Where to Stay in Istanbul

Our Favorite Istanbul Hotels

• 5-Star: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul
• 4-Four-star accommodation: The Bank
• 3-moderately priced: Hanedan Hotel
• New hotel: Ecole St. Pierre
• For families: Four Seasons Bosphorus
• For couples seeking romance: Ibrahim Pasha
• Hotel pool: Ciragan Palace
• Near airport: YotelAir
• Near the Blue Mosque: Ibrahim Pasha
• Hagia Sophia: A Luxury Accommodation in Istanbul`s Sultanahmet District

a swimming pool filled with lots of blue umbrellas

The Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul

Although not Turkey`s capital, Istanbul has been viewed as one of the world’s greatest cities for centuries. Still dotted with remnants of Roman and Greek empires and a Christian heritage, it uniquely straddles the separation between Europe and Asia and is also heavily impacted by the area’s dominant faith, Islam, and its Middle Eastern connections.

With a population of fifteen million (and increasing), Istanbul can appear and feel daunting, especially for first visitors, but it is remarkably compact and pleasantly easy to navigate. The highly effective and low-cost public transportation system includes metro, trams, buses, ferries, hillside railways (funiculars), and cable cars – all accessible on a simple-to-purchase electronic card.

The older region of the city along the southern peninsula is generally called Fatih, the site of historic Constantinople. For visitors, Fatih can be divided into two distinct areas. In the highly atmospheric and historic area of Sultanahmet, most hotels are within walking distance of four major attractions in the city: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar. Sirkeci is more modern but especially convenient: close enough to Sultanahmet to explore on foot and to underground stations and ferry terminals to explore the rest of the city.

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The eastern peninsula, known as the ‘Asian Side’, is mostly residential and offers few attractions and fewer hotels. Just across the bridge in the northern peninsula called the ‘European Side’, the busy areas of Karaköy and Galata (part of the general area called Beyoğlu) offer a suitable selection of accommodations, mostly inexpensive and moderately priced options. A couple of metro stops further north, Taksim is a highly attractive area of shops, cafés, bars, as well as boutique and luxury hotels. Dominated by a remarkably extensive pedestrian street conveniently located between metro stations, Taksim is also linked by cable car to the leafy residential suburbs of Maçka and Nişantaşi, and by funicular to Kabataş, a thriving district along the Bosphorus Strait. Further up the coastline and increasingly isolated, luxury hotels in Beşiktaş offer more space for gardens and resort-style pools as well as priceless water views.

The Best Places to Stay in Istanbul

a balcony overlooking a city filled with lots of tall buildings

a swimming pool filled with lots of blue umbrellas

Best Areas in Istanbul for…

  • Most Popular Area in Istanbul for Seeing the Sights: Sultanahmet
    This relaxed, historic area in southern Istanbul encompasses four of the city`s premier attractions within close proximity of most hotels: the renowned Blue Mosque, the magnificent Hagia Sophia museum, Topkapi Palace and gardens, and the extraordinary Grand Bazaar. The narrow streets are crowded with places for food, drink, and shopping.
  • Most Vibrant Nightlife Area in Istanbul: Taksim

    • Within Istanbul, there is no singular hub for evening entertainment as most bars, nightclubs, and live music venues are dispersed throughout the outer areas catering mainly to locals. The narrow roads of the historic center provide little nightlife, so head to Taksim across the bridge. Stretching approximately a mile between two metro stations, the wonderful pedestrian street and lanes on both sides are crowded with places for drinking, dancing, and socializing. Additionally, many upmarket hotels have one or two nightclubs

  • Top Locale in Istanbul for Food & Restaurants: Kabataş
    .

    • There is absolutely no deficiency of magnificent places across the city to eat – from minuscule kebab stalls to lavish restaurants mainly catering to, and priced for, tourists. Along the Bosphorus Strait, Kabataş is highly conveniently connected by metro to the southern peninsula, by funicular to Taksim, and close enough to walk from Beşiktaş. Kabataş is brimming with charming bistros that face the water and serve (generally) Turkish cuisine, with a focus on seafood – and at reasonable costs considering the magical setting. With lights from the eastern peninsula reflecting in the water, it’s especially romantic after dark – more so, during a dinner cruise leaving from a terminal at Kabataş.

a patio area with chairs, tables and umbrellas

  • Best Area in Istanbul for History: Sultanahmet
    Undoubtedly the most historic and fascinating part of Istanbul is Sultanahmet, home to the magnificent Blue Mosque (built in the early 17th century), the equally majestic Hagia Sophia museum (and former Greek cathedral), and the 560-year-old Topkapi Palace and its surrounding gardens. And, perhaps, nothing highlights Istanbul’s history and vibrancy more than the extraordinary Grand Bazaar. Furthermore, the streets of Sultanahmet are dotted with other museums, mosques, and bazaars, as well as hammam Turkish baths.
  • Best Areas for Views: Karaköy and Galata
    A few minutes’ walk across the bridges to the northern peninsula, Karaköy is a vibrant area providing superb views across the Golden Horn waterway to the old city in the south and beyond the Bosphorus Strait to modern residential districts in the east. In neighboring Galata, further inland, some hotels and rooftop bars in more elevated areas offer panoramic views that upmarket hotels in Beşiktaş and Taksim would charge greatly for.

