How can I find an on-duty pharmacy open today in Sultanahmet, the Old City, or Taksim in Istanbul?

The most up-to-date advice for the Old City is to look specifically for a duty pharmacy in Sultanahmet / the Old City, because most regular pharmacies may be closed that day.

Travelers say that on Sundays there may be only one duty pharmacy serving an area. If you need something urgently, check with your hotel reception or spa first, as they often keep basic medication.

If listed duty pharmacies still appear closed, travelers advise against buying medicine from random private sellers. A safer backup is a verified medicine delivery service, but some of them do not deliver cold and flu remedies.

In Taksim, travelers reported that even duty pharmacies were not open on a holiday. For urgent basics like paracetamol or antispasmodics, people sometimes had to rely on hotel supplies, friends, or local delivery.

For Sultanahmet Square, the practical takeaway is that if nearby pharmacies are shut, you should search specifically for the duty pharmacy assigned to that area rather than checking regular storefronts around the square.

According to traveler reports, there are several pharmacies around Sultanahmet, so the area is convenient on normal days. The main issue comes on Sundays and holidays, when you need the designated duty pharmacy.

Travelers in the Old City reported cases where all pharmacies in Sultanahmet and nearby areas seemed closed, and even the duty one was hard to find. On non-working days, it is worth checking neighboring districts rather than only central Sultanahmet.