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Hotel Hippodrome Places to Visit Around Istanbul, Sultanahmet and the Historical Peninsula Guide

Name: Hipodrome Hotel
Address: Cankurtaran, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Street., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Istanbul, TUR
Telephone: +902125174529
Rating: 8.0

Accommodation in the Heart of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula

Hotel Hippodrome Istanbul is located on Mimar Mehmet Ağa Street in the Çankurtaran District of Fatih district. Thanks to its location in the historical fabric of Sultanahmet, the facility is an advantageous accommodation point for guests who want to reach the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul on foot, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia-i Kebir Mosque-i Sharif, Sultanahmet Square, Horse Square, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Istanbul Archaeological Museums.
The Çankurtaran district, where Hotel Hippodrome is located, stands out with its restored Ottoman buildings, historical streets, restaurants, cafes and proximity to the Sea of Marmara. Guests staying at the hotel can explore the important buildings of Sultanahmet without using public transport; they can reach Eminönü, Karaköy, Galata, Kabataş and Bağcılar directions with the T1 tram line.
The hotel's services include a buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as city tour sales Dec. Views of the Blue Mosque or the Marmara Sea can be seen from some accommodation areas of the hotel. The room characteristics and the type of view should be checked according to the booked category.
Where is the Hippodrome Hotel?
The address of Hotel Hippodrome Çankurtaran District, Architect Mehmet Ağa Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul is in the form. On the official website of the hotel, the name of the facility is also used as “Hipodrome Hotel”.
The property is located in the southeastern part of Sultanahmet; close to Akbiyik Street, Arasta Bazaar and the vicinity of the Blue Mosque. The fact that important buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Istanbul can be reached on foot provides an important advantage, especially for guests visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Hotel Hippodrome is conveniently located for the following accommodation needs:
- Accommodation in Sultanahmet
- Searching for a hotel close to Hagia Sophia
- Accommodation close to Blue Mosque
- A visit to the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern
- Istanbul Historical Peninsula trip
- Culture and history-oriented Istanbul trip
- Short-term city break
- Trips to the Bosphorus and Eminönü in Istanbul
Places to Visit Around Hotel Hippodrome 1

Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Bazaar is one of the historical shopping areas located on the south side of the Blue Mosque. There are shops selling carpets, rugs, ceramics, textiles, jewelry and traditional souvenirs in the bazaar.
Arasta Bazaar, which is smaller and quieter compared to the Grand Bazaar, can be visited from Hotel Hippodrome on the way to Sultanahmet Square.
Distance to the hotel: About 200-300 meters; 3-5 minutes on foot.
Museum of Grand Palace Mosaics
The Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, located in the Arasta Bazaar, houses mosaics that have survived from the courtyard of the Great Palace during the Byzantine period.
Mosaics depicting human, animal, nature and daily life scenes can be seen in the museum. Visiting hours and restoration status should be checked in advance.
Distance to the hotel: About 300 meters; 5 minutes walk.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is also known as the “Blue Mosque” in the world because of its blue Iznik tiles. Sultan I. The mosque, built during the reign of Ahmed, is one of the most well-known works of classical Ottoman architecture with its spacious courtyard, central dome and six minarets.
The mosque is actively open for worship. During the visit, attention should be paid to prayer hours, appropriate dress codes and silence.
Hotel Hippodrome is located in an extremely advantageous location for visitors who want to reach the Blue Mosque in a few minutes on foot.
Distance to the hotel: About 300-500 meters; 5-7 minutes on foot.
Sultanahmet Square and the Historical Hippodrome
The Hippodrome area, where horse carriage races and public events were organized during the Byzantine period, today forms an important part of Sultanahmet Square.
Historical monuments such as Obelisk, Serpent Column, Knitted Column and German Fountain can be seen in the square. The Blue Mosque, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern are also located around the square.
The name of Hotel Hippodrome is also directly related to the historical Hippodrome heritage of the region.
Distance to the hotel: About 400-500 meters; 5-7 minutes on foot.
Obelisk
The Obelisk in Sultanahmet Square was first built in Ancient Egypt and was erected by the Roman Emperor I. It was erected to the Hippodrome in Istanbul during the reign of Theodosius.
The reliefs on the pedestal of the Obelisk contain scenes related to the ceremonial and hippodrome life in the Byzantine period.
Transportation to the hotel: Within Sultanahmet Square, about 5-7 minutes walk.
Serpentine Column
The Serpentine Column is one of the important artifacts brought to Istanbul from the Ancient Greek world and placed in the historical Hippodrome. Today, a part of the body of the column can be seen in Sultanahmet Square.
Obelisk, Knitted Column and Serpentine Column can be examined within the same short walking route.
Transportation to the hotel: About 5-7 minutes walk.
Places to Visit Around Hotel Hippodrome 2

