The best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is an incredible city, but choosing the right place to stay can be tricky if you haven’t visited Turkey’s capital yet – the city is huge.

I’ve been to Istanbul three times in different situations and seasons. So I put together this guide with all my tips on the best places to stay in Istanbul.

I hope this guide helps you choose the best area for your trip too!

Our recommendation

My favorite area to stay is near Galata Tower. I recommend the World House Boutique Hotel apartments – it’s perfectly located and a fantastic place to stay.

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Where to stay in Istanbul: European side or Asian side?

First things first, before deciding where to stay in Istanbul, you need to understand a bit how the city works.

Istanbul is a large city split by the Bosphorus into the European Side and the Asian Side.

Most tourist attractions like the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Galata Tower are on Istanbul’s European side. That’s the side I recommend for your stay as well because it will be easier to explore the city.

The Asian side of Istanbul is more residential, with many local and quieter neighborhoods. I recommend this side mainly for travelers who have visited Istanbul a few times and want to experience the city’s local vibe.

If this is your first trip to Istanbul, it’s not worth staying on the Asian side because you’ll have to cross the Bosphorus almost every day to visit the main sights. It’s more complicated logistically.

Here’s a simple map to help you understand the city’s layout.

European side: The best areas to stay in Istanbul

Now that you know the key differences between the two sides of the city, let me explain a bit about the best neighborhoods to stay on Istanbul’s European side.

This side of the city is large and complex, with lots of attractions, many hills, and plenty of transport options. For a smooth trip, pick accommodation with easy access to the places you want to visit and good restaurants and transit nearby.

After three trips to Istanbul, in my opinion, there are only four neighborhoods that are truly worth staying in:

• Sultanahmet: This is the historic center, home to the two main mosques and Topkapi Palace. Because it’s so central, the streets can be crowded and traffic is chaotic – but staying here is convenient due to proximity.
• Eminönü: This is where Istanbul’s bazaars are, like the Grand Bazaar. The area is very accessible, which is why I included it here, but it isn’t my favorite for accommodation.
• Beyoğlu (Galata, Taksim): Just across Galata Bridge, this area includes sights like Galata Tower and Taksim Square. It’s my favorite area to stay because it offers better hotel options and feels less like a “downtown core.”
• Beşiktaş: A bit farther out, known for higher-end stays. Getting anywhere from here is still easy – the neighborhood is very well connected by public transport.

Next, I’ve selected the best places to stay in each of these Istanbul neighborhoods to help you plan your trip.

Map of the best neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul

To help you visualize, here’s a map with the main neighborhoods I recommend for accommodation in Istanbul. I pinned every place mentioned in this guide.

Where to stay in Sultanahmet, Istanbul

As I mentioned, Sultanahmet is where the city’s main attractions are. You’ll definitely come here to explore even if you decide to stay in another neighborhood.

Personally, I don’t love staying here because it feels very “downtown.” It’s a busy area with heavy traffic, lots of people, higher prices, and many hotels with limited comfort.

However, staying in Sultanahmet can be a good idea if you only have 1 or 2 days in the city. For a very short trip, being close helps you see as much as possible.

Hotel recommendations in Sultanahmet

• Rast Hotel Sultanahmet: Close to the attractions but on a quieter street. There’s a wonderful rooftop terrace.
• AJWA Sultanahmet: Also very central (near the hotel above) with excellent rooms and a full-service spa.
• The And Hotel Sultanahmet: If you want to stay steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, this is the spot. Rooms are smaller, but the views of the mosques are unbeatable.

Where to stay in Eminönü, Istanbul

Eminönü is where Istanbul’s main bazaars are. Many people mix it up with Sultanahmet because they sit side by side.

If you choose to stay here, I recommend picking a place either closer to Sultanahmet or near the water.

Because this is such a busy area, it’s not my favorite part of Istanbul for hotels. Still, it’s convenient due to the location, so I’ve included Eminönü in this guide.

Hotel recommendations in Eminönü

• Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci: Right on the boundary between the two districts. It’s next to a mosque, so some rooms have amazing views.
• Sistina Old City Hotel: By the waterfront – my favorite part of Eminönü. Rooms are compact, but comfort is high.

Where to stay in Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Beyoğlu is my favorite area to stay in Istanbul. It has a little bit of everything: sights like Galata Tower, fantastic restaurants, more residential streets, transport – everything you might need.

