Zeyrek is one of the oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods of Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula — a district where history flows through narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and monumental Byzantine structures. If you want to experience a route that blends Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, and modern-day Istanbul, Zeyrek is the perfect place to start.
A full-day walk in Zeyrek takes you through ancient cisterns, restored hammams, spectacular viewpoints, and one of the city’s largest surviving Byzantine monuments.
Originally built in the 12th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos, this massive complex once served as the Pantokrator Monastery — one of Byzantium’s most important religious and cultural centers.
After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a madrasa, taking its name from Molla Zeyrek, a scholar who taught here.
Today, it stands as Istanbul’s largest surviving Byzantine structure after Hagia Sophia.
🎟️ Admission: Free
Commissioned in the 1540s by Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and designed by Mimar Sinan, this centuries-old hammam is famous for its original İznik tiles.
After a meticulous 13-year restoration, the hammam reopened in 2023 with a beautifully preserved Ottoman bath section and a museum.
The lower level features a newly discovered Byzantine cistern, now open to visitors.
⏰ Hammam: 08:00–22:00
⏰ Museum: 10:00–18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
🎟️ Museum: 180₺ full, 90₺ discounted — Free on Thursdays
One of the most delightful stops in the district, Zeyrekhane offers a calm terrace overlooking both the Golden Horn and the Süleymaniye Mosque.
It’s a great place to recharge, sip tea or coffee, and enjoy the Historic Peninsula's timeless skyline.
⏰ Hours: 09:00–22:30
Built in the 12th century to supply water to the Pantokrator Monastery, the Zeyrek Cistern is unique among Istanbul’s cisterns because it sits above ground and has a two-story structure.
Reopened to visitors in 2025 after a long restoration, the cistern’s red-brick arches and dimly lit interior create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
⏰ Hours: 10:00–20:00
🎟️ Admission: 100₺ full, 50₺ discounted
📍 Location: Zeyrek, Fatih — Historic Peninsula, Istanbul
