Hotels near Ayasofya, Istanbul

Istanbul has a few hotels very near Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)—and I mean right across the street from the church/mosque/museum.

All of them are restored historic buildings with Ottomanambience.

The location has a huge advantage: you’re as close as it is possible to get to Istanbul’s top historic sights: Ayasofya, Topkapı Palace, the Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Archeological Museums and Gülhane Parkı.

You could literally toss a softball (but don’t) from a window of these hotels and hit a monument.

Double-glazed windows and air conditioning largely compensate for this bustling area’s noise, but if you’re particularly sensitive to noise, specify a quiet room when you make your reservation.

Ottoman Hotel Imperial

This 49-room boutique hotel directly across the street from Ayasofya has a super-convenient location (especially for those with limited mobility), helpful staff and comfortable rooms. More…

—by Tom Brosnahan