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Where to Stay in Istanbul: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Time Visitors

Wondering about the best areas to stay in Istanbul? From the magic of the Historic Peninsula to artsy Galata and romantic Beşiktaş, these are the best districts and hotels in the city.

Where to Stay in Istanbul Best Areas & Hotels
Where to Stay in Istanbul Best Areas & Hotels

While most places go through one or a couple of “golden ages,” it is hard to find one city that has been constantly and repeatedly at the center of history. Cue in Istanbul… Set in a stunning location straddling the border between two continents, Istanbul is the largest and most populated city in Europe. The former capital of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, Istanbul has been known by many names, including Byzantium and Constantinople, during its long and enthralling history. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Istanbul based on our visits to the city, you have come to the right place.


Accommodation Options in Istanbul

Its importance and impressive history, fueled by its position at the crossroads of many different cultures, religions, and peoples, have made Istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Istanbul is known for its many attractions, including the Byzantine church and mosque Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Galata Tower, and the Basilica Cistern. For decades, this Turkish city has been a major tourist destination, and it welcomes over 5 million visitors each year. Its huge and well-developed tourism industry means Istanbul offers accommodations of all kinds, from boutique and luxury hotels to small, often family-run budget properties.

Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for sightseeing or a business trip, keep reading this article to find out our top picks of the best areas to stay in Istanbul for tourists based on our previous trips.

The Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: A Summary

If you don’t have the time or patience to read this article in full, here is a quick summary of our recommended areas to stay in Istanbul. Keep reading to find out more information about each district.


What’s the Best Area to Stay in Istanbul?

Home to UNESCO sites, beautiful mosques, attractions, markets, and bazaars, the City Centre is the best location for tourists in Istanbul
Home to UNESCO sites, beautiful mosques, attractions, markets, and bazaars, the City Center is the best location for tourists in Istanbul. Our absolute favorite hotel in the area is the White House Hotel Istanbul.

The best area to stay in Istanbul is the City Center, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Istanbul’s Centre, on the European side, spans across the Bosphorus and is home to most of the city’s attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and Taksim Square. This ancient central district is also home to some of the best-rated hotels in Istanbul.

Find Available Accommodation in Istanbul’s City Center.

Best Hotels in Istanbul City Center


Where to Stay in Istanbul for Sightseeing, Nightlife & Business

The best area to stay in Istanbul's City Centre is Sultanahmet.
The best area to stay in Istanbul’s City Centre is Sultanahmet. A fantastic property in this section of the Old Town is Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton (pictured).

As mentioned above, Istanbul’s Centre is the best location for tourists in the Turkish metropolis. That said, the city center covers a massive area and can be divided into many different (official and unofficial) districts, each with a different flavor and attractions. These are some of the most exciting neighborhoods:


The Best Areas for Tourists in Istanbul: District by District

Click here to see all Istanbul hotels on a map
Click here to see all Istanbul hotels on a map

1. Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet): Best Location in Istanbul for Sightseeing

Also known as Fatih, the Sultanahmet area is home to Istanbul's most visited tourist attractions and the best area to stay in Istanbul for sightseeing.
Sultanahmet Accommodation Map

Located in Fatih, the Sultanahmet area is home to Istanbul’s most visited tourist attractions and the best district to stay in Istanbul for sightseeing.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Heart of the old city
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Roman, Byzantine and medieval buildings
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmet Mosque
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Boutique and luxury hotels
  • Very well-connected through public transport
  • Great shopping and food

Sultanahmet is the historical heart of ancient Constantinople. Set on the eastern tip of Fatih, this UNESCO-protected area occupies most of the peninsula south of the Golden Horn and is home to Istanbul’s most famous historic and cultural tourist attractions. Centered around Divan Yolu and Sultanahmet Square, staying in this area offers the luxury of being within walking distance of most sights and, as such, it’s a great area to stay in Istanbul for a short visit.

Perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction on the Istanbul Peninsula, Hagia Sophia is considered the pinnacle of Byzantine religious architecture. Built in 537 BCE on the foundations of a pagan temple as the patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, it was the largest Christian church of the Eastern Roman Empire. After the fall of the city, it was converted into a mosque, then into a museum, and recently back into a mosque. The structure combines a longitudinal basilica and a centralized building with a 32-meter (100 ft) dome. Its interior is decorated with beautiful Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.

Not far away lies the gorgeous Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Also known as the Blue Mosque, this icon of Islamic architecture is famous for its profusely ornamented interior lined with over 20,000 handmade İznik-style ceramic tiles. Also in this area, you can find Topkapi Palace. Once the official residence of the sultan, this huge palace complex is now a museum exhibiting Ottoman treasures.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, is home to around 4,000 stalls selling traditional Turkish handicrafts, from rugs and carpets to lamps, ceramics, and jewels.

Sultanahmet is very well-covered by Istanbul’s public transport system. Metro lines 1 and 2, as well as the Marmaray commuter train, converge at the centrally-located Yenikapı İstasyonu, making it easy to move to the north of the city and the Asian Side. Tramline T1 also crosses most of the district, connecting it to Galata and the west. Furthermore, if you want to take the scenic route, there are several ferry stations all over the peninsula offering boat connections across the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus Strait, and beyond.

Best Hotels in Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located next to Hagia Sophia this luxury complex consists of 17 individual mansions individually decorated with baroque-style furnishings and artworks. All rooms include a minibar and en suite bathrooms with Turkish Hammam and bathtub.

Best 4-star hotel
White House Hotel Istanbul

White House Hotel Istanbul boasts a prime location in the heart of the Historical Peninsula. It is within walking distance of many attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Best 3-star hotel
Peyk Hotel

Located in the heart of the Historic Peninsula, Peyk Hotel is within walking distance from many historic sites. The tram station, which allows easy access to other central sites of the city, is also within a walk. Free WiFi access is available in all areas.

Best budget hotel
Sirkeci Family Hotel & SPA

Sirkeci Family Hotel & SPA features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TVs in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.

Best B&B
Marmara Guesthouse

This guesthouse features a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the Sea of Marmara. It offers rooms with wooden floors and free Wi-Fi just steps away from the Aya Sofia Mosque.

Best hostel
Stanpoli Hostel

Stanpoli Hostel is a 4-minute walk to Hagia Sophia. It offers a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi in all areas.


2. Galata & Karaköy: Best Location for Foodies & Art Lovers

Easily recognisable thanks to its tower, Galata is an exciting area full of small shops, cafés and restaurants
Galata Accommodation Map

Easily recognizable thanks to its tower, Galata & Karaköy are exciting areas, full of small shops, cafés and restaurants.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Galata Tower
  • Exciting nigtlife and food scene
  • Young, vibrant neighbourhoods
  • Connected via public transport
  • Excellent views of the Sultanahmet peninsula
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Great hotel offer
  • Very centrally-located

Historically, Galata was a separate town located at the doorstep of mighty Constantinople home to the city’s main Jewish Quarter. During the Middle Ages, Galata became a colony of the Republic of Genoa. The area’s main features, the citadel and Galata Tower were built during Genoese rule.

Located north of the Golden Horn and connected to the Historic Peninsula by bridges and ferries, today, Galata is part of the larger Beyoğlu district, which also includes the neighboring Karaköy area.

The area’s skyline is dominated by the Galata Tower, a 67-metre-tall defensive structure built in 1348 to defend the Genoese colony of Constantinople. The tallest building in the city at the time of its completion, the Galata Tower has served many purposes during its centuries-old history; military watchtower, fire prevention lookout, jail, and currently a museum, events venue, and tourist attraction.

Other than its eponymous tower, the Galata district is home to many historical and religious sights including the Byzantine Church of San Domenico (nowadays Arap Mosque), the Church of Saint Benoit, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and St. George’s Austrian High School. As Istanbul’s historically Jewish district, Galata is also the site of many synagogues, namely the Zülfaris, Ashkenazi, Italian, and Neve Shalom synagogues, as well as the Museum of Turkish Jews.

