Istanbul is a large and charming city where millions of people work and play in its many different neighborhoods. The ancient city was the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and was once known as Constantinople.
For starters, Istanbul can be a confusing place. It is the only city in the world that spans two continents. With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis with a fusion of culture and tradition.
Map of best Istanbul places to stay in
Neighborhoods range from areas rich in folklore and customs to regenerating fashion centers and tourist-heavy old towns. The city is a bit contradictory, with late-night drinking and live music normal in some areas, while moderate clothing is recommended in others. Dazzling Istanbul A modern place where old and new combine in a metropolis that represents global history and modern Turkey.
We have selected for you the popular areas to stay during your trip to Istanbul so that you can have the best time possible. If you want to get lost haggling in the bazaar, going to an old mosque or people watching in the city square, we have the perfect place for your stay in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet
Istanbul's OId City is packed with many of the city's incredible attractions. For first-time visitors to Sultanahmet, this is the ideal place to find the heart of Istanbul's old city. Numerous historical sites such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and the Byzantine Arena Restaurants and a high concentration of hotels can be found here.
Sultanahmet made up most of Constantinople. Bordered by the old city wall on one side and surrounded by bodies of water on the other three sides, the area is basically a peninsula. Cruise ships often dock at the port of Sultanahmet, and many tourists are keen to visit the old city. While traveling on the public transport system is really easy, walking around in the dizzying decadence of churches, mosques and palaces is easy and the best way to soak up the area's historic architecture.
The museum showcases the city's rich and diverse historical artifacts, dating back more than 1,000 years. As you discover the ancient wonders of Sultan Ahmed for yourself, the call to prayer echoes from the rooftops and you find yourself transported back to another, more ancient place time.
Where to Stay in Sultanahmet
luxury
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet – With ornate wooden beds, carved furniture, large windows, ornate ceilings and Turkish rugs, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is a luxurious choice. The bathrooms here are well-appointed, with antique-style gold-finish marble walls and blue china. This hotel is coming Features an 8th-floor restaurant with views of the Marmara Sea and a fully equipped gym.
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel – grand Ottoman architecture and modern boutique-chic rooms are spacious and decorated in a minimalist style with colourful wall art. Throughout the hotel, guests can hang out at the rooftop swimming pool and enjoy a variety of amenities and Stroll through your own botanical garden and enjoy five o'clock tea with live music in the background. Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel is just 250 metres from the Blue Mosque and 10 minutes from Topkapi Palace.
midrange
Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul – Decorated in warm natural tones, rooms at this hotel feature wood-panelled walls, soft grey carpets and modern tiled bathrooms. The hotel restaurant on the 9th floor has a beautiful view of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Bring an amazing dining experience. Elsewhere in this 4-star hotel there is a sauna, hot tub and gym. In terms of location, the Arcadia Blue Hotel Istanbul is very close to the Theodore Western Obelisk and the Roman-era Colosseum.
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel – Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel's small but charming rooms feature traditional European interiors with wood-panelled parquet floors and windows with sea views. Rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views Surrounding cities and landscapes. There is also a lounge bar decorated with a collection of vintage radios.
Bazaar District
If you like shopping or looking for something special in the market, this is the best place for you in Istanbul. The area is a confusing and tempting one, where you will find not only the Grand Bazaar (one of the oldest covered markets in the world), but also Spicy spice market.
Comprising 61 streets with more than 3,000 shops strolling around the Grand Bazaar, it is enough to confuse most visitors. But a simple trip to the market can quickly become an overwhelming experience as hawkers shout out to passersby eager to sell their wares. it sometimes looks more like Tourist Trap But - if you know how much you should pay for the items you want and are willing to barter - you can get a great bargain.
There are plenty of accommodation options in the area as well as interesting places to eat. Living near the bazaar means you can really get a feel for life in this old town. Nestled within the city walls, the area is a window into Istanbul's long trading tradition. intertwined in the streets There are old mosques, tea gardens and hammams in the bazaar, where you can find locals gathering with friends, gossiping and enjoying the energy of the city.
Where to Stay in the Bazaar District
luxury
Istanbul Old City Hotel - This upscale hotel is very close to the bustling Sultanahmet Street, opposite the historic Laleli Mosque, if you want easy access to some of Istanbul's most historic places - including the Grand Bazaar itself, this upscale hotel is the ideal place to stay. This The interior is typically Istanbul, with a mix of Ottoman and European styles, and the spacious lobby impresses with its marble floors and chandeliers. With plush carpets and floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms at this 5-star hotel have a traditional and decadent feel. Guests can enjoy The spa has a swimming pool and gym.
midrange
The President Hotel - Featuring an in-house traditional Turkish restaurant and a terrace restaurant serving international cuisine, the President Hotel also has a number of bars - including an English pub - for you to choose from. Guests can also Relax in the hotel's indoor swimming pool in the spa or work out in the gym. Soft tones, stylish yet laid-back furnishings, and soft lighting create a welcoming ambience—and of course, the comfortable queen-sized beds.
