Deciding where to stay in Istanbul is not as easy as it seems. The most amazing and fascinating city on earth is huge! We’ve been countless times and stayed everywhere. The last time we spent over a month. We strongly advise you to stay in Taksim (in Beyoglu) or Sultanahmet. The best hotels in Istanbul are in both areas.
The city’s grandest attractions are here. Both areas are in the center and connected via metro and tram to the rest of Istanbul. Base yourself in Sultanahmet or Beyoglu and venture to the rest of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul. The city is all about killer views. Both places have epic views over the Bosphorus.
Stay in Sultanahmet if this is your first time in the city. You will gravitate towards it anyways. If you are into hip bars and restaurants, stay in Beyoglu close to Taksim. Stay here too if you are short of time. There are direct buses from all airports to Taksim square. Choose Sultanahmet if you like atmospheric and traditional neighborhoods.
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Beyoglu or Sultanahmet
With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul is one of the biggest cities on the planet. Not only that, but you have a lot to discover all over the city. Moving around Istanbul is not that easy. Taxis are hard to get, and the metro doesn’t cover the entire city. Therefore, you have to stay in Sultanhamet or in Beyoglu near Taksim.
Sultanahmet is next to the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Thus, it offers incredible views of the sea, the Asian side of Istanbul, and Beyoglu. There are so many historic places to visit that you can easily spend a week in Sultanahmet. Though touristy, you can still feel old Istanbul in its side streets. Especially at night, when most tourists leave.
Beyoglu is on the other side of the Golden Horn. Since it’s on a hill, the terrain is a bit steep. No worries, you can go up via the metro. You will recognize it from the one and only Galata Tower. Today, hip coffee houses and restaurants line its streets.
Beyoglu
Taksim
Taksim Square is in the center of Beyoglu. The plaza is on top of a hill overlooking the sea. It’s a major commercial and transportation hub in the city. Buses from all airports arrive here. Residents and tourists visit the plaza to eat, socialize, and walk. The city’s most famous street, Istiklal Cadessi, begins here.
The huge Taksim Mosque presides over the plaza. Opened in 2021, it’s one of the biggest in the city. The Greek Orthodox Church of Agia Triada from 1880 is to the south. The recently opened Ataturk Cultural Center is to the east. The striking contemporary building homes a library, concert halls, exhibition areas, and a recording studio.
We like Taksim because it’s very Turkish and cosmopolitan at the same time. You will never get bored here. From Taksim, you can take the funicular to Kabatas, and connect to the tram that takes you to Sultanahmet. Don’t worry, the plaza is safe.
The Best Hotels around Taksim:
The Marmara Taksim
The Marmara Taksim is the tallest building on the plaza. No other hotel offers such incredible views. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for a drink at the rooftop bar. The rooms are big and plush. It’s got a gorgeous pool, spa, hammam, and gym. It’s worth every penny!
Midtown Hotel
The Midtown offers great value for money. The 4-star property is just 300 feet (100m) from the plaza. The bus stop from all airports is near. However, the big comfortable rooms are perfectly isolated. Book one on the upper floors for stunning sea views. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Istiklal Street – Downtown Beyoglu
Istiklal Street is the best area to stay for nightlife. Though it’s fun all day long, it really shines at night. The pedestrian wide street begins in Taksim Square and ends in Pera, where the tunnel to Karakoy is. Big palaces from different periods line the street.
The famous Galata Tower is 2200 feet (750m) down the hill from Istiklal. You have to get lost in the area’s curvy streets and isles. You will find all types of shops, eateries, coffee houses, bars, and restaurants. Of course, don’t forget to check the Sent Antuan and Santa Maria Churches.
Visit the Dutch, Russian and French consulates. If you get tired, you can always take the historic tram all along the street. It’s quite an experience. From the end of Istiklal, you can take the historic funicular called Tunnel to Karakoy. It’s the second oldest in the world.
The Best Hotels around Istiklal:
Cezayir Rooms
We spent a week in Cezayir Rooms and loved it! It’s a grand house two blocks from Istiklal Caddesi. There are several cool coffee houses and bars around the area. The rooms are big and super comfortable. The ones on the top floor have amazing views over the city.
Palazzo Donizetti
The Palazzo Donizetti hotel is at the end of Istiklal. Therefore, you can take the funicular Tunnel up from Karakoy and come down walking through Galata. It’s a 100-year-old hotel with a lot of class. The furniture is handmade and antique. Sip your favorite cocktail at the rooftop bar while enjoying splendid views.