Meanwhile, nearby Karaköy evolved from a busy port area in the Middle Ages to the city’s main financial district in the 19th century. While most banks and offices have moved northward to Levent, Karaköy has reinvented itself as a cultural and entertainment powerhouse, home to institutions such as SALT Galata, a thriving arts space in the former Ottoman Bank headquarters.

Nowadays, both Galata and Karaköy are considered the city’s creative hubs and hipster areas and are packed with small cafés, alternative bars, international and traditional restaurants, and some of the best-rated boutique hotels in Istanbul.

To move around, the area offers many transportation options, including ferry stations, a funicular line, and a few tram (T1-T2) and metro (M2) stops.

Best Hotels in Galata, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a Member of Design Hotels

The Bank Hotel Istanbul is located in the up-and-coming district of Karaköy and is a convenient launching pad for exploring bohemian Beyoğlu and historic Sultanahmet.

Best 4-star hotel
GalataCo Hotel

Featuring a bar, the GalataCo Hotel is set in Istanbul. The property offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, and free WiFi throughout.

Best 3-star hotel
The Galataport Hotel

The Galataport Hotel is steps away from the iconic Galata Tower. The up-and-coming Karakoy area is also within walking distance. It offers a terrace with views of the Marmara Sea and the Old City. Free WiFi access is available throughout.

Best budget hotel
Maravilloso Hotel Galata

Maravilloso Hotel Galata is situated in Istanbul and features free WiFi, express check-in and check-out and concierge services. The property provides a tour desk, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests.

Best serviced apartments
Louis Appartements Galata

Louis Appartements offers modern suites with a fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi. It is just 250 m from Istiklal Avenue and tunnel.

Best B&B
Galata Life Istanbul

Galata Life Istanbul is situated in a historic area in Galata, just next to the Galata Tower across the Golden Horn from the Sultanahmet district. It offers air-conditioned rooms and there is free Wi-Fi in the public areas.

Best hostel
Hostel Le Banc

Attractively situated in the center of Istanbul, Hostel Le Banc provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge,, and a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.


3. Taksim: Best Location for Nightlife

With Taksim Square at its centre, Taksim is a vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining district
Taksim Accommodation Map

With Taksim Square at its centre, Taksim is a vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining area within the Beyoglu district.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Super central
  • Great nigtlife and food scene
  • Taksim Square
  • Very well-connected through public transport
  • Close to Galata & Sultanahmet
  • Ataturk Cultural Centre
  • Diverse hotel offer

As Istanbul expanded, its city center moved northward from the Historic Peninsula to the Beyoğlu district, north of the Golden Horn.

Centered around the namesake square, the development of this area dates back to the 18th century, during the late Ottoman period when it served as the city’s main reservoir and water distribution center (Taksim means “distribution” in Turkish). In the late 19th century, the whole distribution concept took new life with the opening of the first underground railway line and the plans to make Taksim Square the central station of the Istanbul Metro network.

Since 1928, with the unveiling of Pietro Canonica’s Republic Monument, Taksim Square has become Istanbul’s main public space, where local celebrations, events, and civic protests take place.

Nowadays, Taksim is considered the heart of modern Istanbul and a major food and nightlife destination. The square marks the beginning of Istiklal Caddesi, a long, pedestrianized avenue with dozens of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and international fast-food chains.

The iconic Ataturk Cultural Center, located on the square, is a multi-purpose cultural center and opera house. Other tourist attractions nearby include the Taksim Mosque, Taksim Gezi Park, Madame Tussauds Istanbul, and the Istanbul Cinema Museum.

As a whole, Taksim is one of the most visited districts in the city. The area is also home to many of the city’s 5-star hotels, including The Marmara Taksim, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim, and the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, as well as many budget and mid-range properties.

Best Hotels in Taksim, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

Situated in Istanbul, 70 m from Taksim Square, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim features accommodation with a bar and private parking, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Best 4-star hotel
Taksim View Hotel

Located in Istanbul, the Taksim View Hotel features views of the city, family rooms, and a terrace. It provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service, and a currency exchange for guests.

