Where to Stay in Istanbul (Best Places, For First Timers)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Istanbul | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | Podcast | FAQ

I’ve spent a lot of time in Istanbul, and even claim it as my favorite city in the world.

If it’s your first time in Istanbul, I suggest staying in Sultanahmet, which is within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. In this area, I’d personally recommend the Hotel Amira, which offers fantastic views and stellar reviews.

But Istanbul is massive, and you have lots of options. Scroll down, and I’ll honestly break down the pros and cons of each area.

However, let’s begin with a quick summary of my favorite hotels.

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Best Places to Stay in Istanbul

Just want a quick answer? Here are my top hotels: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Peninsula Istanbul (celebrity treatment in hip Karaköy)
• ✨ My Personal Pick – Hotel Amira (great views, stylish decor)
• 🗺️ Best Location – Livro Hotel (value in the central Eminönü)
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel –  Çırağan Palace Kempinski (Ottoman heritage worth the splurge)
• 👪 Best for Families – Hotel Sari Konak (central, reasonably priced)
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – SuB Karaköy (I loved my stay here!)
• 🛏️ Best Budget – The Story Hotel Pera (surprisingly spacious)

Next up, we’ll do a deep dive into the best areas and neighborhoods in Istanbul: 

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Istanbul

Sultanahmet

👉 Best Area For a First-Time Visit | ✨ Best Sultanahmet Hotels: Four Seasons Sultanahmet • Hotel Amira • Hotel Sari Konak • Me by Mula • Hotel Turkish House

The Sultanahmet neighborhood is extremely touristy. But it’s also ideal for a first-time visit to Istanbul. The winding streets and historic architecture make it an area I always love staying in! And the neighbourhood has tons of highly-rated hotels.

Hotel Amira is one of my favorites. The rooms are beautifully decorated and comfortable. And its rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. 

Hotel Sari Konak was a perfect choice when I visited Istanbul with friends. The service was exceptional, and three of us shared one huge room! 

Sultanahmet is one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, and all the action happens in Sultanahmet Square. This ancient hippodrome, now a gathering place, is home to some of the city’s great sights. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are must-sees. But also make time to visit the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum and the nearby Basilica Cistern. 

Any history buff will be thrilled to stay at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet. The building is over 100 years old and was the home of Istanbul’s first prison!

The Arasta Bazaar is a great place to shop in Istanbul. It’s small and charming without the crowds of the Grand Bazaar. You can buy all the classic Istanbul souvenirs right here. 

I love to sit and have tea with the shopkeepers. It’s the perfect way to learn about local Turkish culture. And I never leave without towels from Jennifer’s Hamam. 

Visit a rooftop restaurant for dinner here. It’s stunning as the sun goes down. And you’ll hear the mosques battle it out at the call to prayer while you eat. It’s an unforgettable Istanbul experience. 

Pros of Staying in Sultanahmet:

• Full of historic attractions
• Lots of great restaurants
• Stunning rooftops and Bosphorus views
• Good transportation to other parts of the city

Cons of Staying in Sultanahmet:

• Very touristy 
• Prices are marked up in the shops 

Eminönü

👉 Best Area For Hustle & Bustle | ✨ Best Eminönü Hotels: Livro Hotel • Marius Hotel • Orientbank Hotel Istanbul • Asilzade Hotel Sirkeci • Mr. Bird Hotel

Eminönü is Istanbul’s vibrant transportation hub. All day and night, trains, trams, and boats come and go from the waterfront. 

The Livro Hotel is a great option for staying right in the thick of things. It’s a short walk to Sultanahmet, the Topkapı Palace, and the Golden Horn. 

Visit the historic Sirkeci train station. It was the easternmost terminus station of the Orient Express! And this boat cruise tour down the Bosphorus gives visitors a chance to admire Istanbul’s top sights from the water. 

For a modern-day luxury experience in this neighbourhood, you can’t go wrong at Orientbank Hotel Istanbul. Guests love the elegant decor and attentive staff. 

Eminönü is home to the famous Grand Bazaar. Get lost in the maze of streets and pick up a souvenir at one of the 4,000 shops. Practice your haggling skills – you’ll need them here. Closer to the waterfront is the Egyptian Spice Market. It’s a great place to pick up spices, Turkish Delight, and a bottle of traditional lemon cologne.  

Tour the Topkapı Palace and discover how the Sultans lived. And learn about Islamic culture at the breathtaking Süleymaniye Mosque. It is one of Istanbul’s great architectural wonders. 

Once you’ve finished your history lessons, grab one of Istanbul’s popular balık ekmek (fish sandwiches). There are plenty of stands along the waterfront. And to rest from your busy day, visit lovely Gülhane Park. It’s a peaceful respite from its frenetic surroundings.