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works, located in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace on Sultanahmet Square, stands out with its carpets, manuscripts, wooden artifacts, stonework, metal objects and ethnographic collections.
It is an important museum for visitors interested in Islamic art, Ottoman history and traditional Turkish culture.
Distance to the hotel: About 500 meters; 7-8 minutes on foot.
Hagia Sophia Kebir Mosque-i Sharif
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important landmarks reflecting Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman past within the same structure. The building, which was first built as a church, was later used as a mosque and museum; today it has been reopened for worship.
Hagia Sophia's dome, mosaics, marble coverings and historical architecture attract visitors from different countries of the world to the region.
Since the entrances, visit fees and open sections that tourists can use may change, the current conditions should be checked before the visit.
Distance to the hotel: About 600-700 meters; 8-10 minutes on foot.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an important underground structure built to meet the city's water needs during the Byzantine period. The Cistern is one of the most visited tourist spots in Istanbul with its hundreds of columns, atmospheric lighting and Medusa-headed pedestals.
It is recommended to check the tickets and visiting hours in advance, as there may be an entrance queue during peak tourism periods.
Distance to the hotel: About 700-800 meters; 10 minutes on foot.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace has been used as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for centuries and as the living space of the sultans. Collections of Ottoman history, holy relics, weapons, porcelain and different parts of the palace can be seen in the courtyards of the palace.
The harem section may have separate visiting conditions. It is recommended that guests who want to tour the entire palace in detail reserve at least half a day.
Distance to the hotel: About 900 meters from the palace entrance-1.2 kilometers; 12-18 minutes on foot.
Aya Irini
The Hagia Irene is one of the important Byzantine buildings located in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace. The building, which attracts attention with its history and acoustics, is also used periodically for concerts and cultural events.
A visit to the Hagia Irene can be added to the Topkapi Palace route.
Transportation to the hotel: About a 15-minute walk through the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a large museum complex consisting of the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Artifacts and the Tiled Pavilion. There are works belonging to Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greek, Roman and different civilizations in the collections.
It is recommended that visitors interested in history and archaeology set aside a few hours for the museum.
Distance to the hotel: About 1-1.3 kilometers; 15-20 minutes on foot.
Gulhane Park
Gülhane Park is a historical green area that was used as the outer garden of Topkapı Palace in the past and is open to the public today.
A walk can be made in the park, you can relax and continue in the direction of Sarayburnu. Especially during the tulip events organized in the spring months, the park is the scene of colorful images.
Transportation to the hotel: About 15-20 minutes walk.
Istanbul Islamic Science and Technology History Museum
The museum in Gülhane Park houses models and artifacts that introduce the work of scientists from the Islamic world in the fields of astronomy, geography, medicine, physics, chemistry and engineering.
The museum can be visited on the same route as a trip to Gulhane Park and Topkapi Palace.
Transportation to the hotel: About 20 minutes on foot.
Places to Visit Around Hotel Hippodrome 3

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Small Hagia Sophia Mosque was built as a church during the Byzantine period and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. The building is one of the important historical stops around Sultanahmet with its architecture and quiet courtyard.
Since the mosque is actively open for worship, attention should be paid to the rules of visiting.
Distance to the hotel: About 800 meters-1 kilometer; 10-15 minutes on foot.
Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque
Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, is one of the Ottoman buildings that attracts attention with its Iznik tiles and architectural details.
Located on the quieter streets of Sultanahmet, the mosque can be visited together with the Small Hagia Sophia and the Kadırga route.
Distance to the hotel: About 800 meters; 10-15 minutes on foot.
Caferaga Madrasa
Caferaga Madrasa, located near Hagia Sophia, was built by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. made in the century. Today, it is used as a cultural center where traditional Turkish arts are taught and exhibited.
Works belonging to calligraphy, marbling, ceramics and different handicrafts can be seen in the madrasa. The relaxation area in the courtyard can be used for a short break during a trip to Sultanahmet.
Distance to the hotel: About 800 meters; 10-12 minutes on foot.
Binbirdirek Cistern
Binbirdirek Cistern is one of the underground water structures remaining from the Byzantine period. The cistern, located between Çemberlitaş and Sultanahmet, can also host different organizations with its Decadent atmosphere.
Whether it is open to visitors and the event schedule should be checked in advance.
Distance to the hotel: About 1 kilometer; 12-15 minutes on foot.
Çemberlitaş
Çemberlitaş district; It is one of the important stops of the Historical Peninsula with the Constantine Column remaining from the Roman period, the historical Çemberlitaş Bath, cafes and tram connection.
Grand Bazaar, Beyazit and Sultanahmet can be reached on foot from the area.
Transportation to the hotel: About 15-20 minutes on foot or one stop by the T1 tram.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most important historical shopping centers of Istanbul with its jewelry stores, carpets, leather goods, ceramics, textile stores and souvenir options.
Since the bazaar has a large number of doors and connecting streets, it is recommended to set aside a few hours for a visit. Working hours on Sundays and public holidays may change.
Distance to the hotel: About 1.5-2 kilometers; 20-25 minutes on foot or by T1 tram transportation.
Beyazit Square
There are the historical gate of Istanbul University, Beyazit Mosque, Sahaflar Bazaar and Grand Bazaar entrances in Beyazit Square.
The square is one of the important public spaces reflecting the history of the city in the Ottoman and Republican periods.
Transportation to the hotel: You can take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Beyazit–Grand Bazaar stop.
Eminönü and the Egyptian Bazaar
Eminönü is one of the busiest centers of Istanbul with its New Mosque, Egyptian Bazaar, Galata Bridge, ferry piers and lively shopping areas.
Spices, Turkish delight, dried nuts, tea, coffee and various souvenirs can be found in the Egyptian Bazaar. It is possible to pass from Eminönü piers to Kadıköy and Üsküdar by ferry.
Transportation to the hotel: About 10-15 minutes by T1 tram.
Galata Bridge and Karakoy
Galata Bridge connects Eminönü and Karaköy. While walking over the bridge, you can see the Golden Horn, the New Mosque, the Suleymaniye Mosque and the view of the surroundings of Galata.
There are cafes, restaurants, art venues and historical streets leading to Galata Tower in Karaköy.
Transportation to the hotel: From Sultanahmet stop, you can take the T1 tram to Karakoy.
Eating and Drinking Around Hotel Hippodrome

