Where to stay

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.

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.

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.