Where to stay

in Istanbul

When planning where to stay in Istanbul, most visitors are naturally drawn to the historic heart of former Constantinople. Although Istanbul's Old City accommodations book out in spring and summer, when the cruise ships arrive, there are excellent alternatives across the water of the Golden Horn in the more European neighborhoods. Finding a hotel with great water views is easy in the Istanbul City Center because of its seven scenic hills that overlook the Sea of Marmara and narrow Bosphorus Strait. Other central hotels offer romantic views of the towering spires of the city's ancient mosques and palaces.

Best Places to Stay for History & Architecture

Sultanahmet, in the larger Fatih district, is easily the most popular hotel neighborhood in the Old City of Istanbul. Those staying here can stroll to the famous Blue Mosque and the Roman-era Column of Constantine, the museum of the Hagia Sophia Mosque with its underground Basilica Cistern and the Topkapı Palace Museum behind it, among other major heritage sites. Fatih's Eminönü neighborhood has comfortable hotels in the shadow of the imposing Ottoman-era Süleymaniye Mosque and are close to the medieval Chora Church Museum. Alternatively, book a hotel in the lively Beyoğlu district across the Golden Horn, to explore the Galata neighborhood, home to the historic Galata Tower, or the Çukurcuma neighborhood with its row of antique shops.

Sultanahmet

Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

Recommended hotels in Sultanahmet

Fatih

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Fatih, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Fatih

Old City

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Old City, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Cemberlitas Station or Sultanahmet Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Old City

Eminönü

Known for its breathtaking beach views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eminönü. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Eminönü Square, and jump on the metro at Eminonu Station or Beyazit Station to see more of the city.

Recommended hotels in Eminönü

Beyoğlu

Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Recommended hotels in Beyoğlu

Galata

Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Galata, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.

Recommended hotels in Galata

Where to Stay for Nightlife

It's fun to stay in the Istanbul City Center, which is rich in ancient monuments as well as trendy nightlife venues and modern hotels. The vibrant Beyoğlu district, across the Golden Horn from Fatih, is by far the best place stay for quick access to late-night entertainment. Beyoğlu is home to the Taksim neighborhood, which takes in bustling Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul's trendy nightclub street, as well as charming little side streets with cheaper hotels. For something mellower, book a room in the nearby European quarter of Galata. This neighborhood combines laid-back shisha lounge bars and Turkish coffee shops with modern, European-style bars and restaurants. Even the historic Galata Tower has a café and nightclub on its upper levels. If staying across the river in the Old City, the Laleli neighborhood near Beyazıt Square (Freedom Square) is where the students of Istanbul University mingle with foreign visitors in stylish rooftop bars.

Istanbul City Center

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Recommended hotels in Istanbul City Center

Beyoğlu

Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Recommended hotels in Beyoğlu

Fatih

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Fatih, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Fatih

Taksim

Taksim Square and Demiroren Istiklal are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Taksim

Galata

Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Galata, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.

Recommended hotels in Galata

Old City

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Old City, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Cemberlitas Station or Sultanahmet Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Old City

Laleli

Shopping, historic sites, and seaside views are just a few things travelers like about Laleli. Sights like Laleli Mosque and Sehzade Mosque are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Istanbul area at Aksaray Tram Station.

Recommended hotels in Laleli

Beyazit

Beyazit is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at Laleli-University Station or Beyazit Station to explore sights like Laleli Mosque.

Recommended hotels in Beyazit

Great Neighborhoods for Arts & Culture

Sultanahmet and Topkapı in the Fatih district are the top places to stay in Istanbul for arts and culture. These traditional Old City neighborhoods are home to the famous mosque museums, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums near the grand Topkapı Palace Museum, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum in the old Hippodrome. Staying in these areas is also convenient for those wanting to have a Turkish Grand Bazaar or hamam cultural experience. Stay in the Sirkeci quarter in the Eminönü neighborhood of Fatih to be near its beautiful train station, which is where ethnic Sufi music concerts with whirling dervishes are held each night. This main station is right next to Istanbul's Golden Horn. Across the horn's iconic Galata Bridge is the Beyoğlu district, home to the Pera Museum with its treasure trove of Orientalist paintings. Beyoğlu has a great variety of cheaper places to stay, especially around the culturally diverse Galata and Taksim neighborhoods.

Sultanahmet

Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

Recommended hotels in Sultanahmet

Topkapi

Shopping, restaurants, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Topkapi. Make a stop by Constantinople Walls while you're exploring.

Fatih

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Fatih, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Fatih

Old City

Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are top sights in Old City, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Cemberlitas Station or Sultanahmet Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Old City

Sirkeci

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Sirkeci. Spend some time visiting top spots like Grand Bazaar, and catch the metro at Sirkeci Station or Eminonu Station to see more of the area.

Recommended hotels in Sirkeci

Eminönü

Known for its breathtaking beach views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eminönü. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Eminönü Square, and jump on the metro at Eminonu Station or Beyazit Station to see more of the city.

Recommended hotels in Eminönü

Beyoğlu

Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Recommended hotels in Beyoğlu

Galata

Spend some time visiting places like Galata Tower while getting to know Galata, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Karakoy Tünel Station to see more of the area.

Recommended hotels in Galata

Taksim

Taksim Square and Demiroren Istiklal are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.

Recommended hotels in Taksim

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