Istanbul's historic heart where Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar stand within walking distance.

About Istanbul City Center (Sultanahmet/Taksim)

Sultanahmet is Istanbul's UNESCO-listed historic peninsula, where 2,500 years of civilization stack atop one another. Hagia Sophia—a 6th-century cathedral turned mosque, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements—faces the 17th-century Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) across a garden square. Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans' residence for 400 years, occupies the peninsula's tip overlooking the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Golden Horn simultaneously.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops, sprawls nearby alongside the Spice Bazaar and the atmospheric Eminönü waterfront. The Basilica Cistern, an underground Byzantine water reservoir with 336 marble columns, adds mystery to the quarter.

Taksim Square, 4 km north across the Golden Horn, is the center of modern Istanbul's nightlife, shopping, and dining. Istiklal Avenue, a 1.4-km pedestrian boulevard served by a nostalgic tram, is lined with restaurants, bars, consulates, and Art Nouveau buildings. Together, Sultanahmet and Taksim represent Istanbul's dual identity—ancient and modern, spiritual and cosmopolitan.

Nearby Landmarks

Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Grand Bazaar Taksim Square

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 350-500 TRY (~$11-16 USD)
Time 40-70 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (M11 Metro Line (Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe))

Cost 25 TRY (~$1 USD) with Istanbulkart
Time 24 minutes to Gayrettepe, then transfer to M2
Frequency Every 8-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and find the Havaist bus counter. Buy a ticket to Sultanahmet or Taksim. Buses depart every 30-60 min. The ride takes 60-100 min depending on traffic. Alternatively, take the Metro M11 (once extended to city center).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 350-500 TRY (~$11-16 USD) 40-70 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train 25 TRY (~$1 USD) with Istanbulkart 24 minutes to Gayrettepe, then transfer to M2 Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Havaist airport buses to Sultanahmet and Taksim run 24/7, with hourly overnight service. Taxis are available around the clock—a nighttime ride to Sultanahmet costs TL 600-900 ($18-27). BiTaksi is Turkey's taxi app. Istanbul's nightlife in Taksim/Beyoğlu runs until 4-5 AM on weekends.

Luggage Tips

Havaist buses have large luggage compartments. Taxis handle luggage in the trunk. Sultanahmet's cobblestoned streets and narrow lanes can make rolling luggage difficult for the last stretch to hotels. Taksim hotels are generally on paved main roads. The Metro (when extended) will offer easier luggage transport.

Accessibility

Istanbul Airport is modern and fully accessible. Havaist buses have limited wheelchair access—confirm when boarding. Taxis can accommodate folded wheelchairs. Sultanahmet's historic area has cobblestones and slopes that challenge wheelchair users. Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque have accessible entrances. Taksim and Istiklal Avenue are flat.