There are numerous restaurants serving Turkish cuisine, Ottoman cuisine, kebab, fish, seafood, pita and international cuisine options around Cankurtaran and Sultanahmet, where Hotel Hippodrome is located.
Restaurants, cafes and businesses that are open in the evening can be found on Akbiyik Street and around it. The area around Sultanahmet Square stands out with traditional Turkish dishes and historical restaurants.
Guests who want to have a meal while enjoying the sea view can appreciate the surroundings of Ahırkapı and Cankurtaran beach. Fish bread and traditional street delicacies can be preferred in Eminönü; modern restaurants and cafes can be preferred in Karaköy.
You can contact the Hotel Hippodrome reception for up-to-date restaurant recommendations and booking support.
An Advantageous Location For Historical and Cultural Trips
Hotel Hippodrome has a strong location advantage for guests who want to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul on foot.
The hotel can be evaluated especially for the following visitor groups:
- Those who visit Istanbul for the first time
- History and culture enthusiasts
- Those who want to see Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace and museum visitors
- Photographers and content producers
- Those who make a short-term trip to Istanbul
- Families and couples
- Tourists from abroad
The fact that most of the tourist points are close to each other helps visitors with limited time to plan their Istanbul programs more efficiently.
Sultanahmet T1 Tram Stop
One of the closest important rail system connections to Hotel Hippodrome is the Sultanahmet stop on the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar Tram Line.
The following areas can be reached using the T1 tram:
- Gulhane
- Sirkeci
- Eminönü
- Karaköy
- Armoury
- Kabataş
- Çemberlitaş
- Beyazit-Grand Bazaar
- Laleli
- Aksaray
By transferring to the F1 funicular line in Kabataş, Taksim can be reached; in Sirkeci, Üsküdar and the Anatolian Side can be reached by transferring to Marmaray.
Distance to the stop: About 700-900 meters; 10-12 minutes on foot.
Transportation to Sirkeci Marmaray Station

Sirk Deci Marmaray Station is an important connection point providing fast transportation between the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul.
Hotel Hippodrome can be reached by walking to Sirkeci or by taking the T1 tram from Sultanahmet stop. By using the Marmaray, you can go to Üsküdar, Ayrılık Cesme, Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, Pendik and Gebze directions.
Transportation to the station: About 10 minutes by T1 tram; about 20-25 minutes on foot.
Getting to Taksim from Hotel Hippodrome

To get to Taksim, Kabataş can be reached by T1 tram from Sultanahmet stop. In Kabataş, you can get to Taksim Square by transferring to the F1 funicular line.
Alternatively, you can take the T1 tram to Karaköy and reach the Şişhane side of Istiklal Caddesi using the historical Tunnel.
Estimated journey time: Approximately 25-35 minutes according to transfer and waiting times.
Transportation to the Anatolian Side

Marmaray Hotel Istanbul from the Asian side, to the station Hippodrome can be used. Söğütlüçeşme or Ayrılık Çeşmesi stations close to Marmaray, Üsküdar and Kadıköy can be reached.
Alternatively, you can take the T1 tram to Eminönü and take the Üsküdar or Kadıköy ferries. Sea journey is a pleasant option for guests who want to see the landscape of Istanbul.
Transportation from Istanbul Airport to Hotel Hippodrome

