What makes Sultanahmet a favorite place for Tourists
Istanbul’s most ancient houses, famous sights and cheap accommodation are located in close vicinity in the Sultanahmet district. The best thing about Sultanahmet is that it can be visited and explored by any visitor without any need of hiring a public transport or taxi.
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
Its location makes it quite easy to reach. Being located on the European side along the Sea of Marmara on the South, it has all the necessary features of being the most sought-after place. Some of these features include affordable hotels and famous historical monuments located in its map. Moreover, it is also the beginning point for all the boat excursions.
As you enter the main street of Sultanahmet, namely Divan Yolu, you will be greeted by the majestic beauty of huge six minarets of the Blue Mosque. And just on the opposite side is the rival monument of the Blue Mosque. You guessed it right; it is the famous Hagia Sophia. Walk another mile and you will be left spellbound by the enchanting picturesque beauty of the Topkapi Palace.
After enjoying the nature at its best, you now come face to face with some of the most ancient wooden houses of Istanbul which are being reconstructed and restored for making hotels and big restaurants.
After walking for another 15 minutes or so, you will reach the main street that leads to the Grand Bazaar. The good thing about Sultanahmet is that even if you are first time visitor, you won’t have any difficulty in reaching any of the famous places here because the landmarks are displayed in a perfect manner so that any one can follow these without getting lost.
Talking about where to stay while in Sultanahmet and where to eat, we would like to inform you that there are a number of affordable and quality hotels, cafes and restaurants along the Divan Yolu and around. From very costly hotels to affordable ones, you can choose according to your budget. Once you select any place, you will be happy with the excellent service and quality food apart from the views from your hotel room.
In Divan Yolu, you will notice a famous bookshop named ‘Bookshop’. It has some of the best and widest collection of books in several languages on subjects from literature, cookery, art to travel guides and what not.
Walk a few steps and you will come across another shop that sells reproduced miniatures, maps as well as illustrations of books.
A factor which makes Sultanahmet a favored destination of many visitors is that almost all the places can be easily reached on foot. However, one may hire trolley cars or taxis to for sightseeing. Moreover, you may hire boats on rent at Kenedy Caddesi to explore far away places including Beyoglu and Besiktas.
So, there is no denying the fact that easy accessibility, affordable stay, numerous historical monuments and Turkish delights make Sultanahmet a best place to be visited and stayed by any visitor.