Sultanahmet: Why This Neighborhood Is Unique
le quartier Sultanahmet à Istanbul
Today, I invite you to discover Sultanahmet, the historical heart of IstanbulIstanbul in Turkey. Here, you'll find all the practical information you need to turn your visit into an unforgettable experience. In this article, I’ll share tips on how to get there and what to see. But stay tuned for the second part—I’ll dedicate it to unmissable activities in the area.
Visiting Sultanahmet feels like stepping into a museum. Its architecture, landscapes, history, and atmosphere will amaze you. The cobblestone streets that go up and down, the smell of street food, the sounds of merchants… all of this makes Sultanahmet unique and keeps you wanting to visit and revisit the city again and again. I invite you to join me in discovering this corner of Istanbul.
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When I was little, my parents worked in tourism on Black Sea coast. in Bulgaria. One of the attractions often offered to tourists was a weekend trip to Istanbull. I had the opportunity to go several times, but alas, I was between 5 and 10 years old, so I don't remember much of the experience. In May 2024, on my way to Moscow,I had the chance to return for a few days and took full advantage of the time to (re)discover this magnificent city, especially Sultanahmet. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, I recommend staying for at least a week to explore the entire city and not just the historic center. But if, like me, you only have a few days,don’t worry—you’ll still find plenty of joy here.
Sultanahmet in Istanbul: A bit of history
To begin, it’s important to know that few modern cities today have as much history as Istanbul. Sultanahmet in particular is a place rich in history and culture. This was once the center of power for Byzantine emperors and later for Ottoman sultans. In the time of Constantinople, this part of the city was the center of Byzantine power and Christian faith. Many architectural works were built during this time, including the Hagia Sophia,constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. At the time, it was the largest church in the Christian world and remains an architectural masterpiece.
With the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, Sultanahmet also became the center ofthe Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and the sultans built many other Islamic buildings, the most famous being the Blue Mosque,constructed in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, who also gave his name to the neighborhood.
Today, Sultanahmet is a lively district that attracts millions of visitors every year. It’s also a place where you can feel the vibrant atmosphere and witness the crossing of history.
How to get to Sultanahmet
Let’s start with the practical side. Before exploring Sultanahmet, you first need to get to the city. If, like me, you arrive in Istanbul by plane, you will likely land at the new Havalimani airport..
Located about 50 km from Sultanahmet, this airport is truly impressive. It opened in 2019, and in my opinion, it looks more like a giant shopping mall than an airport. And I mean that as a compliment! I found it very well-organized, calm, and staffed with competent personnel.
The quickest way to get to Sultanahmet from the airport is by taxiI recommend reserving your car in advance. If that’s not possible, negotiate the price before getting in. The usual fare is between 30 and 40 euros.
The best value for money, however, is taking the Havaist bus.It departs from level -2 and takes you to the Aksaray Metro stopat the beginning of the Sultanahmet district. From Aksaray, you can either walk or take the metro or tram. If you opt for the Havaist bus, look for line 12 Havalimani–Aksaray. As of May 2024, the ticket price is 204 TL (around 6 euros). Buses run every 20 minutes, and the trip takes between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on traffic. You can pay by card or cash.
What to see in Sultanahmet?
It’s tough to choose among all the historical and cultural sites in this area. You could spend days here and not see everything. But if your goal is to discover the most popular spots, I’ve prepared a short list.
The Blue Mosque
When I visited Istanbul in 2024, I arrived at my hotel very late. I still decided to go out for a walk. The very first thing I saw was the lights of the Blue Mosque,. I couldn’t see the entire mosque, but I was still very impressed.
Sultan Ahmed had the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616. That’s why it’s also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque. It has six minarets, which was a unique feature at the time. This is connected to the fact that it was a starting point for the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Sacred Mosque in Mecca also had six minarets when the Blue Mosque was built).
The Blue Mosque is still an active place of worship and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers during prayer times!
Practical Information Entrance to the Blue Mosque is free. However, as it is an active place of worship, access is restricted during prayer times.
Hagia Sophia
Not far from the Blue Mosque, you will find the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Built in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia served as an Orthodox cathedral for nearly 1000 years. After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, they converted it into a mosque in 1453. In 1935, the government transformed it into a museum, thus ceasing its function as a place of worship. Recently, in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque.
As both a church and a mosque, Hagia Sophia played a central role in the religious and cultural history of Constantinople and Istanbul. It symbolizes the city's transition from a Christian to a Muslim center. Its reconversion into a mosque in 2020 sparked significant international reactions.
Hagia Sophia attracts millions of visitors each year due to its historical significance, architectural beauty, and mystical aura. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, further cementing its status as a must-see landmark.
Practical Information : Since January 15, 2024, there is an entrance fee for visitors. The price is €25 and the ticket gives you access to the gallery where you can admire mosaics and learn more about Byzantine and Ottoman history. The goal of this new pricing policy is to separate the place of worship from the tourist site. Inside the mosque, you'll find QR codes providing information about the history of Hagia Sophia.
