Istanbul's Sultanahmet District
Reasons for Choosing Sultanahmet when Visiting Istanbul
May 26, 2009
Istanbul is a big city and the European part as well as the Asian side both have their own attractions and charm, but the easiest place for the first time visitor to get an overview without the need of public transport or taxis is in Sultanahmet.
Located on the European side and bordered by the Sea of Marmaris on the south, Sultanahmet is easily reached from the airport, features affordable, cozy hotels, many important monuments and historical places and is also the starting point for boat excursions.
Famous Sights Within Sultanahmet District
Alighting on Divan Yolu, Sultanahmet's main street,, the visitor literally has difficulties to decide where to look first. Just across the street loom the elegant six minarets of the Blue Mosque. On the other side, the majestic Hagia Sophia beckons and a mile or so further up, the extensive gardens, buildings and museum of the Topkapi Palace invite.
Walking down on the broad pavements towards the sea and passing Hagia Sophia, another, not so well known treasure of Istanbul architecture awaits: some of the world's oldest wooden houses! Quite a bit of revival is under way and some of the bigger buildings are currently restored and converted into fish restaurants and boutique hotels.
Following Divan Yolu in a western direction and, after approx. 15 minutes, turning right into Carsikapi Caddesi, the main entrance to the Grand Bazaar comes into view. Orientation in Sultanahmet is easy, landmarks are visible everywhere and the rails of the streetcars are like road signs. In fact, when asking directions, a friendly local will say: "just follow the rails to the north".
Accommodation and Eating in Sultanahmet
It's impossible to list all the restaurants, cafes and "holes in the wall" which line Divan Yolu and its many side streets. From more expensive sit down to semi self service places, where dishes are freshly and openly cooked for the patron to choose from, the variety is mouth watering and invites to a rest from all the stunning sights.
There are an equal number of small and inexpensive hotels, like the narrow but very clean Star Holiday Hotel, where, depending on season, the price is approx. €45 pp, breakfast included. The breakfast room at the top of the hotel offers a stunning view of the Blue Mosque.
Another interesting find in Divan Yolu is a bookshop, callded, believe it or not: "Bookshop". The store features the biggest and best selection of books on Turkey, in several languages, reaching from travel guides, to ancient and modern literature, cook books, art and much more.
A few shops further down, the visitor will find a shop which offers reproductions of old maps as well as original miniatures and book illustrations which the charming owner is only too happy to explain in somewhat broken English.
Transport in Sultanahmet
Although most of the sights are easily reached on foot, Divan Yolu is also a central point for transportation. Several trolley car lines cross here, as well as connection to Istanbul"s subway and of course, taxis. Maps are displayed everywhere which are easy to read and there is also a tourist information kiosk.
Boat trips can be undertaken from the sea promenade at Kenedy Caddesi and a trolley car heading for Cihangir leads over the Galata Bridge to the Asian part of Istanbul and the districts of Beyoglu and the chic Besiktas.
Summarizing, the reasons why a first time visitor might want to stay in Sultanhamet are: easy access, affordable hotels, a plethora of important sights, plenty of restaurants and a great traffic junction.
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