[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Sultanahmet District (Updated Jun)

Istanbul isn’t just a city of mosques and markets—it’s a feline paradise where cats are practically royalty. With an estimated 125,000 (or more!) furry locals lounging in cafes, napping in mosques, or strutting through bazaars, these cats are as much a part of the city as the Bosphorus. Here are five fun facts about Istanbul’s beloved cats, why they’re everywhere, and why you’ll be snapping photos left and right. Get ready to fall in love! 1️⃣ Cats Are Istanbul’s Communal BFFs 😺 Walk any street in Istanbul, and you’ll spot cats curled up on car hoods, basking outside shops, or charming diners at sidewalk cafes. These aren’t just strays—they’re like the city’s shared pets. Locals leave out water bowls and food, and you might see an auntie with a bag of kibble, surrounded by a purring posse. Turkey’s no-kill, no-capture laws keep them safe, so they’re clean and friendly, especially in touristy spots like Sultanahmet. 💡Pro tip: Snap a pic of a cat lounging in a cafe for the ultimate Istanbul vibe. 2️⃣They’ve Got Ottoman Street Cred 😺 Ever wonder why Istanbul has so many cats? It goes back to Ottoman days, when wooden houses were rodent magnets. Cats were hired as furry exterminators, keeping homes and shops pest-free. Add in Islamic love for cats—Prophet Muhammad reportedly cut his sleeve to avoid waking a napping kitty—and you’ve got a recipe for feline worship. Today, cats are often regarded as symbols of good luck. Turkey has a saying “If you kill a cat, you need to build a mosque to be forgiven by God.” No wonder they’re treated like VIPs! 3️⃣ Tombili’s Statue Is a Feline Hall of Fame 😺 You’ve heard about Tombili, Kadikoy’s chubby cat who became a global icon for her sassy, reclining pose on a pavement step. Her viral photo screamed “I own this town,” and when she passed, locals immortalized her with a bronze statue at her favorite chill spot. It’s now a selfie hotspot in Ziverbey, where you can pay homage to this legend. 😻Fun fact: The statue was briefly stolen but returned after public outcry—proof Istanbul doesn’t mess around with its cat heroes. Pose with Tombili for your Insta feed! 4️⃣ Cats Crash Mosques and Museums 😺 Istanbul’s cats don’t just roam streets—they waltz into sacred spaces like they own them. You’ll see them napping in Hagia Sophia (The late Gli, Hagia Sophia’s beloved feline, charmed visitors and racked up 119,000 Instagram followers, leaving a legacy as a global icon) or stretching out in mosques, where everyone is happy to pet them. For a cat-obsessed adventure, visit the Cat Museum in Besiktas, opened in 2023, packed with feline art and history. 💡Pro tip: Early mornings at Hagia Sophia catch cats in serene, photo-ready moments before crowds hit. 5️⃣ They Star in Viral Moments 😺 Istanbul’s cats are social media superstars, and you’ll want your camera ready for their antics. From trams pausing to let a cat sip from a puddle to felines photobombing your kebab shot, they’re everywhere. The 2017 documentary Kedi follows their daily adventures, and CNN’s 2024 cat video roundup shows gems like cats ruling bazaars. Want a viral pic? Hang out near the Spice Bazaar, where cats wait for fish scraps and strike poses like professional models. ❤️💡 Grab a Cat-Themed Souvenir Want to bring Istanbul’s cat love home? Pick up a feline-inspired keepsake! Markets and shops in areas like Beyoğlu or Kadıköy are filled with artisanal goodies—think “Istanbul Is Full of Cats” tote bags, quirky postcards, hand-painted artworks, or tiny cat statuettes. The Grand Bazaar or local boutiques like the Cats of Istanbul Museum’s gift shop are goldmines. 💡 Pro tip: Pair your souvenir with a photo of a real Istanbul cat for a post that screams, “I was there!” Istanbul’s cats aren’t just cute—they’re a living piece of the city’s soul, blending history, culture, and charm. With your photos, you’ll capture their magic in no time. Search "Istanbul" to get more ideas and travel tips from our Local Guide! #IstanbulCats #CatLovers #TurkeyTravel #LocalGuides #Istanbul

