7 BEST Areas Where to Stay in Istanbul + Hotels for 2024

Istanbul, the City on the Seven Hills, is Turkey’s largest city and most visited destination, is a sprawling city spanning across 2 continents. So, deciding where to stay in Istanbul can be a little tricky, but no need to worry – I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip!

I was born and raised in Istanbul, so I can share insider knowledge about the city’s top neighborhoods and the best things to do in each. 

As a sneak peek, I can tell you that Sultanahmet is the best spot for first-time visitors. This neighborhood hosts the major tourist attractions of Istanbul, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and much, much more!

Read this post to find my hand-picked recommendations for hotels in apartments in Istanbul for 7 most tourist-friendly areas to stay in the city. I have also made sure to include ALL price ranges to make sure everyone can find their ideal place (and fast!). 

Istanbul is huuuuge, but don’t worry, all the areas I recommend are actually located pretty compact to each other and around most popular tourist attractions too. 

Istanbul is extremely popular – teeming with tourists at any time of year – so you’ll have to make hotel reservations as soon as possible to secure your stay.

If you’re in a hurry

• Best luxury hotel: White House Hotel Istanbul
• Best mid-range hotel: Henna Hotel Istanbul
• Best budget hotel: Otantik Hotel

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Area Overview

First of all, here’s a map of the Istanbul areas I’ll be talking about:

As I mentioned before, Istanbul is a huge city and lies on 2 continents – Europe and Asia. The European side of the city is definitely the more popular one, as this is where you’ll find the major attractions (and tourists, too!). 

That’s not to say that the Asian side doesn’t have anything to offer. I actually recommend one area in the Asian part of Istanbul, an especially good choice if you want to immerse yourself in the local life. 

There are many Istanbul neighborhoods you can choose from, each with its own charm and advantages. Below, you’ll find my personalized recommendations for all types of travelers: 

• Best neighborhood in Istanbul for first-time visitors: Sultanahmet and Taksim
• Top areas in Istanbul for luxury: Galata and Besiktas
• Best place in Istanbul for families: Cihangir and Sultanahmet
• Where to stay in Istanbul for budget travelers: Karakoy and Kadikoy
• Top neighborhoods in Istanbul shopping: Taksim and Sultanahmet
• Best areas in Istanbul for nightlife: Taksim, Galata, Karakoy and Besiktas

1. Sultanahmet (Old Town) – best area for first-time visitors

If you’re planning a trip to my amazing city and wondering where to stay in Istanbul for the first time, there’s no better choice than Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic district. This is also the best area to stay in Istanbul for sightseeing as it has plenty of historic sites. 

When you start exploring the Old City, your first stop should be the Hagia Sophia Church and Museum, one of the city’s most important monuments. It’s open to visitors year-round, and you can buy tickets on-site. 

Next up, you should move on to the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, and continue to explore the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. 

I highly recommend a visit to Sultanahmet Square and the nearby Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Be sure to take the time to roam the streets of this neighborhood and admire the architecture – you’ll see everything from Ottoman palaces to Neoclassical buildings!

Finally, for some shopping in the area, head to Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and THE largest covered markets in the world and one of the ultimate things to do in Istanbul. 

As this area is so convenient in terms of attractions, it can be a bit crowded – a lot of people choose the area for their stay in Istanbul, as there are many accommodation options (mainly boutique hotels and guesthouses). However, even more people visit during the day, but don’t let this scare you off – finding your way around is easier than it seems. 

Sultanahmet is part of the large Fatih district, which also encompasses the Eminonu area and the Sirkeci neighborhood, so if you have time to check these out, I suggest you do!

Luxury (US$190 and up)

• White House Hotel Istanbul – One of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul, in a central location in Sultanahmet, offers elegantly furnished rooms, a delicious breakfast, and room service. 
• Radisson Hotel President Old Town – In a great location near the Grand Bazaar, the Radisson boasts a rooftop terrace and an indoor swimming area that provides panoramic views of the city.

Mid-range (from US$90 to US$190)

• Henna Hotel Istanbul – This hotel is located within walking distance of major attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and offers an amazing complimentary breakfast.
• Sadaret Hotel&Suites – Offering bright rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. Guests can also enjoy a breakfast buffet and benefit from a 24/7 reception desk.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Otantik Hotel – A perfect choice for budget travelers who want to stay in Sultanahmet, this is a sustainable B&B with an on-site coffee shop and lounge and offers both car and bicycle rentals. 
• Cheers Lighthouse – Just a short walk away from the Blue Mosque, this hotel offers rooms decorated in minimalist style, a restaurant with panoramic views, and a free breakfast buffet.