Beyoglu
Beyoglu's Old Quarter on the Left Bank in Istanbul's European Quarter is full of places to eat, drink and play. Once called Pera - which means "the other side" - Beyoglu is the place to stay in Istanbul if you want to have fun. The cosmopolitan and creative Beyoglu is a thriving area, flocked by residents and tourists, most of whom will find their way to İstiklâl Caddesi. Pedestrian main road in İstiklâl Caddesi district connects residential and entertainment areas The perfect mix of fun and edgy.
With a thriving live music scene and hordes of trendy hotels and trendy boutiques, Beyoglu has come a long way from its shabby past and is now a cool place to stay. The attractions are closely linked, making exploring on foot simple. And - when you want to see more What Istanbul has to offer – just take the metro or take the old Tünel cable car to the Galata Bridge.
Where to Stay in Beyoglu
luxury
Marmara Taksim – This upscale hotel is a large, modern hotel with everything you need for a high-end stay in Istanbul. From a glittering gym to an on-site winery and chocolate shop, this place really has it all. You'll find a selection of dishes in several hotel restaurants Choose the bar for an evening drink, and the soft, stuffy rooms feature luxurious furnishings, marble bathrooms and city and ocean views. Taksim Metro Station is just a stone's throw from the front door, as is the hustle and bustle of Taksim Square itself.
Pera Palace Hotel – Housed in a Traditional Colonial Building The Pera Palace Hotel is luxurious and historic; this magnificent neoclassical building dates back to 1892. The hotel's walls are decorated in Art Nouveau and Oriental styles. Room with Turkish carpet and antique furniture; some have claw foot bathtubs, while others have their own lounges. Most rooms also have balconies and city views.
Karakoy
Karakoy district, formerly known as Galata, is located to the north of the old town. Cool kids and foreign tourists hang out in the area, spending money on coffee and ideas. These areas are full of old warehouses and late 19th century buildings that have been converted into numerous shops and restaurants and hotels. Hop on the tram or stroll to Galata Tower - overlooking the charming cobblestone streets - where the bustling Taksim Square is lined with neoclassical buildings.
Karakoy, home to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, was once a working-class area inhabited by fishmongers and laborers. Karakoy has gone through a lot of gentrification since 2000. Both have been reborn as multicultural hubs for creativity and talent. These areas have a bohemian vibe culture. The crumbling buildings and grit of industrial history make the perfect backdrop for Istanbul's hipsters.
Where to Stay in Karakoy
luxury
10 Karakoy Istanbul – Housed in an old Ottoman era building, 10 Karakoy Istanbul has high ceilings and spacious rooms where you can easily unfold and enjoy luxury. Despite these traditional period features, the rooms are decorated in a stylish style with parquet floors. Modern white tile bathroom. Guests can dine at the à la carte restaurant in this 5-star hotel and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast every morning. In a quiet and relaxing setting, this hotel is ideally located just a short walk from Galata Tower.
midrange
Bankerhan Hotel Galata – Cool and quirky rooms at this hotel make the most of the space in this traditional historic building. Featuring natural wood floors, modern furniture and artwork depicting the city itself, some rooms even feature balconies with city views Bosphorus Strait. The hotel has a restaurant for guests to enjoy, where you can also enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning. This is a great location for those who want to travel around by tram - as there is a tram stop nearby - Galata Tower is also very short go away.
Besiktas
The main transport hub of Besiktas plays an important role in the transport of goods by sea. One of the best places to stay in Besiktas, Istanbul is its numerous historical and cultural attractions as well as great dining and shopping options. Choose to base yourself in a bold and dynamic field Besiktas means relaxing in a café, strolling around Besiktas Square and feeling the atmosphere (and smells) of a fish market.
Popular sights in the area include Yildiz Parki and the Ottoman artifacts on display at the Seaside Naval Museum. If you want luxury accommodation on the Bosphorus side of the city, then you should stay here.
Some hotels are even located inside old Ottoman palaces, which is definitely a selling point. The area is the entrance to many communities on the Bosphorus and the departure point for boats heading to the Asian side of the city.
Where to Stay in Besiktas
luxury
Swissotel The Bosphorus – This Swiss hotel branch is large, with grounds with gardens and an outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. This luxury hotel is design-led, blending classic Istanbul aesthetics with modern amenities. There are various Sea views can be enjoyed from all dining options. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, all with chic, upscale interiors. Some even feature large panoramic windows and seating areas. In terms of location, you will find this nice and stylish hotel within walking distance of Nisantasi and all Its luxury shopping opportunities.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski – Housed in a 19th century Ottoman palace, staying at this hotel means you feel like royalty. The location is perfect - right along the Bosphorus, with many restaurants by the water. you can dine here Offers views of Old Istanbul. The choice of deluxe rooms ranges from deluxe suites decorated in traditional colonial style to park view rooms with Ottoman fabrics and comfortable large beds. This historic hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a traditional Turkish spa other facilities.