Navigating the Challenges of Staying in Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet, located in Istanbul, is home to the city’s old quarter, where several famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, and the Archaeological Museum are situated. It is an attractive destination for tourists due to its rich history and culture, and walking around the massive and breathtaking monuments is a must-have experience.

However, finding an excellent place to stay that allows people to explore the everyday life of the locals and dine at local restaurants where local people eat is equally important. A tourist visit is not just limited to the touristic areas; to experience a city, one should immerse themselves in its past and present. Although one visits Sultanahmet and other historical parts of Istanbul during tours, it is essential to spend some time experiencing the other fun aspects of Istanbul, which can be achieved by staying in the new area without having to choose a remote location.

The following are reasons why you should consider staying outside of Sultanahmet:

Sultanahmet is a Touristic Area

Sultanahmet is naturally the most touristic area in Istanbul, and like every other tourist destination worldwide, it has its charms and challenges. Being a touristic location often means overpriced products and services, and subpar quality, which is also valid for Istanbul.

Walking Around Sultanahmet

After a day of sightseeing, you might want to experience the nightlife of Istanbul by walking around, but it’s difficult to do so without being chased or harassed by vendors trying to sell their products and services. Their intentions are good, but a relaxing walk around Sultanahmet doesn’t always result in a peaceful stroll. You need to consider the encounter with the people working for the local vendors around Sultanahmet.

Restaurants in Sultanahmet

Since Sultanahmet is a tourist area, the restaurants there are also touristic, and you should expect the quality of the food to be subpar. As a local, one can claim that you could eat at a high-end restaurant for almost the same price as a touristic one. The quality of the food has an inverse ratio. If you want to experience authentic local Turkish cuisine that is liked and enjoyed by the locals, you need to be in an area where locals frequent, which is not Sultanahmet. You might consider taking a taxi to visit local restaurants, but that can also be challenging.

Taxi Drivers in Sultanahmet

Taxi drivers are usually fantastic people, and most of them are kind and friendly. However, when it comes to Sultanahmet, they are generally looking for a bargain. According to the law and regulations, taxis should turn on their meters and charge according to the distance. In Sultanahmet, taxi drivers might not take you if they do not like the direction or distance. Moreover, they might ask for a special rate without turning on the meters. Therefore, finding a reliable taxi is not something that can be easily achieved in Sultanahmet.

While Sultanahmet is a beautiful location with a rich history and culture, it might not be the best place to stay in Istanbul. To experience all that Istanbul has to offer, it’s crucial to stay in an area where locals live, dine, and play. As a reliable travel agency, we would be happy to recommend areas and hotels that will make your stay in Istanbul memorable. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.


Private Tours of Sultanahmet

If you are interested in visiting Sultanahmet with an experienced private tour guide please contact us! Our private tours are the best option to enjoy the most amazing and complex area such as Sultanahmet.

Let us make your time in Istanbul a memorable one!

Contact Us
author avatar
Umit Yildirim