Karakoy and Kabatas
Karakoy and Kabatas neighborhoods are next to the Golden Horn and beneath the hill where Istiklal is. Due to its location, it’s a fantastic place to stay. Plus the views from here to Sulemaniye and Sultanahmet are to die for. It’s very easy to move around the city from here.
Take the tunnel funicular to go up to Istiklal Caddesi. The tram takes you to Dolmabahce and across the bridge to Sultanahmet in no time. Of course, you can also cross with a boat. It’s the best place to stay in Istanbul to go by boat to the Asian side and the Princes’ Islands.
Walk along the seaside promenade to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. It’s a vibrant new area next to the sea. Tophane Park and the Tophane Cultural Center are behind. You can also walk to the other side and have fish next to the Bosphorus. Some of the best bars in the city are here too.
The Best Hotels in Karakoy and Kabatas:
Ada Karakoy Boutique Hotel
The Ada Karakoy Boutique Hotel is in the middle of Karakoy, within walking distance to Galata, the tram, metro, and port. However, the rooms are properly isolated. Therefore, it’s a great place to stay and move around the city. The area is full of bars and restaurants. You will love the views from the terrace over Sultanahmet.
Hotel Momento Golden Horn
Since it’s just meters from the tram and the metro, the Hotel Momento Golden Horn has an outstanding location. It’s an old building updated with modern-day conveniences. We love the garden and the terrace. The rooms with sea and Galata tower views are great value for money.
Fatih
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the prettiest and most impressive neighborhood in the city. It used to be Constantinople! Sultan Ahmed I built the breathtaking Blue Mosque in 1616. It’s opposite the grandest church of all time: Hagia Sophia. UNESCO included the entire area in its List of Heritage Sites.
Of course, you have to see Topkapi Palace and the incredible Gulhane Park. Don’t forget to check the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. Spend a couple of hours in the nicest bazaar on earth: Kapali Carsi. Step out of the touristy area and visit Baby Hagia Sophia. This area is still very traditional.
Sultanahmet is the best place to stay for first-time tourists. That said, whenever we visit the city, we always stay a couple of days here. A tram connects the area with the other side of the Bosphorus. Therefore, it’s easy to go to Eminonu and Beyoglu. Sulemaniye Mosque is within walking distance.
The Best Hotels in Sultanahmet:
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
We spent my last birthday at the Sultanahmet Palace Hotel and loved it! The hotel is behind the Blue Mosque and has views of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus. The corner suites are the best in the city. It has its hammam! Even if you don’t stay here, stop for dinner or lunch and enjoy the views.
Esans Hotel
If you are into traditional wooden houses, book a room at the Esans Hotel. It’s an original 19th Century ottoman house! However, the rooms are plush and comfortable. Enjoy your breakfast on the terrace with views of the Marmara and Hagia Sophia. The best rooms have sea views.
Eminonu
You will pass Eminonu several times. It’s the area by the sea, on the southern shore of the Golden Horn. The best views of Beyoglu are from here. You will recognize it by its colorful boats selling delicious fish sandwiches. Cross the bridge for the best views of the city. There are fish restaurants beneath.
Eminonu is also a major transport hub. Boats to Buyukada and other Princes’ Islands, Bosphorus tours, and the Asian side depart from here. The tram takes you Sultanahmet, Camberlitas, Karakoy, and Kabatas. You can also walk to Sulemaniye Mosque and Balat. We like it because you can feel the real Istanbul. Stop by the old train station Sirkeci, final destination of the Orient Express.
The Yeni Mosque from the 17th Century presides over Eminonu. Rustem Pasha Mosque is to the left. From there, walk to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar. Stop for coffee and people watching at the New Mosque Plaza. The Post Office Building is nearby. The 110-year-old building is one of the nicest in the city.
The Best Hotels in Eminonu:
Mest Hotel Istanbul
You can’t get closer to the port than at the Mest Hotel Istanbul. The hotel is behind the Rustem Pasha Mosque. Therefore, it has killer views. Besides, the terrace is open 24/7. If you are traveling with family, book one of their studios. They are big and offer views.
Alpek Hotel Istanbul
The Alpek Hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms at a great price. The hotel is on a quiet street behind Yeni Mosque and the Spice Bazaar. The tram station is feet away. However, you can walk to Sultanahmet and cross the bridge to Beyoglu. It’s a grand building with gorgeous views.
Fener and Balat
Fener and Balat were revamped a couple of years ago and now look amazing. You can stroll along the new seaside promenade enjoying the views. Old wooden houses line Fener and Balat streets. Today, they home lovely coffee houses and restaurants. They attract mostly a young local crowd.
