Istanbul · Sultanahmet and the old city
Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)
The long park between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque that follows the line of the Roman chariot track. It holds an Egyptian obelisk and other monuments.
- 30 min
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Sultanahmet and the old city
Data checked on November 2, 2026
In Roman and Byzantine times this was the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot races drew crowds. Today it is a public square with an Egyptian obelisk from the time of Thutmose III, the German Fountain and other monuments. It is free and always open.
What to look for
- The obelisk of Thutmose III
- The German Fountain
- Views of both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Opening hours
Always open.
Source: GoTürkiye (Ministry of Culture and Tourism), checked November 2, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet; the square is right there.
Tip
Cross it between sights and look for the obelisk and the German Fountain.