Pros of Staying in Eminönü:

• Near some of Istanbul’s top sights
• Convenient transportation options
• Home to the famous bazaars
• Lots of restaurants
• Bosphorus boat cruises

Cons of Staying in Eminönü:

• Busy and chaotic

Beyoğlu

👉 Best Area For Culture Vultures | ✨ Best Beyoğlu Hotels: Pera Palace Hotel • Adahan DeCamondo Pera • World House Boutique Hotel • RUZ Hotels • The Story Hotel Pera 

Beyoğlu is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historic areas. Cross the Golden Horn on foot or by tram to get to this hilly neighborhood. Walk up the hill for a good workout. Otherwise, take the Karaköy-Beyoğlu Tünel funicular to reach the top. It’s the second-oldest underground transport system after the London Tube! 

For a real splurge, I love the historic Pera Palace Hotel. This iconic hotel makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into 19th-century Istanbul. And The Story Hotel Pera is a classy choice with a budget-friendly price tag. 

Head to the top of the Galata Tower for mesmerizing views. Shop and ride the historic tram along vibrant İstiklal Caddesi. Marvel at the luxurious architecture and visit Taksim Square. The area is bursting with hotels, patisseries, shops, theatres, and restaurants. Stroll the winding back streets to find a hidden gem that speaks to your soul.    

Cihangir and Çukurcuma are Beyoğlu’s stylish, bohemian neighborhoods. The art-covered streets reflect the spirit of local artists and residents. Independent galleries and shops are around every corner. This is the place to go on a treasure hunt for antiques. 

Pros of Staying in Beyoğlu:

• Historic architecture
• Well-connected by public transportation 
• Unique shops and galleries
• Vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene

Cons of Staying in Beyoğlu:

• Hotels can be expensive
• Busy and loud

Karaköy

👉 Best Area For Hipsters | ✨ Best Karaköy Hotels: The Peninsula Istanbul  • The Wings Hotel • Center Port Hotel • SuB Karaköy • Union Hotel Karaköy

This hip neighborhood is one of my favorites in Istanbul. Karaköy is easily accessible from Sultanahmet and Eminönü by crossing the Galata Bridge on foot or by tram. From Beyoğlu, it’s just down the hill on the Tünel funicular. 

I enjoyed my stay at SuB Karaköy. The rooms are modern and the breakfasts are delicious. The area is busy. As a solo traveler, I felt safe, day and night. And the Center Port Hotel is in the perfect location if you’re taking a cruise from Galataport. 

Karaköy has always been a port and commercial center. Today, it’s been infused with cool coffee shops and restaurants, trendy shops, and plenty of colorful street art. It’s a great place to come and hang out with a glass of traditional rakı.

The Istanbul Modern is one of the best art galleries in the city. And its restaurant is a nice place to relax with a meal and views of the Bosphorus. A true Turkish experience, for both women and men, is going to a hammam. And Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı is one of the best.

Pros of Staying in Karaköy:

• Trendy bars and restaurants
• Lively street life
• Great transportation for visiting the major sights
• Beautiful waterfront views

Cons of Staying in Karaköy:

• It can be loud at night

Beşiktaş

👉 Best Area For a Luxury Stay | ✨ Best Beşiktaş Hotels: Çırağan Palace Kempinski • The Public Ortaköy • Melas Hotel Istanbul • The Capital Suites • Hidden Pearls Boutique Hotel

Beşiktaş is the perfect blend of the historic and modern. This neighborhood is a mix of commercial and residential areas. And it’s away from the tourist crowds. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to experience authentic Istanbul life. 

The neighbourhood is upscale. You’ll find old palaces that have been converted into luxury hotels. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski is one of the most renowned hotels in the city. But if you don’t have a Sultan’s budget, Hidden Pearls Boutique Hotel is a top-rated option in the area. 

My favorite part of this neighborhood is the Ottoman row houses along the Beşiktaş waterfront. The architecture is stunning! And the views of the Bosphorus can’t be beaten. 

Shopaholics will love Beşiktaş. The neighborhood is home to shopping malls, high-end boutiques, and vintage stores. And for those who love football, cheer on the Beşiktaş football club at Tüpraş Stadium. 

Don’t miss a visit to the elegant Dolmabahçe Palace. It’s the top sight in this area. Those who are interested in naval history will enjoy the Turkish Naval Museum. Or head to Ortaköy Mosque for one of the city’s best photo ops. While you’re there, be sure to try a Kumpir, Istanbul’s famous loaded baked potato.