When Constantinople fell, the Greeks moved here. That’s why the main Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the city is in Balat. You can enter the temple for free until 5 PM. The Bulgarian St. Stephan Orthodox Church is next to the sea. Don’t forget to check the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church nearby.
There are also a couple of old synagogues and several authentic mosques too. Though it has changed a lot, the neighborhood is still pretty local. Therefore, it offers an authentic experience. Balat has a ferry port and a new tram line that connects you with the entire city.
The Best Hotels in Fener and Balat:
Hotel Troya Balat
If you want an authentic experience, book a room at Hotel Troya Balat. It’s a 19th Century hotel with the original murals, ceilings, and wooden floors. It had direct views of the sea. You won’t get a better deal on a room with sea views. The continental breakfast is complimentary.
Retro & Wood
The Retro & Wood have two apartments. The two-bedroom is 600sq ft (55 m2) and has a bathroom and sofa bed. Therefore, up to 5 people can stay here. The other one has one bedroom and a sofa bed. Both are fully equipped.
Other Great Neighborhoods to Stay
Besiktas
Besiktas is next to the sea and north of Kabatas. The tram from Sultanahmet ends in Kabatas, across the funicular that takes you to Taksim. It’s also a major transport hub. Especially for ferries from Kabatas to Princes’ Islands. You can also take the hop-on-hop-off ferry to Besiktas and Bebek.
You can also take the cable car from Taksim to Macka and walk down through Macka Park to Dolmabace Palace. The mid 19th Century palace is a sight to behold. From there, walk along the coast to the Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque. It’s a baroque temple next to the sea with breathtaking views of the 15th of July Bridge.
The area around Buyuk Mosque attracts mostly a local crowd. People come to take pictures and to eat at any of the great restaurants. From the mosque, walk to the Ortakoy Orphanage, now a cultural center. The ancient Jewish cemetery is nearby. Since the terrain is a bit steep, take your time.
The Best Hotels in Besiktas:
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a 19th Century palace that used to be the residence of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It’s got the best pool in the city, next to the sea. The suites are in the palace itself. The rest of the rooms in adjacent buildings have a balcony.
Ortakoy Hotel
Housed in a traditional building, the Ortakoy Hotel is feet away from Buyuk Mosque. The area is full of bars, restaurants, and coffee houses. The plush rooms are big and have a seating area. The best ones have sea views. You won’t get a better deal in the area.
Kadikoy
You can’t leave Istanbul without visiting its Asian side. To get there, take a ferry from Eminonu or Besiktas. The trip is an attraction in itself, so grab a window seat. You can also take the underground train from Sirkeci, next to the old train station in Eminonu. The boats from the Princes’ Islands stop in Kadikoy.
Indeed, the best views of the city are from the boat. On the way there, you will see the iconic Mayden Tower floating on the sea. The old Haydarpasa Train Station is just before Kadikoy port. Once in Kadikoy, walk along its curvy street searching for old houses.
What we love about Kadikoy is its atmosphere. The area is mostly tourist-free. Besides, young artists from the city moved here recently and opened cute shops, galleries, and coffee houses. The entire center is mostly pedestrian and fun. You can also walk along the sea from the pier to Moda Park.
The Best Hotels in Kadikoy:
Kuzen Hotel
Kuzen Hotel is just 10 minutes walking from the pier. You won’t get better rooms at this unbelievable rate. The standard rooms are huge and have extra big beds. It also has super comfy economy rooms. The best restaurants and coffee houses in Kadikoy are nearby.
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel
One of the best hotels the Asian side, the Wyndham Grand Kalamış Marina has it all. We are talking about two outdoor pools and an indoor one. One is on the terrace! The spa and wellness center is one of the best in the city. The luxurious rooms are huge. Book one with sea views.
How Long to Stay in Istanbul
As mentioned, we’ve been to Istanbul countless times. The last time we spent over a month. However, we still feel we had no time! That’s how rich the city is! We are talking about layer upon layer of history and heritage. Therefore, stay as much as you can!
That said, we all have time constraints and wonder how many days are needed in Istanbul to cover the basics. We believe you have to stay at least 4 nights. You will have to rush two days around Sultanhamet and two around Beyoglu. Less than that seems too little.
Besides, the city has changed a lot over the past decade. Today, it has a vibrant coffee culture, fantastic restaurants, hip bars, and tones of contemporary art. We believe that you need a week to get a better sense of Istanbul. Still a bit rushed, but good enough.
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