The Hippodrome Istanbul

 

The Hippodrome was an important part of life in old Istanbul, and although what’s there now is not as impressive as it once was, Istanbul Hotel Booker still recommends a visit to the Hippodrome.

 

Where to Stay

With many of the hotels in Istanbul situated right next to the Hippodrome this is the ideal place to stay as you get a view of the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque beyond it.

Hotels here are very popular so Istanbul Hotel Booker advises that you book early if you want to be in the heart of the old city. Alternatively if you don’t have any luck booking one of these Istanbul hotels, try to find one along Divan Yolu Caddesi which meets the Hippodrome at one end. This is one of the main streets in historic Istanbul and there are plenty of hotels here to choose from, plus they have the benefit of the tram passing right by the door.

 

When to Go

As the Hippodrome is an open-air park there are no opening or closing times as it’s always open. This means you can visit at any time, though if your Istanbul hotel is right by the Hippodrome it makes a lovely place for an evening stroll before or after dinner.

 

About the Hippodrome

The Hippodrome was a centre for the Byzantine Empire and was built in 200 AD. Originally this was an arena where sporting and political events took place, though when the Blue Mosque was being constructed the amphitheatre rows of seats were unfortunately demolished. Luckily though, the original shape of the arena has been preserved by the city park which now sits there.

 

What to See

If the Hippodrome was now just a city park it would be a pleasant place to come and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and somewhere to enjoy some fresh air outside of your nearby Istanbul hotel. But the Hippodrome is actually more than just a park, it’s a really interesting place to sit and people watch and to spot the oddly placed obelisks, pieces of ancient columns and other remnants scattered around!

The Egyptian Obelisk is 3,500 years old and was brought here from Egypt by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD. There’s also a 32 metre high column whose origins are unknown and the Serpentine Column, which came from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.