Where to Stay in Istanbul

Accommodation standards in Istanbul are generally high, with many excellent establishments and an outstanding value for money. Moreover, accommodation options aren’t concentrated solely in the most touristy area but are well distributed across the entire city.

Istanbul is a truly vast and complex city, divided in two by the Bosphorus, which separates the Asian side from the European side. The European side is further divided by the Golden Horn, which separates the historic area from the rest of the city.

To help you choose the most suitable accommodation for your needs, we’ve highlighted the distinctive features of each neighbourhood, so you can pick the best area for your trip, and recommended some of the finest establishments in each district.

As a general rule, most visitors choose to stay in Sultanahmet – Sirkeci (the historic district) or in the more modern area of Galata – Beyoğlu.

In Istanbul you’ll find every type of accommodation, from budget-friendly, informal options popular with younger travellers, to charming boutique hotels set in beautifully restored historic buildings where you can experience an Ottoman and retro atmosphere.

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is what’s commonly considered the historic heart of the city, the area where the majority of the most important monuments are concentrated.

As Istanbul’s most touristy district, the range of hotel options is vast and varied, with quality establishments at reasonable prices.

Staying in Sultanahmet is particularly recommended if you only have a few days and need to pack everything in. The proximity to major attractions means you can see the sights without spending excessive time travelling.

However, it’s worth noting that Sultanahmet, beyond monuments and tourist restaurants, doesn’t offer much else. If you want to experience authentic Istanbul life or enjoy the nightlife scene beyond sightseeing, you’ll need to venture elsewhere. Whilst restaurant choice is certainly extensive, there’s a real risk of falling into tourist traps. Furthermore, there are precious few venues for evening entertainment.

Sirkeci

Immediately north of Sultanahmet, squeezed between the historic district and the Golden Horn, lies Sirkeci. If you’re planning to stay on the historic side of the city, you should definitely consider it, as the atmosphere is decidedly more authentic than the heavily touristy feel of Sultanahmet.

From a transport perspective, Sirkeci is an excellent location, arguably the best overall, as it’s just a short walk from the main monuments and lies along the T1 tram line, which is convenient for reaching many interesting parts of the city. Another advantage is the proximity to the port, where ferries depart for the Asian side (Galata – Karaköy – Beyoğlu – Taksim) or where you can take Bosphorus cruises.

Also worth noting is the possibility of walking across the Galata Bridge to reach Karaköy in just a few minutes.

Hotels in Sirkeci offer excellent value for money and there are plenty of excellent restaurants, certainly preferable to the heavily touristy ones in Sultanahmet.

Galata and Karaköy

If you cross the Galata Bridge from Sirkeci, you arrive in modern Istanbul, the area between Galata and Karaköy, overlooking the sea directly.
You shouldn’t imagine these as modern neighbourhoods in the strictest sense, as this area is actually rich in history and charm, thanks to historic 19th-century buildings that are increasingly being restored to become distinctively styled hotels.

Hotel quality in this zone is exceptionally high but, paradoxically, prices are lower than in Sultanahmet, and restaurants are generally of excellent standard. Reaching the tourist area is straightforward (we’re about 3km away, easily reached by a 10-minute tram ride), and it’s the ideal choice for those wanting to explore the city with a foot in authentic Istanbul life.

Beyoğlu and Taksim

Moving north from the Galata area, you reach the true heart of Istanbul, arguably the best area to appreciate the city’s vitality.

The great advantage of staying in this district is being right in the most vibrant and lively neighbourhood in the city, day and night: tourists and locals alike gather in the myriad of cafés, restaurants, bars and live music venues that enliven the nights in this modern quarter.

Many travellers, families and groups of friends choose Beyoğlu for the greater availability of apartments: this option not only offers savings but also greater freedom for those travelling with children or in groups.

Of course, the location’s distance from major tourist attractions means longer journeys during the day and the need to use public transport.

In recent years, following the 2016 events and the resulting tourism downturn, Beyoğlu has gone through a difficult period, resulting in high-quality accommodation available at extremely competitive prices. For anyone visiting Istanbul today, it’s definitely an area worth considering.

Besiktas

Those planning a longer stay in the city and wanting to discover Istanbul’s more authentic sides might choose Besiktas.

One advantage is that it’s a very peaceful area, full of affordable little restaurants and just a stone’s throw from the Bosphorus. The Dolmabahçe Palace is also very close by.

The drawback is the near-total absence of public transport to reach Sultanahmet: you can only travel by taxi to get directly to the centre or head to Kabatas, the tram terminus that goes to Sultanahmet.

Ortaköy

The charming neighbourhood of Ortaköy is often chosen by honeymooning couples or those seeking pockets of pure tranquillity – trips where visiting the main attractions takes a backseat to relaxation and luxury.

Hotel standards in this area are very high, as are prices: you can stay in fascinating historic buildings overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets.
To reach Sultanahmet and Taksim, you must use a taxi or ferries.

Nightlife is guaranteed not only by excellent waterfront restaurants, ideal for romantic evenings with Bosphorus views, but also by pubs and bars where you can listen to live jazz music.