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Sultanahmet is a treasure trove; its beauty, history and culture speaks for itself. It's the historic old town of Istanbul, and home to Istanbul's most iconic sights — from the Blue Mosque to the Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The narrow, winding lanes are lined by old Ottoman townhouses. Here and there you'll find an ancient Roman fountain, or an archaeological site littered with the remains of ancient statues. It's a timeless place, steeped in layers of history, and the beating heart of old Istanbul.
No wonder so many of the best hotels in Sultanahmet are set in old Ottoman townhouses, Hammams — even prisons. Our Gurus have selected a delectable bunch, some of them with jaw-dropping rooftop panoramas of the Hagia Sofia, incredible restaurants, and even hot tubs set in old Roman foundations. Best of all? They cater to so many needs; some are great for families, others for short city breaks.
For seamless sightseeing
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- Hotel Sari Konak is an elegant hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet with stunning sea views and sweeping vistas of the Blue Mosque from the rooftop cafe terrace. All set in an old Ottoman townhouse with simple, traditional rooms and a hearty Turkish buffet breakfast to fuel your day of sightseeing.
- The Garden House Hotel is a friendly four-star oasis in the heart of the old town set in a 19th-century Ottoman townhouse. It's in a perfect location for sightseeing (it's near all the main sights). As well as a good range of traditionally designed rooms and suites, there are two charming gardens (perfect for post-exploring relaxation) and an excellent restaurant serving traditional cuisine.
For stunning panoramas
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- Seven Hills Hotel isn't just a chic boutique in a great location — it boasts some of the best panoramas in town! From its rooftop restaurant, you can drink in the magical sweeping vista of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Bosphorus River. Just be sure to book the restaurant in advance: views like this are in high demand!
For a stylish short stay
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- Ibrahim Pasha Hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing, a stylish boutique next to the Hippodrome within walking distance of all the major historic attractions. The rooms are all red and ochre, the walls hung with pictures of old Istanbul. Book a room with a terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque for the full experience! A great place for a short stay.
- Fer Hotel is just a stroll from the city centre, making this chic, contemporary hotel a great base to explore Istanbul from. The sleek, minimalist rooms have floor to ceiling windows affording gorgeous views of the old town. Great for a short stay with easy access to all the main attractions.
For history buffs
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- Empress Zoe is one for the history buffs — a collection of old Ottoman houses, including a 15th-century hammam. It's a stylish stay, with beautiful period rooms filled with antiques, Turkish rugs and Islamic folk art. The archaeological garden is a little oasis of calm, scattered with ancient statuary, and the sweeping vistas of the old town from the roof terrace will take your breath away!
For families
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- Families should check out Amira Hotel, a small and stylish spa hotel offering spacious family rooms. This little luxury hotel makes sightseeing a breeze because it counts the Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace amongst its neighbours, all of which you'll see from the restaurant terrace.
For indulgent Ottoman luxury
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- Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul is a collection of old Ottoman buildings sandwiched between Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, on a tree-lined street festooned with flowers. So yes, it's perfect for sightseeing in the old town, but the real lure is... everything else. Every lavish room boasts beautiful interiors, the underground spa is utterly indulgent with its shock room and hot tub set in an old Roman foundation, and the Sophia Terrace Restaurant serves traditional yet contemporary cuisine. All just one block from the tram station, a short walk from Hagia Sofia, and 10 minutes from the Grand Bazaar.
- Ajwa Hotel is more like a private mansion, a beautiful five-star Ottoman luxury hotel within walking distance of all the major sights. The luxury rooms are richly adorned, with mother-of-pearl antiques, silk Tabriz carpets, handpainted ceilings, and ornate geometric patterns. Pamper yourself in the spa; dine on Azerbaijani cuisine while drinking in the stunning panoramas of the old town. True luxury, just steps from everything you'd want to see in Istanbul.
- You can't get much grander than Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet; luxury Ottoman grandeur set in a renovated prison, just steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. It's the perfect apres-sightseeing stay, with its indulgent spa, rooftop views of minarets and mosques, and some of the best Turkish food in the world served in a pretty courtyard.
Still not sure?