2. Taksim – where to stay in Istanbul for nightlife

If you want to be near the hustle and bustle of it all, Taksim is the place to go! Situated 5 km (3 miles) away from Sultanahmet, the area boasts plenty of trendy restaurants and luxury hotels, but it can accommodate all types of travelers, as most hotels are quite affordable. 

NOTE: Taksim is actually part of Beyoglu, a very big district consisting of several smaller areas besides Taksim. There’s also Galata, Karaköy, and Cihangir (the next 3 areas in my list). I decided to present them individually, as each of them is unique and big enough to be considered a separate area.

One of the most important spots in Taksim is the eponymous Taksim Square, and it’s the best place to start exploring the neighborhood. Stop to admire the Monument of the Republic, then head to Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s largest pedestrian street and main shopping hub. 

Even though there’s no traffic here, Istanbul’s historic tram passes through here. It can take you from Taksim Square, through Istiklal Avenue, and all the way to the Tunnel. You’ll recognize the tram by its trademark red color, and I highly suggest going on a ride. 

When you stray from this avenue, you’ll find many narrow streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and rooftop bars where you can enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus. At night, all of these streets come alive, and you can experience the vibrant nightlife scene of Istanbul.

You can also see whether anything is on at the Ataturk Cultural Center, check out Çiçek Pasajı, a historic passageway connecting 2 buildings, and stop by the St. Anthony of Padua Church to admire the impressive architecture. 

One of my favorite things about this area is that it’s so well-connected to the rest of the city – from the Taksim metro station, you’ll reach the main attractions in Sultanahmet in no time, most international/intercity buses also arrive at Taksim Square. 

If you’re coming to the city via plane and wondering where to stay in Istanbul, in Taksim or Sultanahmet, I can tell you that the airport connections to Taksim are great! 

If you want to make the area around Taksim Square your base during your stay in Istanbul, here are the best accommodation options:

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• Pera Palace Hotel – This is one of the most famous Istanbul hotels and is categorized as a ‘museum hotel.’ Guests at the Pera Palace Hotel can dine at one of the 3 restaurants and relax in the spa. 
• Grand Hyatt Istanbul – This luxury hotel features bright and spacious rooms, a great restaurant serving international cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a tennis court.

Mid-range (from US$90 to US$170)

• The Story Hotel Pera – Just a stone’s throw away from the Istiklal Avenue shopping hub, this hotel offers accommodation in elegant rooms furnished with dark wooden furniture and high ceilings. 
• Sometimes Hotel Taksim – A lovely hotel with tastefully decorated rooms, a great continental breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and friendly staff that’s always willing to help.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Peradays – One of the oldest boutique hotels in the city, Peradays dates back to the 19th century and boasts uniquely decorated rooms and an à la carte restaurant with a bar. 
• NarPera Taksim Boutique Hotel – Yet another budget boutique hotel centrally located in the Taksim area, with soundproof rooms, luggage storage, and on-site currency exchange.

3. Galata – where to stay in Istanbul for luxury

Just 3 km (1.8 miles) from Sultanahmet, the Galata neighborhood is the best place to stay in Istanbul for travelers who want to be close to everything. It offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant nightlife – so you can have it all if you want to! 

Compared to the previous 2 areas, this is a smaller neighborhood that doesn’t boast as many historical attractions. However, there is one thing you cannot miss – the Galata Tower, a 14th-century Byzantine tower with a top-floor restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. 

Around the Galata Tower, you’ll find many restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, fresh juice stalls, and the famous Kamondo Stairs (map), one of the most popular photo spots in the area. Keep in mind that this area is quite hilly, and there are a lot of stairs to climb, so visit when you’re well-rested and ready for some physical activity! 

My top recommendations for where to eat and drink in the area are Pepo’s Galata for traditional Turkish food and Viyana Kahvesi for desserts and Turkish coffee and tea. And if you like live music venues, I’d suggest spending an evening at Nardis Jazz Club. 

Galata is also within walking distance of Istiklal Avenue, where you can spend the day shopping, as well as the Galata Bridge, which connects the European to the Asian side of Istanbul. So, if you find yourself in Galata wondering what to do in Istanbul, hop on to the Asian side. 