Best 3-star hotel
Hotel V Plus Taksim

Located in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, 160 m from Istiklal Street, Hotel V Plus Taksim offers air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Best budget hotel
Taksim Park Suites

Taksim Park Suites offers accommodation in Istanbul. The property features free Wi-Fi throughout. Each room is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels.

Best B&B
The Trinity Taksim

Attractively situated in the center of Istanbul, The Trinity Hotel Taksim – Special Category features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private parking, and room service.

Best hostel
Taksim Hostel Green House Istanbul

Istanbul Taksim Green House Hostel has air-conditioned dormitory rooms in a central location. The hostel offers 24-hour front desk service and free WiFi.


4. Pera and Beyoglu: A Historic Area on the European Side

Located north of the Golden Horn, Pera offers a glimpse into the grandeur of 19th-century Istanbul.
Pera Accommodation Map

Located north of the Golden Horn, Pera offers a glimpse into the grandeur of 19th-century Istanbul.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Heart of the European Side
  • 19th and early 20th-century architecture
  • Historic tram
  • Very well-connected through public transport
  • Istiklal Caddesi
  • Cicek Pasaji

Following İstiklâl Caddesi to the south, and sandwiched between Galata and Taksim, you’ll find the historic Pera area.

Originally an independent region next to the town of Galata, historic Pera is now part of (and sometimes used to refer to the whole of) the district of Beyoğlu.

Traditionally, Pera was Istanbul’s diplomatic quarter, and many of its original grand palaces and mansions, including the former Italian, British, Swedish, and Dutch embassies, are still in use (as consulates) to this day.

The historic tram line T2 runs along İstiklâl Caddesi, which is also lined with Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Nouveau buildings, giving the area a very distinct turn-of-the-century European atmosphere. Çiçek Pasajı (Cité de Péra), a late 19th-century shopping gallery designed after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, is home to many historic cafés, restaurants and boutiques.

Other cultural attractions in the area include the Pera Museum, an art institution focused on Orientalism in 19th-century art, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and the Historical Galatasaray Bath.

Further west, along the Golden Horn coast, there are other relevant Istanbul sights including the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, dedicated to cars and transportation, the Ottoman-era Aynalıkavak Kasrı, and the Kizilay Square Baths.

Beyoğlu is very well-connected to the rest of Istanbul through an extensive public transportation network that includes metro, tram, and funicular stations, ferries, and buses.

Best Hotels in Pera, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Pera Palace Hotel

Established in 1892, the Pera Palace is a special category museum hotel in the historical Pera district of Istanbul. It offers spectacular views of the Golden Horn, an indoor pool, and luxurious rooms with city views.

Best 4-star hotel
Ravouna 1906 Bosphorus Istanbul

Located in the very heart of lively Istiklal Avenue, Ravouna 1906 offers modernly and elegantly decorated rooms with city or sea views. The property also has a terrace boasting views of the city. Guests can benefit from free WiFi access throughout.

Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Gritti Pera

Hotel Gritti Pera offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TVs and free Wi-Fi in all areas. Designed with old-school French architecture, all units include a seating area and a private bathroom.

Best budget hotel
Double DD Hotel

Double DD Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. All elevator-accessible rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Best serviced apartments
No11 Hotel & Apartments

Located in the heart of the historic Pera district, No:11 Apartments offers stylish rooms with a simple kitchenette and free WiFi. It is just 100 m from the lively Istiklal Avenue and 1 km from Taksim Square.

Best B&B
Taksim Yazıcı Residence

Featuring free WiFi and a barbecue, Taksim Yazıcı Residence offers accommodation in the heart of Taksim. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

Best hostel
Musk Hostel

Located in Istanbul, this hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge and offers free WiFi.


5. Besiktas: Best Location for a Romantic Holiday in Istanbul

Overlooking the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş is a charming and affluent area home to palaces, parks and  the Fishermen's Market
Besiktas Accommodation Map

Overlooking the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş is a charming and affluent area home to palaces, parks and the Fishermen’s Market.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Fishermen’s Market
  • Romantic views over the Bosphorus
  • Luxury & boutique hotels
  • Good restaurant scene
  • Ferry hub

Waterside Beşiktaş is one of Istanbul’s oldest districts. It is located northeast of Beyoğlu, on the European Side.

