After spending a fascinating few hours amidst the glorious courtyards and rich collections of Topkapı Palace, you find yourself once again in the heart of the Historical Peninsula. However, your journey doesn’t have to end there; on the contrary, the moment you step out of the palace gates, a mosaic of civilizations awaits you within walking distance. The list of things to do in Sultanahmet is filled with iconic structures, each with its own story, showing that the legacy of an empire is not just confined to the palace. This guide presents the five most important stops in the region and a delightful bonus suggestion to help you plan your post-Topkapı Palace trip most efficiently.
1. The Underground Mystery: Explore the Basilica Cistern
One of the most captivating activities to do after Topkapı Palace is to explore the mysterious underground world of the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). Located southwest of Hagia Sophia, this colossal Byzantine cistern, with its hundreds of marble columns rising from the water, dim lighting, and the mystical atmosphere created by dripping water, makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into another dimension. The cistern was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I to meet the city’s water needs and is one of Istanbul’s most impressive historical structures.
The cistern’s most famous inhabitants are the two Medusa heads located in the northwest corner, used as column bases. It remains a mystery from which structure these heads were removed and brought here, and why one is inverted while the other is sideways. According to a tourism survey, 85% of visitors describe the Basilica Cistern as the most unforgettable experience in Istanbul. After the worldly splendor of the palace, this quiet and cool underground world will add a unique contrast to your trip.
2. Crossroads of Empires: Visit Hagia Sophia
Located in the heart of Sultanahmet Square, within walking distance of Topkapı Palace, the next stop is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the crossroads of empires. Considered one of the most significant monuments in architectural history, Hagia Sophia mesmerizes its visitors with its colossal dome, impressive mosaics, and thousands of years of history. Built three times on the same spot, the structure served as a cathedral during the Byzantine period and a mosque during the Ottoman period, preserving traces of both civilizations.
When you step inside Hagia Sophia, the sheer volume beneath the colossal dome and the divine atmosphere will immediately captivate you. This structure, where you can see the most beautiful examples of Christian and Islamic art together, is one of the masterpieces of world cultural heritage. As stated on the [Link: Historic Areas of Istanbul UNESCO World Heritage -> https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/356] site, Hagia Sophia is the most important monument in the region. To understand the Byzantine legacy behind the Ottoman power you saw at Topkapı Palace, visiting Hagia Sophia should be one of the most important items on your Sultanahmet must-see places list.
3. The Magic of Blue Tiles: Find Peace at the Blue Mosque
Located directly opposite Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is an ideal stop to find peace within the magical atmosphere created by its blue tiles. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century to architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, the mosque is one of the most recognizable structures on Istanbul’s skyline with its six minarets. It is called the “Blue Mosque” by Westerners due to the dominance of blue, green, and white colors in the more than 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that adorn its interior.
As you step into the mosque’s spacious courtyard, the architectural elegance and grandeur of the structure greet you. When you enter the mosque, which is open to visitors outside of prayer times, the play of colors created by the light filtering through the high windows onto the tiles and the spiritual atmosphere beneath the colossal dome will provide one of the most serene moments of your trip. Remember that women must cover their heads and everyone must remove their shoes when entering the mosque; this is a sign of respect for the structure and its culture.
4. A Historical Break: Shopping and Coffee Delight at Arasta Bazaar
After intense historical tours, the best place to relax and enjoy an authentic shopping experience is the Arasta Bazaar, located just behind the Blue Mosque. Compared to the crowded Grand Bazaar, this historical bazaar offers a calmer and more boutique atmosphere, known for its shops selling traditional handicrafts, quality textile products, ceramics, spices, and jewelry. The bazaar also houses the Great Palace Mosaics Museum, which features mosaics from the Byzantine palace.
While walking along the stone-paved street of Arasta Bazaar, you can both shop for souvenirs and sit in one of the small cafes for a Turkish coffee break. This break is a perfect opportunity to shake off your post-Topkapı Palace fatigue and soak in Sultanahmet’s lively yet peaceful atmosphere. The bazaar offers visitors a combination of a tourist excursion and a local experience. [Link: Shopping Guide in Istanbul -> /istanbul-alisveris-rehberi]
5. Roman Heritage: See the Obelisks at the Hippodrome
The Hippodrome Square, stretching out in front of the Blue Mosque and bearing the traces of ancient Rome, is an excellent opportunity to see the obelisks that are a legacy of the empire. As the social and sports center of ancient Constantinople, the Hippodrome hosted chariot races and celebrations. Today, this area features three important monuments that recall the splendor of that era:
The Obelisk of Theodosius: This ancient monument, brought from Egypt and erected in its current location by Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century AD, is the best-preserved with its hieroglyphs.
The Serpentine Column: A bronze monument dedicated to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi in commemoration of the victory of the Greek city-states against the Persians, and later brought to Constantinople.
The Walled Obelisk (or Obelisk of Constantine VII): Although its exact construction date is unknown, this stone monument, repaired by Emperor Constantine VII, is located at the southern end of the Hippodrome.
A short walk around these monuments will take you to the heart of the Roman and Byzantine empires and help you better understand Istanbul’s layered history.
Bonus: End Your Day at Sultanahmet Köftecisi
The most delicious way to complete a day full of history and culture is to have dinner at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, an iconic local delicacy spot. This humble yet famous restaurant, serving since 1920, is known for its meatballs that have preserved the same flavor for generations. With its simple menu (meatballs, piyaz salad, soup, and semolina halva) and fast service, it is a favorite among both locals and tourists. You can complete your journey from Topkapı Palace to the Hippodrome by stopping at one of Istanbul’s most famous culinary landmarks for an unforgettable experience.
Call to Action (CTA): To explore Topkapı Palace and other cultural treasures of Istanbul, check out our comprehensive travel guides at [Link: destinationturkey.tr -> /istanbul-gezi-rehberi].
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Sultanahmet Places to Visit
Istanbul Travel Guide
Topkapı Palace
Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern
Arasta Bazaar
Historical Peninsula
Things to Do in Istanbul
Sultanahmet Meatball Restaurant
