Istanbul is a huge city, consisting of no less than 27 districts. Each of these districts contain several towns – among which famous ones like Sultanahmet and Taksim. Luckily, finding your way around town as a tourist is not that difficult as long as you keep the big picture in mind. I therefore divided the city into the following six (not too big) areas, housing most of the tourist attractions:
- the historical part, south of the Golden Horn
- the modern part, north of the Golden Horn
- the area along the Golden Horn
- the European shores of the Bosphorus
- Kadıköy and its surroundings on the Asian shore
Not on the map below (click to enlarge), but also an important tourist area are the Princes’ Islands.
Overview map of Istanbul's main tourist areas.
The Historical Part
Boroughs: Beyazit, Eminönü, Fatih, Kumpkapı, Mercan, Sirkeci, Sultanahmet, Tahtakale
Sightseeing spots: Archaeology Museums, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Haghia Sophia, Harem, Hippodrome, Museum of Haghia Eirene, Topkapi Palace, Spice Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque
The Modern Part
Boroughs: Beşiktaş, Cihangir, Galata, Karaköy, Nişantaşi, Ortaköy, Şişli, Taksim, Tophane, Tünel, Yıldız
Sightseeing spots: Dolmabahçe Palace, Flower Passage, Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern, Istiklal Caddesi, Nevizade, Taksim Square, Tunnel, Shopping Centers
Along the Golden Horn
Boroughs: Eyüp, Sütlüce
Sightseeing spots: Rahmi Koç Museum, Miniatürk, Pierre Lotti
The European Shores of the Bosphorus
Boroughs: Arnavutköy, Bebek, Hisar, Istinye, Kuruçeşme
Sightseeing spots: Fortress of Europe, Historical Houses, Istinye Shopping Center, Openair Night Clubs
Kadıköy on the Asian Shore
Boroughs: Fenerbahçe, Kadıköy, Moda
Sightseeing spots: Bahariye Caddesi, Bağdat Caddesi, Fenerbahçe Marina, Hotair Balloon
The Princes’ Islands
Islands: Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada
Sightseeing / Activities: Monastery of St George, wooden mansions, horse-drawn carriage rides, bicycle tours, beaches