What I love most is the more residential charm. The streets are lovely to walk on, with a vibe that feels very different from the busy historic center.

One important note: this area sits on a steep hill. Be ready to walk up and down.

We stayed near Taksim Square, on top of the hill. We walked down during the day and grabbed an Uber back up to the hotel in the evening. Uber works very well in Istanbul and is quite affordable – it was perfect.

Read also: How to get around Istanbul

Note: Unfortunately, the hotel we stayed at has recently closed. It’s a shame because we had a great experience, but I’ve found similar alternatives in the same area for you.

Hotel recommendations in Beyoğlu

• World House Boutique Hotel Galata: A wonderful option near Galata Tower. They offer several apartment layouts, making it great for families.
• Galatower Hotel: A good, more affordable hotel close to Galata Tower.
• Cihangir VAV Suites: If you prefer apartments over hotels, this is a solid pick. We stayed near this building and loved it. The nearby streets are full of cafés and restaurants.

Where to stay in Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Beşiktaş sits a bit farther from the core, but if you’re after comfort, this is your place.

It’s known as a higher-end neighborhood with excellent hotels. Some of the world’s best-known brands, like Four Seasons, have properties here.

Even though it’s a little farther out, Beşiktaş is very well connected to the rest of the city. You’ll have plenty of transport options to get around.

I recommend staying near the Bosphorus if you can – the sunsets are spectacular.

Hotel recommendations in Beşiktaş

• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus: This Four Seasons property looks like a palace – it’s stunning. Impeccable service, gorgeous river views, and a full set of amenities.
• Shangri-La Bosphorus: Another flawless Istanbul classic. Right on the Bosphorus with excellent facilities.
• Valente Suites&Hotel: A more understated option that still offers excellent comfort – and a fantastic location.

Where to stay on Istanbul’s Asian side

The Asian side is a much more residential area, as I mentioned above. Staying here can be a great choice if you want to experience local life.

There are several neighborhoods on the Asian side, but there’s just one I recommend for tourists: Kadıköy.

It’s the most popular among travelers because it’s the most interesting. It sits on the Bosphorus, so access is easy – ferries arrive right in the center.

Kadıköy is big – to be more specific, the best area to stay is the Moda district, the small peninsula at the entrance where the ferries dock. That’s where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and the most pleasant streets to stroll.

It’s a more alternative area with plenty of thrift shops, building graffiti, and cool bars.

Read also: Guide to visiting Istanbul’s Asian side

Hotel recommendations in Kadıköy

• DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul: A large property right on the Bosphorus. If you want comfort, it’s a great option – though it doesn’t exactly match the neighborhood’s hipster profile.
• Cozy Oasis in Moda Steps to Seafront: An apartment in a fantastic area, accommodating up to four people – great for families.

The eSim we recommend!

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What to consider when choosing a place to stay in Istanbul

Now that you’ve seen my picks for the best places to stay in Istanbul, here are some practical tips to consider before you choose where to book.

• Istanbul is full of hills, so pay attention when choosing your stay – especially if you’re traveling with kids or older adults. On our last trip, we brought my mother-in-law, so we chose a place with easy access to public transport to make our days out smoother.
• Breakfast: One of the best things in Istanbul is going out for breakfast. We usually prefer hotels with breakfast for convenience, but in Istanbul, we intentionally rented an apartment without breakfast so we could eat out – Turkish breakfast is a highlight of the cuisine. Totally worth it.
• You’ll find lots of private stays (apartments and rooms). That’s very common, and there are many great options – but read the Booking reviews carefully. I usually skip places with only one or two reviews.
• The tourism tax is usually not included in the nightly rate and is paid separately at check-in.

Is it worth staying near Istanbul Airport?

Istanbul Airport is at least 45 minutes from the center of the city. If you have a very early or very late flight, it might be worth booking a hotel near the airport.

If that’s your case, I recommend Melano Hotel Premium Istanbul Airport.

Otherwise, those are the only situations I’d suggest staying by the airport. If you have more days to explore or your flights are during the day, stay in the center, in one of the neighborhoods I described above.

Read our guide to the Istanbul airport.

What to do in Istanbul

Time to plan your itinerary, right?

I’ve prepared a complete 3-day Istanbul itinerary with all my suggestions for places to visit.

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Keep reading about Istanbul

• How Many Days in Istanbul
• Best time to visit Istanbul
• Public transport in Istanbul
• Visiting the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
• Visiting the Asian Side of Istanbul