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  • Best Area for Walking: Taksim
    The narrow lanes of the old city in the south can be uncomfortably crowded, while other regions, such as Kabataş alongside the Bosphorus Strait, are also packed with people and noise from traffic. Much more pleasant for wandering is the area in and around Taksim. From the massive vehicle-free square at Taksim Square, roadways lined with boutiques radiate north alongside gardens. Best of all, a pedestrian street bursting with places to eat, drink, and shop heads southwest for 1 mile before turning down through the lovely area of Galata and finishing at the bridge to the old city
  • Best Area in Istanbul for atmosphere and cultural exploration: Kabataş.

    • Istanbul is not solely about antiquated structures and historical sites. It is equally vibrant as anywhere in Europe, particularly along the Bosphorus Strait at Kabataş. Conveniently connected through public ferries, buses, the metro system, and an inclined railway, Kabataş is home to a surprising number of museums. With many waterside bistros facing the water and plenty of shops further up roads away from the coast, Kabataş offers a lovely atmosphere and is ideal for observing people.

  • Best Area in Istanbul for Shopping: Taksim
    The structure of the city prevents any major shopping centers within regions tourists would typically visit and remain. The narrow roads of the old city are packed with shops and stalls, but most only market souvenirs – sometimes of questionable quality. For the finest assortment of shops, and within a pleasingly compact area, head to Taksim. The mile-long pedestrian street between two metro stations (and linked by an old-fashioned tram) and the alleys along both sides are teeming with places to spend money extensively.
  • Best Area in Istanbul for Families: Taksim
    The roads surrounding the old city can become very crowded from May to September due to the large number of tour groups and buses touring the area – and persistent street vendors adding to the hassle. In contrast, Taksim offers significantly more space, especially around the extensive public gardens, huge vehicle-free plaza, and lengthy pedestrian street packed with wonderful shops and all kinds of inexpensive and enjoyable places to eat. Some hotels in this location are more like resorts, providing substantial lawns, a huge pool, and other amenities for families. Taksim is also well-connected by metro, but perhaps more interesting for younger visitors is the funicular that heads down to the water at Kabataş and the cable car that swings across a valley to the residential neighbourhood of Maçka.

a pool filled with lots of blue umbrellas

  • Best Area in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors: Taksim
    Istanbul’s enormous size, massive population, and unusual layout across three peninsulas can seem daunting – and new visitors could also become overwhelmed by the number of tourists and tour buses along the narrow streets of the old city. In contrast, Taksim offers gardens and spacious streets ideal for walking and compact, yet likable areas packed with cafés, bars, and shops. And Taksim is superbly connected by metro, funicular, and cable car to many of the must-sees across the city.
  • Best Region for Couples & Honeymooners in Istanbul: Beşiktaş
    The section of the northern peninsula facing the Bosphorus Strait is particularly romantic – especially so after dark when lights are reflected from the old city and eastern peninsula on the so-called ‘Asian Side’. Quietly separate from tour groups, Beşiktaş has several 5-star resorts where many rooms face the Bosphorus; the bistros, bars, and pool are meters from the water; and boat trips and dinner cruises can easily be organized.
  • Best Area in Istanbul for Transportation: Sirkeci
    Geographically central and within the northern section of the old city, Sirkeci is along a very handy metro line. It heads south to the historic district of Sultanahmet (which is also within walking distance), across the water to the shopping district of Taksim, and further up the coast to the bistros and museums facing the Bosphorus Strait at Kabataş. Also from Sirkeci, ferries head in all directions across the strait and trains service the suburbs where tourists very rarely venture.
  • Safest Areas in Istanbul: Maçka and Nişantaşi
    No areas within Istanbul are especially unsafe but take the standard safety precautions – especially around the crowded streets, markets, metro, trams, and ferries where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing have been known to occur. Not located within the standard tourist regions, but still close to amenities and attractions, are the leafy residential neighborhoods of Maçka and Nişantaşi. They offer upscale shopping, vast views across the city, and well-lit streets. And always be aware of any political unrest which may result in mass demonstrations in areas like Taksim Square, and of unscrupulous salespeople, especially in shops selling carpets and rugs in the old city.