NOTE: Galata is known for its variety of accommodations. Even though there are more boutique luxury hotels in the area, I would say, but there are definitely plenty of options for all kinds of budgets!

Luxury (US$160 and up)

• DeCamondo Galata – This upscale hotel has comfortable rooms and plenty of modern amenities like a concierge service, currency exchange, and ticket service, as well as 3 restaurants. 
• Ecole St. Pierre Hotel – At this hotel, you can enjoy rooms complete with a desk, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, dine at one of the 2 restaurants, and enjoy a daily breakfast free of charge.

Mid-range (US$110 to US$160)

• GalataCo Hotel – Hotel guests will reside in air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and safety deposit boxes, but they’ll also gain access to a terrace and a bar. 
• Art Nouveau Pera – The rooms at this hotel offer either city or sea views, feature marble bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, and some rooms have a hot tub or a spa bath.

Budget (up to US$110)

• Hostel Le Banc – Located steps away from the Galata Tower and Galata Bridge, the hostel offers both private rooms and beds in shared dormitories and access to a shared kitchen. 
• Archeo – This hostel provides good quality accommodation at reasonable prices, with air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, an ironing service, and a business center.

4. Karakoy – the trendiest place 

Karakoy is one of the best areas in the Beyoglu district and a very trendy part of the city, full of nice cafes, outdoor terraces, tiny shops and young hipster locals. Located 3 km (1.8 miles) North of Sultanahmet, this neighborhood is a top choice among budget travelers. 

The neighborhood once was one of the most important ports in the city, located near the Golden Horn estuary. From here, you can still take the ferry and head over to the Asian side of Istanbul or hop on one of the tour buses and see the main landmarks. 

Karakoy is a small area right on the shore, so don’t be surprised when you see a long waterfront promenade. Take the time to walk along the promenade; I promise you – the views are stunning! 

But besides walking, Karakoy can offer a rich dining scene. You’ll discover bars serving late-night cocktails, restaurants specializing in Turkish cuisine, and dessert shops offering traditional Turkish desserts – I recommend the baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu. 

While you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum if you’re an art lover, or you can also see a movie at the cinema located within the museum.

Karakoy borders the Kabatas neighborhood, which is the city’s main transport hub, so if you need to get anywhere, start by going to Kabatas.

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• The Peninsula Istanbul – A 5-star hotel with a wellness area that includes a Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center, as well as several breakfast options. 
• The Wings Hotel Istanbul – This upscale hotel offers a view over the water, features a garden, a restaurant and bar, and provides room service, 24-hour front desk, and airport transfers.

Mid-range (from US$100 to US$170)

• Peradise Hotel – In a great location near the Galata Tower, this hotel/B&B has family rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi access and provides a delicious buffet breakfast. 
• Royal Tophane – Each of the rooms is air-conditioned and with a private bathroom, and hotel guests also gain access to a 24/7 front desk, a currency exchange, and concierge services.

Budget (up to US$100)

• Ada Karakoy Hotel – Within a short walking distance of the Karakoy Ferry Port, the hotel has a gorgeous terrace where you can have breakfast and soundproof rooms with free Wi-Fi. 
• Nomad Hostel Karaköy – At this hostel, you can rent a bed in a shared dormitory and make use of the shared kitchen and lounge or turn to the concierge for help planning your trip.

5. Cihangir – where to stay in Istanbul with family

Cihangir is a small neighborhood in the Beyoglu district, 5 km (3 miles) from the Old City of Istanbul. This is primarily a residential area, very safe and modern, which is why I recommend it as the best area to stay in Istanbul with family. 

In terms of attractions, Cihangir doesn’t have too much to offer, but luckily, you can easily reach the other neighborhoods in Beyoglu and see important sites like the Taksim Square and the Galata Tower. 

However, if you want to see the historic buildings in Sultanahmet, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and you’re traveling with kids, walking can be strenuous. Don’t get discouraged yet – Cihangir has two metro stations that provide great connectivity to the rest of the city.

There are plenty of places where you can have a delicious (and affordable!) meal, and if you need a break from all the sightseeing, you can take the kids to Cihangir Park (map). Although it’s a small neighborhood park, there’s a kids’ playground and a basketball court.