Pros of Staying in Beşiktaş:

• High-end and modern
• Near the football stadium 
• Trendy nightlife, bars and restaurants
• Not too touristy

Cons of Staying in Beşiktaş:

• Hard to reach major attractions on foot
• Crowded on evenings and weekends 
• Not served by the Metro

Fener and Balat

👉 Best Area For a Local Experience | ✨ Best Fener and Balat Hotels: Petrion Hotel • Millenium Istanbul Golden Horn • Hotel Troya Balat • Fener Sweet • Balat Historical House

Fener and Balat are multicultural neighborhoods located on the south shore of the Golden Horn. Famed for its colorful architecture, street art, and hip cafés, this UNESCO Heritage Site is quickly becoming one of the most popular neighborhoods in Istanbul. 

Good transportation options, waterfront views, and cozy rooms make The Petrion Hotel a great choice for experiencing off-the-beaten-path Istanbul. And if you’d like to stay in one of the neighbourhood’s colourful buildings, check out Balat Historical House. 

Aside from the Instagram-worthy streets, Fener and Balat are known for their extraordinary religious sites. Here you can find the churches, synagogues, and mosques that make this area one of the most diverse parts of the city.  

The Chora Church is the most famous of them all. Learn about the life of Mary through its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. Want to explore more of the area’s religious history? Visit the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Fatih Mosque, and Ahrida Synagogue. 

Fener and Balat are quiet, residential neighborhoods. You won’t find tons of shopping, bars, or nightlife. But a visit here is an opportunity to discover local merchants, traditional restaurants, and funky cafés.

Pros of Staying in Fener and Balat: 

• Multicultural communities 
• Beautiful churches and mosques
• Colourful buildings for great photo ops
• Creative street art and cool cafés

Cons of Staying in Fener and Balat:

• Further from the main attractions
• Not much nightlife

Kadıköy

👉 Best Area For Street Market Shoppers  | ✨ Best Kadıköy Hotels: Dekalb Hotel • Buem Hotel Koşuyolu • Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel •  Riva’s Moda • Izik Konak Boutique Hotel

Istanbul is a frenetic city of over 15 million inhabitants, and whenever I want to escape, I hop on the ferry and head to Kadıköy.

A commuter ferry runs back and forth across the Bosphorus. The ride is around 45 minutes. It will cost less than $1 to visit Istanbul’s Asian side and see some of the city’s top sights from the water.

Kadıköy is not within walking distance of the major attractions. But it’s a nice place to stay if you want to avoid the tourist crowds. 

For an opulent choice near the Kadıköy Metro station, you can’t go wrong with the Dekalb Hotel. Guests speak highly of the stylish rooms and fantastic service. And guests love the Izik Konak Boutique Hotel for its central location and private garden. It’s a quiet respite that won’t break the bank. 

Foodies will love the Kadıköy Market. Explore the stalls selling fresh fish, fruit, spices, and sweets. Stop to have a Turkish Coffee. That will keep you going for the rest of the day! And wander through the Kadıköy Tuesday Bazaar to find your flea favorites and offbeat treasures. 

Some other notable landmarks in the area are Kız Kulesi (the Maiden’s Tower), the historic Haydarpaşa train station, and Kadıköy’s famous bull statue. Visit the many parks along the Bosphorus. And for the best panoramic views of Istanbul, hop in a taxi to Çamlıca Hill in neighboring Üsküdar. 

Pros of Staying in Kadıköy:

• Quiet and less touristy
• Nice parks along the Bosphorus
• Lots of nightlife
• Bustling street markets

Cons of Staying in Kadıköy:

• Further away from the main attractions
• Will need to commute to the European side

Tips for Staying in Istanbul

Get Comfortable Haggling

I have to admit, I hate haggling. It’s just something I have never been super comfortable with. But at the bazaars in Istanbul, it’s a cultural tradition. So I just roll with it. 

When something catches your eye, ask for a price. This price will already be marked up as the vendor expects a back-and-forth. Respond with an amount that’s 50% lower. And engage in the banter that follows. Eventually, you’ll both come to an agreed price. 

If not, don’t be afraid to walk away. You can always go back. That’s part of the fun!

Drink Bottled Water

On my first trip to Türkiye, I was advised not to drink or brush my teeth with tap water. And it’s advice I still heed. 

The water pipes in Türkiye are old and the water is heavily chlorinated. While it may technically be safe to drink, it might not taste very good. As a visitor, stick to bottled water to avoid getting sick. But it’s perfectly fine to have a shower and wash your hair. 

Invest in an Istanbulkart 

Istanbul is a huge city. And although the major attractions are within walking distance, sometimes you just get tired of walking. Visiting for more than a couple of days? Invest in an Istanbulkart. This will grant access to all of the city’s public transportation. And it’s great if you want to explore further afield. 