#hospitality My recent trip to Istanbul was nothing short of amazing, but what truly stood out was the famous Turkish hospitality. From the moment I landed, I was met with warm smiles and welcoming gestures. Staying in the Sultanahmet district, I felt like I was transported back in time with its historic mosques and palaces nearby. Every café I walked into, I was greeted with complimentary Turkish tea (çay) and sweets. The locals were eager to share stories and help me find the best spots to visit. No entrance fee required—just pure hospitality! ☕🇹🇷 One of the highlights was visiting a traditional Turkish restaurant where the owner, Mehmet, sat down with us after the meal to share more tea and ask about our journey. This personal touch made me feel like I was visiting family. The Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia are both within walking distance, so you can soak in history and culture all day long. In Istanbul, the hospitality is as rich as the city’s history, and I left with new friends and unforgettable memories. Can’t wait to return! #TurkishHospitality #IstanbulVibes #GrandBazaar #TurkishTea #Sultanahmet #IstanbulMagic

Today I went to the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet, Istanbul 🇹🇷 I'm a student at a university in Turkey, so I was able to enter for 20 lira. It's underground, so it's a bit muggy, but I enjoyed the mystical atmosphere 🌍

#spamagic We stayed at Lapis Inn Hotel & Spa when we are in Istanbul, Turkey. With the name of Spa, they provide spa package and Turkish massage. We got a family suite which has one double bed room and two single bedroom. The accommodation comes with breakfast. The location of the Lapis Inn hotel is Istanbul – Sultanahmet, which is the most central place where the city has a cultural heart. It is walking distance to Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Travel wish for #2023travelwish is to travel around the world with my loved one.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Zagreb Hotel 💡 Tips

#Overseas travel We went to Istanbul, Turkey and took a ferry to a place called Sultan Mosque‼️✈️✈️ There were so many mosques in Turkey, but we saw Sultan Mosque, which was really, really pretty. There were various mosques lined up next to each other, and the atmosphere of looking at them together was so great And sometimes there were events, and the music coming out of them was really amazing and cool. We couldn't understand it, but it was really amazing⭐️🔥 I really recommend that you visit this place at least once. This is one of the mosques that I really recommend. And it was nice that you could enter Sultan Mosque for free Turkiye is known for its expensive tourist attractions, but this place is not cheap, but it's open for free, so it was really nice to be able to see the atmosphere ♥️♥️ And the interior was well-decorated so that you could experience various things, so it was really nice. 🌸 And I felt like it was a place that Hyunjin really loved, because there were so many locals lining up to see the inside. We also lined up to see the inside, and it was really cool. There was no dress code, and we just had to wear long pants and long sleeves.

#springitinerary If you want to feel the true soul of Istanbul, start your journey in Sultanahmet, the city's historic heart. Every stone, every alley, and every towering minaret here tells a story that spans empires. In one stroll, you can visit some of the world's greatest treasures: the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the breathtaking Blue Mosque, the sprawling Topkapi Palace, and the ancient Hippodrome where chariot races once thrilled the Byzantine crowds. It's like walking through a living museum where every corner reveals another piece of history. Sultanahmet isn’t just about monuments — it’s the vibe. The aroma of fresh simit (Turkish bagels) fills the air, cats lounge lazily in sunlit courtyards, and the call to prayer weaves through the streets like a song from the past. Take time to sip Turkish tea at a small café, explore hidden courtyards, and simply be in this place where East meets West, and yesterday still dances with today. Sultanahmet is not just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. #Sultanahmet #OldCityIstanbul #HistoricIstanbul #TravelTurkey #TimelessTravel #Wanderlust #CulturalJourney #TravelBlogger #IstanbulMagic

#Istanbul #BlueMosque #SultanahmetMosque For tourists who are not familiar with mosques, It is a place that provides artistic, religious, historical emotion, learning, and piety. I couldn't stop walking in this mosque called Blue Mosque, so I visited again a few days later.

Traveling in Istanbul, I developed a habit—whenever I saw domes and minarets, I couldn't resist approaching them. In this city, almost every street has a mosque, and each mosque feels like a quiet poem narrating an ancient story. I started with the most famous **Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)**. As I stepped into the inner hall and looked up at the over 20,000 blue tiles adorned with intricate floral patterns, my heart instantly calmed. Light filtered through the dome's windows, as if time itself had been sifted, leaving only sanctity and harmony. Next was the majestic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Though it has undergone transitions between Christianity and Islam, it now stands as a fusion of both faiths. The coexistence of mosaics and Islamic calligraphy on its walls inspires awe for the city's inclusiveness. I also fell in love with the less conspicuous smaller mosques, such as the Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque near the Golden Horn. Quiet and elegant, it serves as a daily prayer space for locals. I sat there for a while, watching children play in the courtyard, sunlight illuminating their faces. Life and faith blend so naturally here. The mosques of Istanbul are not just places of worship; they are reflections of art, architecture, and history. Entering a mosque feels like opening a living book, where every stroke of calligraphy and every tile holds a thousand years of scenery. Location Highlights: Blue Mosque / Hagia Sophia / Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque (Sultanahmet area) 📍Recommended Area: Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