Home to some of the city’s fanciest residential neighborhoods, Beşiktaş is also an important business, shopping, educational, and historic area, and offers scenic views of the Bosphorus strait.

The biggest attraction in the area is, by far, Dolmabahçe Palace. With an area of around 45,000 m2 (485,000 sq.ft.), Dolmabahçe is the largest palace in Turkey. This massive and opulent complex served as an administrative center of the Ottoman Empire up until the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924. After the founding of the Turkish Republic, it was used as a summer residence. President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died here in 1938.

Other attractions in Beşiktaş include the lively Fishermen’s Market, Ihlamur Pavilion, and the Maritime Museum. The scenic Yıldız Park, located between the palaces of Yıldız and Çırağan, is one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

The Beşiktaş district is also home to an important ferry hub connecting various neighborhoods on the Asian Side. This lovely neighborhood is also home to some of the best-rated hotels in Istanbul, including the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Swissotel The Bosphorus, Shangri-La Bosphorus, and Çırağan Palace Kempinski.

Best Hotels in Besiktas, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, is located between Dolmabahce Palace and the Naval Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus. This luxurious hotel offers an indoor pool, CHI, The Spa and elegantly decorated rooms with modern amenities.

Best 4-star hotel
AC Hotel Istanbul Macka

AC Hotel Istanbul Macka by Marriott is centrally located in Akaretler, a luxury neighborhood surrounded by restaurants, cafés and art galleries. The hotel offers modern rooms with city and Bosphorus views, a sauna, and a fitness center.

Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Bosfora

Featuring free WiFi, Hotel Bosfora is set in Istanbul. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day.

Best budget hotel
Hot Budget Ortakoy

Attractively situated in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

Best serviced apartments
Newway Apartments

Situated 2.5 km from Taksim Square and 2.5 km from Dolmabahce Palace, Newway Apartments in Istanbul features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the city and free WiFi.

Best hostel
The Hub Hostel

Located centrally in Besiktas, The Hub Hostel is within a 5-minute walk from Besiktas Ferry Port and bus stations. It offers around-the-clock front desk service and free WiFi.


6. Cihangir: Cosmopolitan & Bohemian Area to Stay in Istanbul

Located near Galata and Taksim, the Cihangir atea is known for being home to a thriving artistic & bohemian community
Cihangir Accommodation Map

Located near Galata and Taksim, the Cihangir area is known for being home to a thriving artistic & bohemian community.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Very central
  • Bohemian and artistic scene
  • Cihangir Mosque
  • Very well-connected through trams & funiculars
  • Cosmopolitan Turkish and ex-pat community
  • Best area for cat lovers

Named one of the five best places in the world to live by The Guardian, Cihangir is a neighbourhood in the Beyoğlu district.

It is located on the southeast end of Beyoğlu, sandwiched between Galata, Karaköy, and Taksim. In the late 19th century, it was one of the main areas where non-Muslim (mainly European) citizens settled. Even to this day, the area is home to an important community of expatriates. As such, Cihangir is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan areas in Istanbul.

The area is home to many cafés, art galleries and small shops, and still retains a bohemian and artistic atmosphere.

Perhaps more importantly, this neighborhood is famous for its street cats, which are cared for by the local residents.

Some of the attractions in this hipster-friendly area of Istanbul include the Cihangir Mosque and the Rainbow Stairs.

Best Hotels in Cihangir, Istanbul

Best 4-star hotel
Port Bosphorus

Located in the heart of the city’s culture, art, historical, and entertainment district and just a short walk from Karaköy and Galata, Port Bosphorus features a garden.

Best 3-star hotel
Union Hotel

Union Hotel offers a shared lounge, concierge service, and free WiFi. It also features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange.

Best budget hotel
Cihangir Palace Hotel

Situated in Istanbul, Cihangir Palace Hotel provides an express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property, and a terrace.