Entry to the garden is free.
Topkapi Palace
A bit further away (but not really far) from the two mosques, you will find Topkapi Palace.It was built in the 15thst century by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople. It served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans and as the administrative center of the empire for nearly 400 years. The palace, with its vast courtyards, ornate pavilions, priceless treasures, and mysterious harem, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Ottoman court. Its collections include sacred relics, sumptuous jewelry, imperial costumes, and precious manuscripts.
Topkapi Palace is now a museum that attracts millions of visitors each year, fascinated by its majestic architecture and captivating history.
Practical Information The entrance fee is 1500 TL (about €42). It gives you access to all parts of the palace (both permanent and temporary exhibitions). Plan for at least 3 hours for the visit, though you could easily spend a whole day there.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
The Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)
The Sultanahmet neighborhood is full of places to visit to admire architecture or learn history. But for me, no place is as emotionally rich as the Grand Bazaar. The Kapaliçarsi is famous for being one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It was founded shortly after the conquest of Constantinople and today it covers more than 30 hectares. It has over 4,000 shops! It’s a true labyrinth where you can find an incredible variety of products, such as spices, jewelry, beauty products, souvenirs, colorful ceramics, rugs… In short, even if you’re not a shopping enthusiast, you will have an incredible time in this place.
Le quartier Sultanahmet à Istanbul
One of my favorite childhood stories, which I always tell my friends and which embarrasses my parents, is related to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. My father had organized a visit to Kapaliçarsi for his tourists, and I came along with him. I was maybe 5 or 6 years old at the time, and I wasn’t at all interested in gold jewelry or fur coats (to tell you the truth, I’m still not interested in those things today either). I remember being tired. My senses were overwhelmed by the colors, sounds, and smells, so I decided to sit down and relax. I must have fallen asleep, and in my memories, I slept for hours.
When I woke up, I didn’t see my father next to me and assumed he had forgotten me. So, I decided to sleep for a few more hours. When I woke up again, my father had found me.
That’s the story I tell. But in my father’s version, I only slept for 5 minutes and he was in front of the shop with the tourists. I can’t tell you who is right 😊.
Informations pratiques : The Grand Bazaar is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 7 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Entry is free, but bag checks are conducted at the entrance.
Aga Hamami
For Turkish bath enthusiasts, I invite you to visit Ağa Hamamı. Built in 1454, shortly after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, it was initially intended for the private use of Sultan Mehmed and his family. This hammam is famous for its authentic architecture, traditional ambiance, and relaxing spa services.
Its reputation is also based on the excellence of its service and attention to detail, ensuring a memorable and relaxing experience for both tourists and locals. In addition to its historical significance, Ağa Hamamı is a symbol of Turkish bath tradition, offering insight into Istanbul's rich culture and customs.
Practical Information : The baths are open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM. The entrance fee is 1200 TL (about €35), and you can add extra services, ranging from 500 TL to 1000 TL. It is advisable to book in advance. Tips are accepted and appreciated.
The Basilica Cistern
Built in the 6th century under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the cistern was used to store water for the Grand Palace and other buildings in the city. It is an impressive example of Byzantine hydraulic engineering. The cistern is about 138 meters long and 64.6 meters wide, capable of holding up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. It is supported by 336 marble columns, many of which were repurposed from ancient Roman and Greek structures, adding to its unique and eclectic character.
Two columns in the cistern are particularly famous due to the Medusa heads carved at their base. These heads are placed unusually, one upside down and the other on its side, which has sparked many legends and speculations about their meaning. The dim lighting, partially submerged columns, and fish swimming in the cistern create a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. This unique ambiance attracts many tourists and has even been used as a setting for films, documentaries, and video games.
Practical Information : The entrance fee is 800 TL (around €20). You can visit during the day or in the evening. Both visits offer different atmospheres. Opening hours are 9 AM – 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 11:50 PM.
Discovering Sultanahmet
If it wasn’t already obvious in this article, let me make it clear: I have completely fallen in love with Istanbul and the Sultanahmet district. From the majestic Hagia Sophia to the stunning Blue Mosque, to the labyrinths of the Grand Bazaar, every corner of Sultanahmet resonates with centuries of history and culture. I hope I’ve shared with you my impressions of the timeless beauty of these iconic sites. But perhaps I haven’t talked enough about the atmosphere that fills the cobbled streets of this neighborhood, so full of emotions.
Although my exploration is far from exhaustive, I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity about Sultanahmet. Stay tuned for the second part of my guide, where I will share my recommendations for must-see activities, welcoming accommodations, and culinary delights to savor. In the meantime, if you’re considering a getaway to Istanbul, don’t hesitate to contact me for my services of travel planning.
For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
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