Sultanahmet Square is the historical center of Istanbul, where the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia face each other, allowing you to feel the fusion of Islamic and Christian cultures. It was used as a racecourse during the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and various relics, such as the obelisk brought from Egypt, remain. The surrounding gardens and fountains provide a resting place for travelers, and are recommended as photo spots~ #AustraliaFlightEvent

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Istanbul Hippodrome Square It is said that Hippodrome Square was a square where chariot races were held 2,000 years ago, and that it was a large square that could accommodate 100,000 spectators. It is said that the Colosseum collapsed due to an earthquake and now only three pillars remain in a large park. #EuropeTravel

#MarchTravelSupportEvent A great place to have a glass of draft beer at LEKKER, a famous restaurant in Istanbul's Old Town There are a lot of pubs near Sultanahmet. There are a lot of pubs on the main street near the tram station, but since it's a place with a lot of tourists, the prices are quite expensive. So, if you go to a store a little further into the alley, there are cheaper places. ㅎㅎㅎ The reason I went to LEKKER was because there was no solicitation, so I felt comfortable looking at the menu in front of the store. ㅋㅋㅋWhen I looked at the menu, the prices seemed cheaper than other places, so I went there. - When I went there, the food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly! Address: Alemdar, Dr. Eminpaşa Sk. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Opening hours: 12:00 ~ 01:00 Closed: None #Overseas travel

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Sultan Ahmed Mosque] 🕰️Opening hours: 24:00~ 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Location: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey 💰Price per person: 0~ 💞Reasons why we recommend it: Turkey's most famous tourist spot🤍 Isn't it the most famous in Istanbul? Admission is free. All the surrounding tourist spots are expensive, but this one is free, so it's very appreciated‼ ️ There was a long line to get inside the mosque, but we were able to enter after waiting in line for about 20 minutes😳 The dress code is the same as a regular mosque🕌 Men are required to wear short sleeves and long pants, and women are required to wear scarves, but they are available for free rental😁 The inside of the mosque is like a larger version of the nearby Blue Mosque, and the design is similar🤍

The Blue Mosque was absolutely magnificent outside & inside. The surrounding was serene & the people of Turkey were warm & friendly. A place Not to be missed.

Cistern of Theodosius Cistan of Theodosius https://maps.app.goo.gl/BU5QKxU3GhCeB8U86?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy The Cistern of Theodosius (Cistanbol) is an underground water storage facility built in ancient Roman times in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by Theodosius I at the end of the 4th century during the Byzantine Empire and played an important role in supporting the water supply in Istanbul. The huge underground space is lined with regularly-spaced columns, and it is a historical building that was once filled with water. It is now open to the public as a tourist attraction, and its magnificent atmosphere attracts visitors. The charm of the Cistern of Theodosius lies in the beauty of its ancient Roman architecture and its mysterious space. In particular, in recent years, the projection mapping show has become popular. Images and lights are projected onto pillars and walls, creating a fantastic atmosphere in this historic underground space, making this show well worth seeing! ◆Access Sultanahmet district, a major tourist destination in Istanbul A few minutes walk from Sultanahmet subway station #0 yen travel autumn

★Basic information about Istanbul Istanbul is divided into the European side and the Asian side, each with its own unique characteristics and charms. Due to this unique geographical feature where the continents are separated by the Bosphorus Strait, the city is a place where Eastern and Western cultures intersect, and you can enjoy the different atmospheres of each side of the city! ★Differences between the European side and the Asian side This is entirely my subjective opinion, but the European side has many new buildings and a beautiful, truly European feel to its streets. On the other hand, the Asian side has many old buildings remaining, and it is an area where you can feel the daily life of the locals. If you are looking to buy souvenirs, I think you can buy them cheaper on the Asian side! ★Recommended for walking around the city! This time, I recommend walking around the European side! There are many wide and beautiful streets, and many places where you can feel like you are in Europe with your bare feet. The shutters are often decorated with colorful illustrations and graffiti, so they are sure to look great in photos! ★Recommended sightseeing spots to visit along with a city walk Sultanahmet District Iconic sightseeing spots such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are concentrated here, making it a must-see for history buffs. This area is home to Byzantine and Ottoman Empire heritage, and has the charm of feeling the glory of ancient times. Beyoglu and Galata District A modern and vibrant area. Istiklal Street is lined with shopping and restaurants, and at night the cafes and bars are bustling. The beautiful panoramic view from Galata Tower is famous as one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul. Area along the Bosphorus Luxury hotels, restaurants, and yacht harbors line the area, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious atmosphere. Please take your time to enjoy a walk around the city of Istanbul! #0 yen travel autumn #Turkey trip #Turkey solo trip