Best serviced apartments
Element Garden

Located in the center of Istanbul, Element Garden provides accommodation with free WiFi and access to a garden.

Best B&B
Sirena’s Suites

Set in Istanbul, Sirena’s Suites offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a terrace.

Best hostel
Levanten Hostel

Situated in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, the rooms of this budget hotel feature a private balcony with scenic views of the city. Galata Tower is a 5-minute walk away.


7. Sisli: Best Location for Shopping & Business Travellers

Home to shopping centres & shiny skyscrapers, Şişli presents Istanbul's most modern facet
Sisli Accommodation Map

Home to shopping centers & shiny skyscrapers, Şişli presents Istanbul’s most modern facet.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Best area for business travelers
  • Şişli Mosque
  • Cevahir İstanbul shopping center
  • Very well-connected through public transport
  • Atatürk Museum
  • Luxury shops and hotels

Located inland and surrounded by the aforementioned districts of Beşiktaş and Beyoğlu, Şişli is one of Istanbul’s main shopping and business districts.

Mostly developed during the late 19th and early 20th century, Şişli was a predominantly residential and middle-class neighborhood. This all changed in the 1970s when new office towers and commercial developments started sprouting along its main avenues, transforming some of its areas, like Mecidiyeköy and Esentepe into the city’s Central Business District.

Nişantaşı, located on Şişli’s southern end, is one of Istanbul’s most luxurious residential and shopping districts, home to a large number of fashion shops, department stores, cafés, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs.

Şişli is also home to Cevahir İstanbul, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest shopping mall. Other attractions in the area include the Atatürk Museum and Ihlamur Palace.

Best Hotels in Sisli, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel

Overlooking the vibrant city skyline or Bosphorus, the hotel offers soundproofed rooms with free WiFi. It also has the Willow Stream Spa, which has a fully equipped gym, an indoor and seasonal outdoor pool, a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and a spa.

Best 4-star hotel
Walton Residence Sisli

Walton Residence Sisli offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with slippers, a bidet, and a shower.

Best 3-star hotel
Titanic Comfort Sisli

Located in the historical district of Sisli, the Titanic Comfort Hotel offers rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.

Best budget hotel
Molton Sisli MLS Hotel

Located in the Sisli district, Hotel Tuna is just 500 m from Cevahir Shopping Center. The hotel has rooms with free WiFi, a private bathroom, and a TV.

Best serviced apartments
Belle Maison Hotel&Residence

Situated in the Sisli district, Belle Maison offers a central location only 3 km from the popular Taksim Square. It offers self-contained accommodation fitted with designer furnishings, free Wi-Fi, and cooking facilities.


8. Levent: Istanbul’s New Financial & Business District

Towering Levent is a great area to stay in Istanbul for business travellers and those who don't mind being away from the city centre
Levent Accommodation Map

Towering Levent is a great area to stay in Istanbul for business travelers and those who don’t mind being away from the city center.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Great area for business travelers
  • Istanbul Sapphire
  • Business hotels
  • Connected through metro

Home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, Levent is Istanbul’s up-and-coming financial district.

Part of the municipality of Beşiktaş, Levent is located some 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Taksim Square, on the European Side.

Levent is home to the tallest skyscraper in Istanbul and Turkey, the 54-floor Istanbul Sapphire. The area also hosts numerous new, business-oriented hotels by local and international chains.

Metro station Levent (M2) serves the business district and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Best Hotels in Levent, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Sheraton Istanbul Levent

Situated in Istanbul’s Levent district, Sheraton Istanbul Levent offers stylish rooms with cable TV and a spacious work desk. Levent Metro Station is only a few steps from the property. Facilities include a wellness center with an indoor pool.

Best 4-star hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Levent

Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Levent is located in Istanbul’s main business district. The hotel offers 232 highly comfortable guestrooms, all equipped with either Superking or twin-size beds.

Best 3-star hotel
Levent Hotel Istanbul

The Levent Hotel in Istanbul is located close to the metro. The rooms have free Wi-Fi and large flat-screen TVs with satellite channels.