Hotel Hippodrome can be reached from Istanbul Airport by taxi, private transfer, car rental or metro connections.
Airport metro and city rail system connections can be used for public transportation. However, direct transfer may be more convenient as more than one transfer may be required for suitcase trips.
Estimated vehicle journey: About 45-70 minutes depending on the traffic situation.
You can contact the hotel before the trip for transfer options and booking.
Transportation from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Hotel Hippodrome

From Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, you can transfer to Marmaray at Ayrılık Çeşme by using the M4 metro. After reaching Sirkeci by Marmaray, T1 tram, taxi or walking can be preferred.
Alternatively, a taxi or private transfer from the airport can be used.
Estimated vehicle journey: About 50-90 minutes depending on the traffic situation.
Recommended One-Day Sultanahmet Route

After starting the day with breakfast at Hotel Hippodrome, you can visit the Arasta Bazaar and the Museum of Great Palace Mosaics.
Then you can go to the Blue Mosque; you can see the Obelisk, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain on the Hippodrome Square. You can walk from the square to Hagia Sophia, then to the Basilica Cistern.
In the afternoon, you can visit Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene, and finish the day by taking a walk in Gülhane Park.
The Proposed Two-Day Historical Peninsula Route

Day One: Sultanahmet and Topkapi Palace
On the first day, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Archaeological Museums can be visited.
In the evening hours, you can eat at the restaurants around Çankürtaran and Akbıyık Street.
Day Two: Grand Bazaar, Eminönü and Galata
On the second day, you can walk to the Grand Bazaar via Çemberlitaş, then visit Beyazıt Square.
After Galata Galata Bazaar and Eminönü, you can walk to Karaköy via Galata Bridge and explore the surroundings of Galata Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Hippodrome Hotel?
Hotel Hippodrome is located in Sultanahmet district, Çankurtaran District, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Caddesi, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul.
Is Hotel Hippodrome close to Blue Mosque?
Yes The Blue Mosque is about 300-500 meters from the hotel. It can be reached in an average of 5-7 minutes on foot.
Is Hotel Hippodrome close to Hagia Sophia?
Yes Hagia Sophia can be reached in about an 8-10-minute walk.
Is Hotel Hippodrome close to Topkapi Palace?
Yes The entrance to Topkapi Palace can be reached by a 12-18-minute walk according to the selected route.
Where are the places to visit around Hotel Hippodrome?
Arasta Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archaeological Museums and Gülhane Park are the main tourist attractions close to the hotel.
Which is the nearest tram stop to Hotel Hippodrome?
The closest important rail connection to the hotel is Sultanahmet Tram Stop on line T1. The bus stop can be reached in about a 10-12 minute walk.
How to get to the Grand Bazaar from Hotel Hippodrome?
You can walk to the Grand Bazaar in about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet stop and get off at Beyazit–Grand Bazaar stop.
How to get to Taksim from Hotel Hippodrome?
From Sultanahmet stop, you can take the T1 tram to Kabataş. Taksim can be reached by transferring to the F1 funicular line in Kabataş.
How to get to Kadikoy from Hotel Hippodrome?
Marmaray can be used from Sirkeci or you can take the Kadikoy ferry by going to Eminönü.
Is there a restaurant around Hotel Hippodrome?
Yes There are many restaurants offering Turkish cuisine, kebab, fish, seafood and international cuisine options around Çankürtaran, Akbıyık Caddesi and Sultanahmet.
Is Hotel Hippodrome close to the sea?
Yes The hotel is located in the Çankurtaran district, close to the Marmara Sea coast. Ahırkapı and the coast can be reached on foot.
Is there breakfast at Hotel Hippodrome?
Yes The hotel's services include an open buffet breakfast. Dec. Whether breakfast is included in the selected accommodation package should be checked at the time of booking.
Does Hotel Hippodrome have free Wi-Fi?
Yes Free internet and Wi-Fi are offered.
Is Hotel Hippodrome suitable for families?
The hotel can be appreciated by families with children due to its location within walking distance to the tourist attractions in Sultanahmet. Room capacity and child accommodation conditions must be confirmed before booking.
How far is Hotel Hippodrome from Istanbul Airport?
Transportation by car from Istanbul Airport to the hotel can take about 45-70 minutes depending on the traffic situation.
Discover Historic Istanbul by Staying at Hotel Hippodrome

With its location in the center of Sultanahmet; Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern on foot, Hotel Hippodrome is a convenient starting point for exploring Istanbul's historical heritage.
By staying at Hotel Hippodrome, you can visit the important buildings of the Historical Peninsula on foot, reach Eminönü, Karaköy and Kabataş via the T1 tram line, and explore the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul.
By choosing your accommodation dates, you can review the current room options and prices of Hotel Hippodrome and complete your reservation safely.