Symbols of Istanbul, Turkey Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia In Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, two historical buildings that represent Turkey, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) and Hagia Sophia, are next to each other. Both are world-famous and are tourist attractions where history and culture intersect. A tram runs in front of you, so you can take photos of the tram with the mosque in the background! It runs relatively frequently, so you're bound to have plenty of photo opportunities. At night, you can take cool photos of the mosque lit up. ★Let's take a look at the mosques Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 and is characterized by its beautiful blue tile decorations. It still functions as a mosque, and visitors must avoid prayer times and follow the dress code. Hagia Sophia Hagia Sophia was built during the Byzantine Empire and was later converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire. It is still used as a mosque today and is open to tourists outside of prayer times. ◆Access Both buildings are located very close to Sultanahmet Station and can be easily reached by tram line 1 (T1 line). It connects major tourist sites, so you can travel efficiently. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are must-see spots in Istanbul. Experience the magnificent history as you stroll through Sultanahmet Square. #0 yen travel autumn #Turkey #Turkey solo travel #Tram #How to take photos

#citydaytours While en route to North America, I had a 22 hour layover in Istanbul. I considered several options in terms of tours and picked an itinerary perfect for the layover. Involving places that are most popular and in close distance of each other. This can allow you to have a great first experience of Istanbul without going out of the way. Keep in mind that this is the largest city if you compare turkey with european cities. And a very touristy one. So there is bound to be some things that I missed out on. But that was done keeping in mind that i didn't want to exhaust myself. I started off with a stunning Turkish breakfast in the sultanahmet district. I take my coffee strong, so i asked for strong Turkish tea. And that was terribly strong. No more Turkish tea for me. But you can always tell them to add more water or less water according to your preference. Here are the 5 places i visited before going back to my hotel. 1) Sultanahemet Square Plenty of historical stops scattered around and shops, cafe's, food carts etc. This is where I had my breakfast. 2) Hagia Sophia Walk to the grand mosque. Somewhat touristy and crowded as an experience. But you want to see the most popular attractions in Istanbul. 3) Blue mosque In the same vicinity, blue mosque is yet another popular stop. I prefer this one over hagia sophia. 4) Basilica cistern There are several underground cisterns in Istanbul. This is a 6th century old and largest of them. 5) Grand Bazaar Lastly, to truly exhaust you and make you hate cigarettes and the smell of it. Also give you a reason to conside putting your clothes in laundry the same day. (Too much smoke) but the largest and oldest market is colorful and test of your patience. How lovely for an activity to help you crash? This ensured I was back to the hotel by early evening and i enjoyed the hotel spa, called it a night early to prepare for the flight next morning. #istanbul #1daytrip #layover #myhiddengems #summerdestinations #100waysoftravel

#bluemosque , also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is known for its stunning blue interior tiles, intricate architecture, and impressive size. It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant religious site for Muslims around the world.

#thingstodo

Experience the ambiance of Istanbul in the #sultanahmet district of #istanbul by walking through the colorful streets, tasting amazing food and admiring the uniqueness of Turkish embellishments. The neighborhood is itself is vibrant and the area is in close proximity to most attractions as well as the tram. Be careful of the ‘taksi’ scams and use public transport instead!

Let's explore some of the top Instagrammable cafes around the world! From colorful architecture to dreamy secret garden, you will find your insta spot on every corner ✨ 1. Peggy Porschen, London || 📸. @gulshanlondon @peggyporschenofficial 2. Holy Matcha, San Diego || 📸 @holymatchaa 3. Dalloway Terrace, London || 📸 @dallowayterrace 4. KYND, Bali || 📸 @kyndcommunity 5. The Grounds, Sydney || 📸 @thegrounds

#wecreate This historic district is a treasure trove of cultural wonders, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant experiences. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, marvel at the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque, and wander through the bustling streets filled with colorful bazaars. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic Turkish cuisine at local restaurants and sip traditional tea in charming cafes. Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the serene ambiance. Don't forget to capture Instagram-worthy moments! 📸🌆🇹🇷 #SultanhametDistrict #Istanbul #TravelTips #HistoricWonders #CulturalHeritage