Best budget hotel
Gul Hotel

Situated in Istanbul, the Gul Hotel offers air-conditioned accommodation and a bar. It offers free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk, as well as room service.


9. Outer Fatih: Cheapest Area to Stay in Istanbul

Located between the Wall of Constantine and the Wall of Theodosius, Outer Fatih offers a collection of historic districts and off-the-beaten-path attractions
Outer Fatih Accommodation Map

Located between the Wall of Constantine and the Wall of Theodosius, Outer Fatih offers a collection of historic districts and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Local atmosphere
  • Cheap hotels
  • Wall of Theodosius
  • Near the Historic Peninsula

As we previously mentioned, the district of Fatih encompasses Istanbul’s historic area, roughly matching the extension of the walled city of Constantinople.

Its easternmost part, the Historic Peninsula (Sultanahmet), is home to the city’s most famous religious, historic, and tourist attractions. The area between the original wall and the Theodosian wall, Outer Fatih, has a local flavour, cheaper hotels and restaurants, and many tourist attractions of its own.

The Walls of Constantinople are considered the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex defensive complexes ever built. Erected between the 2nd and 5th centuries CE, these fortifications saved the city on numerous occasions and cemented its reputation as an impregnable fortress well into the 15th century, when it fell to Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1453.

Most of the attractions in Outer Fatih can be found near the walls. On its northwestern end, near the Golden Horn, lie the ruins of the stunning Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, a late 13th-century palace and the best-preserved example of late Byzantine secular architecture to survive to our days. Not far, the Church of the Holy Saviour is a medieval Greek Orthodox church recently turned (for the second time) into a mosque. The Panorama 1453 History Museum dives into the history behind the Fall (or rather the Conquest) of Constantinople by the Ottomans, and the Yedikule Dungeons Museum offers a look into a royal prison from the 15th century.

Other than its abundance of mid-range and budget hotels, another great thing about choosing Fatih for an Istanbul holiday is how well-connected it is. Its southern portion is crossed by the Marmaray suburban line, which connects with metro lines M1 and M2 and several ferry lines at Yenikapı Station. Furthermore, Tram route T1 runs through the middle of the district and T4 offers a few stops along the Theodosian wall area.

Best Hotels in Fatih, Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn

Located in Fatih, Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn offers a fitness center and a spa. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Best 4-star hotel
Porta Romanos Hotel

Porta Romanos Hotel is located in Fatih. It features a shared lounge, a garden, and views of the city. This property also has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Best 3-star hotel
Avlonya Hotel

Located just a 5-minute walk from Marmaray in Aksaray, Avlonya Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with air conditioning and carpeted floors. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas, and free private parking is also possible on site.

Best budget hotel
Hotel Yesilpark

Across the street from the Church of the Holy Apostles, Yesilpark features a restaurant and a rooftop terrace overlooking this lively Istanbul neighborhood. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Best B&B
Queen Seagull

Queen Seagull is situated in Istanbul. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, kettle, and private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms include a seating area for your convenience. Queen Seagull features free WiFi throughout the property.


10. Asian Side: Undiscovered Istanbul

Often overlooked by tourists, Istanbul's Asian Side has a lot to offer
Asian Side Accommodation Map

Often overlooked by tourists, Istanbul’s Asian Side has a lot to offer.

    Why is this the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Local atmosphere
  • All kinds of hotels
  • Connected through metro and ferry

Straddling between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the only bi-continental metropolis in the world. Located across the Bosphorus, the Asian, or Anatolian Side is actually a massive collection of distinct smaller districts. While this expansive area offers as much diversity and excitement as its European counterpart, this section of Istanbul is often overlooked by visitors.

With several tourist attractions, including the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, 16th-century Şemsi Paşa mosque and the picturesque Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul’s Asian side is also about its vibe.

The Asian side is also home to two of the most exciting Istanbul districts; Kadıköy and Moda.

Kadıköy, which traces its roots to the Greek settlement of Chalcedon in 685 BCE, is known for its winding streets, markets, urban art, and shopping streets. Home to Antique Street (Tellalzade Sk.), the area is a hotspot for antique hunters and thrift shoppers. Meanwhile, Bagdat Avenue is considered the Champs-Élysées of Istanbul, where you’ll find luxury designer brands along with well-known high-street fashion stores.