The Istanbulkart works like many transport cards around the world. You can purchase it at the airport. Or find the yellow ticket machines at any tram, Metro, funicular, or MetroBus. 

There are several types of cards, and tourists will be best served with the Unlimited Public Transportation option. 70 TL (Turkish Lira) will buy the card. Then, just load it with some money, and off you go! The card is refillable and will get you easy, discounted travel all across the city.

Visit a Hammam

A visit to a Turkish hammam can be intimidating at first. But, trust me, it will change your life!

A hammam, or Turkish Bath, is both a place and a practice of deep cleaning the body. It uses steam, exfoliation, and olive oil soap to remove toxins and impurities. Your skin hasn’t felt like this since you were a baby. It’s relaxing and rejuvenating for body, mind and spirit. 

The hammam is also a public meeting place where neighbors gather to chat and gossip. It’s different from a spa in that you will not be treated in a private room. In most cases, men and women are separated at the hammam (be sure to check). But you can wear a swimsuit for comfort.

Once your bath is finished, you are led to a beautiful lounge where you can sip tea and relax for as long as you like! 

Day Trip to the Princes’ Islands

Consider a day trip to one of the Princes’ Islands if you’re looking to escape the madness of the city. There are nine islands in this archipelago, but only Büyükada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada are open to visitors. 

These islands are a perfect day trip from Istanbul. They are easy to reach by ferry from one of the city’s many ports. Catch the first one out to beat the crowds, and in less than an hour, you’ll be in a different world. 

A visit here is like stepping back in time. Fuel-driven vehicles are prohibited on the islands, and the silence is glorious. 

I love Büyükada, the most popular of the Islands. It’s easy to lose yourself strolling the quaint streets and admiring the wooden mansions. Stop for snacks and meals at the many cafés and restaurants along the waterfront. Visit the sandy beaches, or rent a bike and explore the whole island. You’ll return to the big city feeling refreshed!

Get Your Kitty Snuggles

Crazy cat people rejoice! If you love cats, Istanbul is heaven. And if you don’t? Well, still come and visit. 

Cats in Istanbul go back to Ottoman times. They were revered for their cleanliness and hunting abilities. Today, the cats belong to the entire city. Istanbulites feed them, name them and even build little cat houses for them. 

You will see cats everywhere in your travels around Istanbul. You’ll find them in the streets and parks, in the mosques, at the metro, and in shops. At restaurants, they will meow at your feet or jump up on the seat next to you. 

Cats are well cared for in Istanbul, so don’t be afraid to pet them. Or pick up some cat food and treats at a local supermarket. You’ll have a friend for life.

Want More? Listen to My Istanbul Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Istanbul episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Istanbul”). 

I talk about where to stay in Istanbul at minute mark 46:47. Here are the hotels we mention in the episode:

• The Peninsula Istanbul
• Hotel Amira
• Four Seasons Sultanahmet
• Sheraton Istanbul City Center
• Seven Hills Palace & Spa

The host, Nate, and I also discussed our favorite things to do in Istanbul (13:00), safety in Istanbul (03:00), travel tips and etiquette (53:38), why more people should visit Istanbul (02:01) and all the other common questions about travel to Istanbul.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Istanbul.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Istanbul for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Istanbul for first-timers are Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu. These areas are the most central. They are near Istanbul’s major attractions. They offer the best shopping and are well-served by public transportation.

Is Istanbul safe?

Istanbul is safe. Although the city has had some challenges with terrorist attacks in recent years, the city is generally a very safe place to visit. Be sure to respect the local customs and dress codes. Stay away from protests and demonstrations, and exercise the same safety measures you would at home.

What should visitors wear in Istanbul?

Visitors, especially women, should wear modest clothing in Istanbul. And when visiting a mosque, men and women are required to cover their shoulders and knees. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. Mosques will have loaner scarves available if you forget.

How many days are enough for Istanbul?

5-7 days will give you a good taste of Istanbul, though you could spend years here and never be bored. A week will be enough time to see all the top sights. You’ll be able to get to know the different neighborhoods and have time for a day trip to popular destinations like the Princes’ Islands, Şile and Ağva, or Bursa. 

What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

The best way to get around Istanbul is by walking and public transportation. Istanbul is a huge, sprawling city, but all the main attractions are in its compact center and easily reachable on foot. You can also purchase a refillable Istanbulkart for discounted travel on all of Istanbul’s public transportation. There are also plenty of taxis and dolmuş minibusses. 

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Istanbul can be an overwhelming city, but it’s well worth visiting for an experience like no other! I hope this guide has helped make your planning a little easier. Wherever you choose to stay, I guarantee your visit to Istanbul will be magical.