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Istanbul for Tourists

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

1. Sultanahmet

The most well-liked area for history, atmosphere, and convenience to four of the city’s prime attractions: the Blue Mosque; previous Greek cathedral, Hagia Sophia, which is now a museum; 15th-century Topkapi Palace and surrounding gardens; and Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest with 4,000+ stalls. These sights – and an (over)abundance of places to eat, drink, and shop – are within walking distance of most hotels in Sultanahmet, while the metro is also very useful for exploration elsewhere. The narrow streets can be overwhelmingly crowded with people and traffic, but Sultanahmet still maintains a likable, laidback vibe. Very few luxury hotels, but many older buildings have been beautifully converted to boutique-style guesthouses. Also, plenty of budget-priced and mid-range options.

2. Sirkeci

This region in the southern area provides both established and modern benefits. Most lodging is within walking distance of the four major destinations outlined above in the neighboring Sultanahmet district. Not as jam-packed with tour parties and tour buses as Sultanahmet, Sirkeci has a couple of subway stops, a major ferry terminal with services across the Bosphorus Strait, and a station for suburban trains. More residential and less touristy, costs at the stores, bars, and restaurants are more reasonable and the hotels also offer particularly good value, but similar to Sultanahmet, the old layout means few luxury choices are available.

3. Taksim

a large pool of water in the middle of a city

Ideal for those visiting Taksim for the first time or who are traveling with families, this area is conveniently located in the lower section of the northern peninsula. Particularly roomy and appealing, Taksim is dominated by a vast vehicle-free plaza that has stations for the metro serving the entire city, a fascinating funicular down to the waters at Kabataş, and a cable car up to the leafy suburb of Maçka. Southwest from the plaza, a very long pedestrian path is crammed with inviting and competitively priced cafés, bars, and shops. This road and the numerous alleys branching off both sides contain adorable boutique hotels and aged-style guesthouses, while just north of the plaza deluxe hotels offer extensive gardens and tropical-style swimming pools.

4. Karaköy & Galata

Just across the bridges in the northern peninsula, these adjacent regions offer an enjoyable fusion of old and new. The roads are narrow and congested with traffic, yet pleasantly far away (yet still well-linked by metro) from the overpriced districts fronting the Bosphorus Strait and overly crowded historical center. The shops and cafés exude a youthful and affluent vibe quite distinctive from other parts of Istanbul, and perspectives from areas along the coast at Karaköy and in elevated locales further inland in Galata are among the city`s finest sights. Additionally, a fabulous selection of lodging options at all price points providing particularly good value, considering how convenient the regions are.

5. Maçka & Nişantaşi

Not as notable as Sultanahmet, convenient as Taksim, or vibrant as Kabataş, Maçka and the nearby suburb of Nişantaşi are upscale residential areas in the lower portion of the northern peninsula. Free of tourist groups and tourist buses, most of the good-value mid-range hotels cater to business people and Turkish tourists. The added attractions are that the cafés, bars, and shops are priced for locals, not tourists, and views of the city streets and Bosphorus Strait are magnificent. Parts can be surprisingly sophisticated, with a range of high-end boutiques and top hotels that can match any European city. Not on a metro route, the suburbs are, instead, connected by the remarkable teleferik (cable car) to Taksim, a major shopping district with a metro station.

6. Kabataş

Potentially Istanbul`s most attractive region for background, allure, convenience, and establishing, despite the fact that there are astonishingly modest spots to spend. Only a couple of metro stops along the coastline from the extension to the northern peninsula, the territory squeezed between the fundamental street and Bosphorus Strait is lined with intriguing exhibitions, loaded up with beautiful waterside bistros and bars, and associated by vessel to all parts of the city. The roads uphill far from the water likewise offer plenty of classy shops and the region is extremely accessible by metro to the aged city; by funicular to Taksim, a significant shopping area; and by transport further up the coastline to Beşiktaş.

7. Beşiktaş

a large building with lots of windows on top of it

Tourist amenities become more remote further along the coast of the northern peninsula from Kabataş. Though connected via bus, the excellent subway does not travel this far, but Beşiktaş is still just a brief taxi trip to the shops at Taksim, waterside cafés and museums at Kabataş, and metro stations for links to the old city. Many of the luxury hotels offer superb waterfront settings, views across the Bosphorus Strait from numerous rooms, and bistros/bars merely meters from the water, and also have adequate space to feature expansive gardens and resort-style pools.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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