The Heart of Istanbul: Historic Peninsula
The Historic Peninsula, Istanbul's oldest and most impressive district, enchants visitors with its thousands of years of history. This region served as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and is now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Must-See Places
- Hagia Sophia: One of the world's most important architectural structures with 1500 years of history
- Topkapi Palace: The administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years
- Sultanahmet Mosque: Magnificent architectural work also known as the Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern: Mysterious water cistern from the Byzantine period
Local Flavors
Flavors you must try in the Historic Peninsula:
- Fish Bread (in Eminönü)
- Kumpir (in Ortaköy)
- Döner (in Sultanahmet)
- Turkish Coffee (in traditional coffee houses)
Transportation Tips
Getting to the Historic Peninsula is quite easy. You can easily reach the region by tram, metro and bus lines. The most practical method is to start from Sultanahmet tram stop.