P.S. If you want to visit the colorful houses you often see in pictures of Istanbul, head to the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat (6km/4 miles from Cihangir). Besides the lovely houses, these neighborhoods have a lot to offer – churches, narrow streets with hip cafes, and art galleries. 

There are plenty of unique boutique hotels with artsy, bohemian atmosphere, so if that’s you, check out the hotels below

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Marble Hotel – This 5-star hotel is just a short walk from the Taksim metro station and boasts facilities like a sauna, a Turkish bath, and an indoor pool. 
• Loop Hotel – An upscale hotel with an on-site restaurant, a rooftop pool, and a terrace overlooking the city, offering several breakfast options and tour assistance.

Mid-range (from US$120 to US$200)

• Element Garden – This aparthotel stands out with its unique design; each room has parquet flooring, a private kitchen, and a bathroom, while breakfast is available daily for a surcharge. 
• Dreamers V&V Hotel – This hotel is situated in a historic building but offers modern amenities like Wi-Fi and satellite TV. In-room breakfast is served daily, and you get complimentary tea/coffee.

Budget (up to US$120)

• Rodin Hostel – Besides dormitory beds, you can also rent private rooms at this hostel and benefit from services like airport transfers, luggage storage, and laundry services. 
• Windrose Hostel Istanbul – A hostel situated in a newly restored building with charming rooms, a shared kitchen, and very friendly staff that’s willing to help at any time.

6. Besiktas – where to stay in Istanbul for foodies

Besiktas is part of a bigger district called Sisli and is situated on the Bosphorus shore, 6 km (approx. 4 miles) from the Sultanahmet area. The Besiktas area is renowned for its rich restaurant scene, so if you want to know where to stay in Istanbul for food, this is your answer!

One of the things you absolutely have to try is ‘kumpir’, which is actually a potato cut in half, stuffed with various fillings, and then baked. There are plenty of restaurants that serve this in the Besiktas area, and you won’t go wrong with whatever you choose. 

Besides sampling Turkish cuisine in top-rated restaurants, enjoying the street food, and strolling along the water, I suggest you visit Dolmabahce Palace, a former sultan’s palace near the Golden Horn. 

I’d also recommend a visit to the Naval Museum, but if you’re looking for a unique experience, head to Macka, another neighborhood in Sisli with plenty of luxury hotels, and embark on a cable car ride. The ride provides the most stunning views of the city – check the schedule here. 

Besiktas and the surrounding areas are also the ideal places to explore the Old City Walls. You can go walking by yourself, hop on the cable car to see them from above, or buy a ticket for one of the tour buses. 

Near Besiktas, you’ll find the Ortakoy neighborhood, home to the famous Ortakoy Mosque (map), which reflects the light changes on the Bosphorus – it’s a truly unique sight!

One last thing I have to tell you about this neighborhood – it can be a little hard getting around. There’s no metro here, and getting a taxi can be difficult (which I don’t recommend in any case since it can be very expensive). However, there are a few bus lines that connect Besiktas to the rest of the city, so that’s your best bet for getting around if you’re based in the area.

Luxury (US$190 and up)

• Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul – This is one of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul, with designer-decorated rooms, a rooftop pool, a luxurious spa, and as many as 7 stylish restaurants on site. 
• Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus – This 5-star hotel is located on the Bosphorus shore and offers commodities such as a fitness center, a kids’ club, room service, and a currency exchange.

Mid-range (from US$130 to US$190)

• Berfinn Hotel Ortaköy – Guests at this hotel can benefit from services like a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and ironing and get access to a shared lounge and business facilities. 
• Sirius Otel İstanbul – This is a 4-star hotel available at an affordable price, with a bar, a business center, concierge services, and both continental and halal breakfast options.

Budget (up to US$130)

• Hot Budget Ortakoy – This property offers 3-star service and some clean and cozy rooms, comfortable beds, as well as free Wi-Fi and private parking.
• Bellezza Hotel Ortakoy – At this hotel, you’ll enjoy the modern, soundproof rooms, each with an en suite bathroom and equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and coffee-making facilities.

7. Kadikoy – where to stay on the Asian side 

My last recommendation for your stay in Istanbul is Kadikoy, a neighborhood on the Asian side of the city. This is a very laid-back area and the very best place to get a slice of local life. Best of all, you can get from Kadikoy to the European side in just 20 minutes by ferry (depending on how far you are from the ferry station). 

