels in Merkez
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
We had a room with a small terrace opening to the pool, which was still in the process of being opened. Staff generally were helpful and attentive, with the exception of the lobby bar where it was always a struggle to get someone to serve. Housekeeping and room service were excellent
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Excellent
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Titanic City Taksim
Very clean and good location, near bus and metro and taksim square. Hotel was clean and staff were friendly. Spend 8 nights there with out issues
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
Hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes from airport. Rooms are very clean and staff are welcoming and friendly. Our flight was very early which meant we would miss the breakfast time, so staff offered us a box lunch instead if we preferred so we'd have something to eat early in the morning - very ...
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Divan Istanbul
Room was very spacious, and ultra clean! A/C worked well, and it was very easy to maintain a perfect room temperature. Never met a staff member who wasn't smiling. Morning breakfast buffet was an abundance of riches! (I won't dare tell how much weight I gained!) Highly recommend this hotel.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
We enjoyed staying in the hotel. Especially caring staff and clean room. The breakfast was so nice. The location is very easy to approach all historic places. I definitely recommend the hotel.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merkez
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Hagia Sophia is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
Beyoğlu
Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.
Şişli
Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.
Galata
Travellers choose Galata for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station and check out top sights like Galata Tower.
Taksim
Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.
Merkez
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- Istanbul City Center Holidays
- Fethiye Museum
- Olimpik Go Kart
- Visit Fatih
- Florence Nightingale Hospital
- Visit Gayrettepe
- Feshane International Fair Congress and Culture Center
- Visit Asmali Mescit
- Visit Pera
- Visit Cankurtaran
- Visit Merter
- Golden Horn Park
- Visit Kurucesme
- Visit Basaksehir
- Visit Şişli
- Visit Macka
- Ibrahim Ethem Cami
- Visit Alibeyköy
- Panagia Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church
- Visit Sultangazi
- Visit Mahmutbey
- Pierre Loti Hill
- Visit Etiler
- Phanar Greek Orthodox College
- Visit Laleli
- Visit Istanbul
- Visit Üsküdar
- Visit Esentepe
- Hatice Sultan Mosque
- Halic Koprusu
- Visit Rasimpasa
- Hastanesi Memorial Hospital
- Visit Balat
- Golden Horn Bridge
- The Virgin Mary Assyrian Church
- Visit Istanbul City Center
- Visit Bağcılar
- Chora Church
- Visit Sultanahmet
- Visit Bebek
- Visit Kumkapi
- Visit Zeytinburnu
- Cicek Pasaji
- Venezia Mega Outlet
- Eski Imaret Mosque
- Visit Beşiktaş
- Haseki Sultan Cami
- Eyup Sultan Mosque
- Visit Kabatas
- Visit Nişantaşı
- Visit Kâğıthane
- City's Nişantaşı Shopping Center
- Speed Go-kart
