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.
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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Mall of Istanbul
During your trip to Istanbul, you can do some window-shopping at Mall of Istanbul. Attend a sporting event or visit the stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
2 Day All Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Optional Balloon Flight
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry & Audio Guide
Top hotels in Merkez
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Was great service beautiful place friendly nice great
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Divan Istanbul
Best hotel
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Clean room, luxury premises, everything top notch. You are locked into their restaurants though (nothing else near) which are quite pricey.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The room was spotless and the staff was superb!!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel
An excellent experience.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class
Really lovely hotel. Our room was spacious and very clean, and housekeeping did a very good job every day. All members of staff were really nice and always helpful, which is a huge plus.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 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 Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.
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