Moda, on the other hand, is known for its food scene. Home to some of the most authentic Turkish restaurants and bakeries in town, this is the place to go for a typical Turkish breakfast and coffee.

The Istanbul metro and suburban train network connect the Anatolian and European sides, and the whole coastal area is dotted with dozens of ferry stations.

Best Hotels on the Asian Side of Istanbul

Best 5-star hotel
Address Istanbul

Address Istanbul has a restaurant, fitness center, and bar. Guests can also use a Turkish bath and a car rental service. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Best 4-star hotel
Holiday Inn Istanbul – Kadikoy, an IHG Hotel

The Holiday Inn Istanbul—Kadikoy is located in the Asian Side of Istanbul and offers a spa centre and sauna. The hotel also has a fitness centre and hammam, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Best 3-star hotel
Plus Hotel Bostanci Atasehir

Conveniently located in Bostanci, Plus Hotel Bostanci Atasehir offers a spa center and massage treatments. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all areas, and free on-site parking is also available.

Best budget hotel
Classes Boutique Hotel

Located in the Asian part of Istanbul, the Classes Boutique Hotel features modern rooms with an LCD TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s terrace restaurant has a panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara.


11. Istanbul Airport (IST): Best Location During a Stopover

The area around Istanbul Airport is the best location for passengers on a stopover

The area around Istanbul Airport is the best location for passengers on a layover.

Istanbul Airport, Turkey’s busiest airport, is located northwest of the City Center, on the European side. IST is the main hub for Turkish Airlines and where most domestic and international carriers, with the notable exception of Pegasus Airlines, operate.

This is the best area to stay in Istanbul for travelers in transit.

Best Hotels near Istanbul Airport (IST)

Best 5-star hotel
Menalo Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport

Set in Arnavutköy, this hotel features a bar, a garden, and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service, along with free WiFi.

Best 4-star hotel
Loft Airport Hotel

Featuring a garden and views of the city, Loft Airport Hotel offers free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.

Best 3-star hotel
Melanj Airport Hotel

Melanj Airport Hotel features free WiFi throughout the property and views of the city in Arnavutköy. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a shared lounge and a garden.


12. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW): Best Location During a Layover with Pegasus

The area around Sabiha Gokcen Airport is the best location for Pegasus passengers on a stopover

The area around Sabiha Gokcen Airport is the best location for Pegasus passengers on a long stopover.

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is the second-most important airport in Istanbul. It is located about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of the city center, on the Asian Side.

Although it does not offer as many connections as Istanbul Airport, SAW has flights to and from destinations including Dubai, Athens, Budapest, Lyon, Venice, Manchester, and many other cities in Europe and the Middle East.

The area around Sabiha Gokcen Airport is a good location to stay for those who plan to visit the city using Pegasus Airlines.

Best Hotels near Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

Best 5-star hotel
Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Asia Airport

Located in Istanbul, Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Asia Airport provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a terrace. The property is situated near Sabiha Gokcen Airport and features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.

Best 4-star hotel
ISG Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel

This hotel offers modern rooms on the site of Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport. It provides a luggage transfer service, and guests can do online check-in for their flights at the hotel front desk.

Best 3-star hotel
Teknosports Otel

Located in Istanbul, Teknosports Otel provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. 


Where to Stay in Istanbul: A Personal Take

During my last trip to Istanbul, I stayed at The Trinity Hotel Taksim. The hotel offered a comfortable stay with clean rooms and friendly staff. It was conveniently located, making it easy to explore the bustling life of Taksim Square and nearby attractions. Like a city straddling two continents, this hotel strikes a fine balance between luxury and budget. It was a comfortable yet affordable stay.

I found Taksim to be an excellent base for sightseeing, with its vibrant streets filled with shops, cafes, and cultural sites. It’s a place where the city’s energy is palpable at all hours. However, my next visit will definitely include staying on the Asian side of Istanbul; I’m excited to experience its charm.