There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that become a permanent part of your memories. The sights, the sounds, and the experience stay with you long after you’ve left and continue to stay with you in the stories you tell. Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul is one such place.
It’s safe to even say that it is the heart of Istanbul where its history remains alive and the city still thrives without being forgotten. Located on Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Sultanahmet is where Byzantium became Constantinople, and Constantinople became Istanbul. The ruling of empires, faiths and tales that spans far back to ancient Greece still remain through mosques, museums and palaces.
It is also where most of Istanbul’s must visit spots remain from Hagia Sophia to underground cisterns which is why every new traveller to Istanbul must start in Sultanahmet.
What is Sultanahmet Square?
Sultanahmet Square sits in Fatih district, on the European side of Istanbul, within the old city walls. Visually, it is the epitome of the photographs you see of Istanbul with the iconic mosque minarets built by the Turkish architect Mimar Sinan.
It is also where you see the tram lines passing through the streets as people walk across it, sellers passing food and tourists flocking to places.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sultanahmet Square is named after the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) which was in turn built by Sultan Ahmet I. But before it became the square of mosques and palaces, it was a hippodrome during the Byzantine era where organised horse carriages races as well as public events, parades and even executions were held.
After the fall of the Byzantine era in the 13th century, the hippodrome was abandoned and plundered. The square became what it is known for today during the Ottoman Empire with the construction of mosques and palaces around it.
What makes the square unique in today’s likes is its walkability. Some of Istanbul’s most important landmarks are clustered within a radius of a few hundred meters, making Sultanahmet ideal for travelers for their first time visit in the city.
Things to see in Sultanahmet Square
With so much of history and monuments settled in this square, it’s easy to lose yourself in all it has to offer. So here is the must see things in Sultanahmet Square while you are in the city.
Hagia Sophia – Layers of Different Religion
Hagia Sophia has more to its appearance than the Islamic Mosque it is known as. It has the extravaganza of a cathedral mixed with the quiet humility of a mosque. Enter the archways and you will be greeted with the breath-taking site of cathedral chandeliers, centuries old mosaics of Jesus Christ while Quranic verses hang beside them mixed amongst the striking gold and purple colors of the place.
Hagisa Sophia was built in 537 AD under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia stood as the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, later becoming a museum, and today functions as a mosque once again, with designated areas for visitors.
Because of its age-old pagan, Christian and Islamic tales, the mosque has become a symbol of religious tolerance with Islamic calligraphy hanging beside mosaics of Jesus Christ and biblical archangels.
For visitors, online entry tickets make a real difference as queues stretch for kilometers and the symbolism of the mosaics as well as other must-see structures can go unnoticed. This is one of those places where a guided tour is extremely recommended to truly experience Hagia Sophia in all its glory.
The Blue Mosque – Istanbul’s Icon
Directly facing Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. Built in the early 17th century, it was designed not to overpower Hagia Sophia, but to converse with it and together, the two form one of the most iconic architectural pairings in the world.
The Blue Mosque gets its nickname from over 20,000 Iznik tiles lining its interior, glowing in shades of blue, turquoise, and white. Sunlight pours through more than 200 stained-glass windows, giving the space an enchanting atmosphere throughout the day.
Unlike Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque remains an active place of worship. Entry is free, but visitors must plan around prayer times.
In both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, please respect the customs and dress in full covering as a sign of courtesy to the religion and the Muslims who pray there. You can find plenty of combined Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia tour to make your trip more worthwhile.
Topkapi Palace – The Symbol of Ottoman Power
A short walk from the square, past garden paths and iron gates, brings you to Topkapi Palace which is the power central of the Ottoman Empire.
For nearly 400 years, sultans ruled from here, overseeing territories that stretched across three continents. Unlike European palaces built as single monumental structures, Topkapi palace consists of several courtyards each with its own unit of buildings and a large harem that needs a day of its own to explore.
Visiting Topkapi palace is how you learn of Istanbul’s history during the Ottoman reign. You’ll find yourself gazing through everything from swords and armours to clocks and clothes. The kitchens of the palace displays all sorts of priceless utensils while other annexes and wings showcases furniture, priced jewels and a gorgeous view of the Bosphorous.
Because of its size and complexity, Topkapi is best visited with a guided tour, especially if you plan to include the Harem. It’s easy to get lost in the palace and miss out on things that makes Topkapi great. Having a guided tour means you can visit corners and know the details of the palace in a way you wouldn’t if you tour by yourself. Those who plan ahead usually rank it among the highlights of their trip.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums – Byzantine and Greek Era Stories
Tucked just behind Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most underrated place: the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
This is not a single building but three interconnected museums housing over one million artifacts from civilizations that once ruled the region including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Mesopotamian, and Ottoman. This is the place that holds the famous Alexander Sarcophagus as well as numerous relics from the real city of Troy (yes the very same one that Brad Pitt’s movie is based on).
Travelers using an Istanbul Museum Pass often include this stop because it fits naturally into a Sultanahmet walking route and offers incredible value.
Basilica Cistern – The Never-Ending Water Supply Underground
If Sultanahmet shows you the glory of empires above ground, the Basilica Cistern reveals how they survived on it.
Built in the 6th century, this vast underground reservoir is supported by 336 marble columns, reflected eerily in shallow water. The Basilica Cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I due to lack of water whenever the city faced war or other forms of resistance from forces.
Emperor Justinian created the cistern to make sure they never ran out of water. The Cistern is a beauty of its own with pillars, architectural pieces and sculptures of the Medusa head being a popular structure there.
Because entry is controlled and extremely long lines build quickly, fast-track tickets are one of the most popular purchases here and often sell out same day. It is highly recommended to visit Basilica Cistern during the night. Crowds are thinner than daytime and the entire cistern underground comes alive in various colors giving it a beautiful, fantasical look.
Street Life – Trams and Everyday Istanbul
While navigating between these monuments, Sultanahmet itself is a place to wander around leisurely.
The T1 tram cuts through the area, bells ringing as it weaves between locals, tourists, and street vendors. You’ll see tourists of all kinds gazing at the structures while locals buy bagels from street vendors or sip tea under umbrella tented street shops. The smell of roasting chestnuts drifts through the air in cooler months.
It’s one of the places in Istanbul where even if you are not a history fan, you can walk around the street just enjoying the atmosphere.
Food, Vendors, and Local Flavor
Behind the Blue Mosque lies Arasta Bazaar, a calmer alternative to the Grand Bazaar, where artisans sell ceramics, textiles, spices, and handmade souvenirs. It’s an easy place to browse without pressure.
Restaurants range from humble kebab shops to rooftop terraces overlooking domes and minarets. Many travelers choose guided food tours here, combining local dishes with historical context. If you are a culinary lover with an interest in taste, then this food tour in the Fatih district (where Istanbul is located) will be the cherry on top of your Istanbul highlights.
Where to Stay to Explore Sultanahmet Easily
Staying in or near Sultanahmet makes a huge difference, especially for first-time visitors. Staying in or near Sultanahmet means you have access to most of the must visit places in Istanbul, close location to Trams, easy transfers from the airport as well as easy access to other sites in Istanbul including areas like Beyoglu, Taksim Square etc. All of them are just short of 30 minutes from Sultanahmet.
Our editor’s pick is Ramada in Old City Istanbul as it’s verified by AWO. It’s also situated in a neighborhood full of shops from clothes to sweets (great for souvenirs and cheaper than other tourist spots) and delicious restaurants (we recommend Big Momma opposite to the hotel).
The tram line is also just in front of the hotel making travel and access easy as butter.
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