Some Kadikoy landmarks that warrant your attention are the Bostancı Amusement Park, Gazhane Museum, and the Fenerbahce Stadium (map). I’d also recommend exploring both the Moda Sahil promenade (map) and Caddebostan Coast waterfront park (map).

Before you leave the Asian part of Istanbul, pay a visit to the Uskudar and the Maiden’s Tower (map), a structure that was once used as a lighthouse. 

When you’re ready to explore the European part of the city, head to the Kadikoy Ferry Terminal (map) and get on your ferry – it’s as simple as that! You can find the ferry timetables here. 

I definitely recommend booking your hotel somewhere not far from the ferry terminal to make your commute easier (by the way, the views you are going to see from the boat are simply fantastic!).

Luxury (US$210 and up)

• Dekalb Hotel – A luxury hotel with a bar, a restaurant, private parking, and comfortable rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, and a safety deposit box. 
• Wyndham Grand Istanbul – One of the best luxury hotels on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering an outdoor pool and an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and 24/7 room service. 

Mid-range (from US$110 to US$210)

• Loka Suites – Situated in a renovated historical building, this hotel boasts contemporary rooms with elegant furniture and unique design and a rooftop cafe overlooking the Bosphorus. 
• Ghan Hotel – A 3-star hotel with a bar, a few different breakfast options, a garden, and a terrace offering spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms and access to satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. 

Budget (up to US$110)

• İkiz Konak Boutique Hotel – One of the most unique boutique hotels in Kadikoy, situated in an old building and offering sparkling clean rooms decorated in traditional style. 
• Haydarpasa Hotel – This hotel is within walking distance of the ferry port and has elegant rooms with wooden furniture, air conditioning, and a bathroom stocked with free toiletries.

👑 Luxury price:	US$210
💵 Mid-range:	US$130
🛏️ Budget:	US$70
📍 Best neighborhood:	Sultanahmet
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	White House Hotel Istanbul
🧳 Mid-range hotel:	Henna Hotel Istanbul
👛 Best budget hotel:	Otantik Hotel

BONUS: Best hotels near Istanbul Airport

Istanbul has two international airports – one on the Asian side (Sabiha Gokcen Airport) and one on the European side (Istanbul Ataturk Airport). Since most of the areas I’m recommending are on the European side and most people arrive there, I’ll be talking about hotels close to this airport. 

The airport is located in Arnavutköy district, around 40 km (25 miles) from the city center. If you have a very early or very late flight, choosing a hotel as close to the airport as possible might save you some precious time and sleep.

• Hidden Hills Hotel ($$$) – This 5-star hotel has an airport shuttle available for a small surcharge and offers free parking, luggage storage, a currency exchange, and on-site dining. 
• Operla Airport Hotels ($$) – The hotel provides airport transfers at an extra cost, a daily breakfast, room service, free Wi-Fi, and concierge services. 
• The Private Airport Hotel ($) – This budget hotel can arrange airport transportation for an additional fee, has on-site business facilities and offers ironing services.

Practical tips for your trip to Istanbul

Before I wrap up this article, I wanted to give you a few more tips for a seamless trip to Istanbul. 

• Safety: one of the main concerns when traveling to Istanbul is safety, as the city has a history of unrest and even a terrorist attack. Currently, it’s completely safe for tourists (and locals, too). You just need to avoid general precautions – don’t walk alone at night, keep your purse close (especially at the Grand Bazaar), and avoid dangerous neighborhoods like Carsamba, a very conservative Muslim neighborhood. 
• Transportation: Istanbul has a very good public transportation system that consists of buses, subway trains, trams, funiculars, and ferries. I recommend getting Istanbulkart, which will grant you access to all forms of public transit.

FAQs about where to stay in Istanbul

Conclusion

That’s it! This was my complete guide to the best neighborhoods in Istanbul. I hope you found this post useful and decided where to stay in Istanbul on your upcoming trip. 

But to make things easier for you, here are my top 2 choices, both in Sultanahmet:

• White House Hotel Istanbul – An upscale hotel with elegant furnishings and an amazing restaurant
• Henna Hotel Istanbul – This boutique hotel has charming rooms and serves a delicious breakfast

Lastly, and I cannot stress this enough: do not forget to book in advance! In this highly visited city, it’s common for most hotels to be fully booked, and I’d hate for you to miss out on the best deals. 

Are you heading to Istanbul soon? Do you have any other questions or concerns? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll gladly help!

Happy travels,

Eylul

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