Why Visit Sultanahmet “the old peninsula of Istanbul”
The Sultanahmet Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are the most visited places of Istanbul the former capital city of two great empirements. There are too much “must see” places in Sultanahmet “the old peninsula of İstanbul” where the Sultanahmet Mosque (world famous Blue Mosque) and the Hagia Sophia are located.
Birefly we can list those places as follows: Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Cagaloglu Bath, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Archeological Museum are all in walking distance to eachother as well as the Grand Bazaar.
Alighting on Divan Yolu,Sultanahmet’s main street, the visitor literally has difficulties to decide where to look first. Just across the Divan Yolu notice the great six minarets of the Blue Mosque. On the other side, the old and magnificient 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! Some of the bigger buildings are currently restored and converted into shops, 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 front of you. Orientation in Sultanahmet is very 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".
It's impossible to list all the restaurants, cafes, hotels and "holes in the wall" which line Divan Yolu and its many back 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, where, depending on season, the price is approx. €45 pp, breakfast included. Most of the hotels has their breakfast room at the top of the hotel offers a stunning view of the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia or Marmara Sea.
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.
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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