Where to Stay in Istanbul, Turkey – The 5 Best Areas!

Where to Stay in Istanbul for YOU

Click on the link you’re interested in above to see the best hotel in the area.
 

The 5 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul

Discover what each neighborhood has to offer and the pros and cons of each right below.
 

Best Area for First Timers: Sultanahmet

 
Sultanahmet is the historical heart of the city that gathers Istanbul’s most famous monuments. By staying here, you can easily walk to iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

The area is buzzing with tourists during the day, providing a lively atmosphere. As for accommodations, there are plenty of options, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses. Prices are a bit more expensive compared to most districts, but the location is worth it, especially for first-timers and/or short trips.

Wandering through the streets, you’ll have great restaurants such as the popular Seven Hills, as well as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar very close by.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Sultanahmet by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Saint Sophia

💰 Best Budget Option: Seven Days Hotel

✨ Best Luxury Hotel: Hagia Sofia Mansions
 

Best Area for Nightlife: Galata

 
Centered around the historic Galata Tower, this area is packed with trendy bars, cafes, and live music venues, perfect for enjoying nightlife. The blend of historic charm and modern vibes makes it a popular spot for night owls. Personally, I love the energy here at night!

The nightlife scene here is vibrant, attracting a diverse crowd. Whether you prefer jazz clubs, chic rooftop bars, or lively lounges, Galata has something for everyone.

Located across the Galata Bridge, the neighborhood is the most central, providing easy access to the rest of the city, either by bus, subway, or ferry. It’s also one of Istanbul’s most charming neighborhoods with its narrow streets, all at very affordable prices.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Galata by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Walton Hotels

💰 Best Budget Option: Hostel Le Banc

✨ Best Luxury Hotel: The Bank Hotel
 

Best Area to Stay On a Budget: Taksim/Beyoğlu

 
Not far from the Galata district, Taksim is a central shopping hub, while Beyoğlu is famous for its nightclubs and numerous bars. These districts are lively 24/7 with a mix of locals and tourists.

Taksim is the ultimate shopping district, filled with a variety of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, especially around Istiklal Street. People come here to shop or snag the best deals, and then head over to Beyoglu for its famous nightclubs.

These two neighborhoods are right next to each other, making them super convenient. They offer a wide range of affordable accommodations, so if you’re looking to stretch your budget, either of these districts is a great choice. However, tourist interest is limited here as there’s no major attraction.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Taksim/Beyoğlu by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Richmond Istanbul

💰 Best Budget Option: Hub Inn Pera

✨ Best Luxury Hotel: Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
 

Trendiest Place to Stay: Karakoy

 
Located northeast of the Galata Bridge, Karakoy is, in my opinion, the coolest neighborhood in Istanbul. It has everything: a festive vibe, great shopping, proximity to tourist attractions, excellent public transport, and stunning views of the Bosphorus.

In recent years, it’s become a very trendy area but has still kept its authentic charm. It’s a hub for artists, fashion designers, modern eateries, art galleries, street art and designer boutiques. In the evenings, the district is festive, with lively bars and terraces all in a both young and family-friendly atmosphere.

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find everything from affordable youth hostels to luxury hotels.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Karakoy by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Galata Greenland Hotel

💰 Best Budget Option: Hostel Le Banc

✨ Best Luxury Hotel: 10 Karakoy
 

Best Area to Stay Off the Beaten Path: Kadikoy

 
Contrary to all the other districts listed above, Kadikoy is located on Istanbul’s Asian side with a more relaxed and local experience than the usual tourist spots. It’s best known for its bustling markets, diverse food scene, and vibrant arts culture.

Kadikoy is one of the most underrated areas of Istanbul (for the moment), and yet it’s one of the most pleasant ones with plenty of little cafés where young Istanbulites come to sip tea in the evening. So, you’ll find fewer tourists and more locals here, which gives it an authentic feel. I enjoy visiting the lively fish market, vintage shops, and the beautiful waterfront promenade.

The thing is, there are much fewer attractions in this part of the city. Even if it’s s well-connected to the European side by ferry and subway, you’ll waste a lot of time in transport. So staying in Kadikoy is best for those who have been to Istanbul before and looking to discover a different, quieter side of Istanbul.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Kadikoy by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel: Buem Hotel Koşuyolu

💰 Best Budget Option: Elephant In The Room Hotel

✨ Best Luxury Hotel: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel
 

Map of Istanbul’s Best Areas to Stay

Here are Istanbul’s best areas to stay on a map for you to visualize their location. Simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps.

 
🔍 Read more about Istanbul:

• 2 Days in Istanbul
• Must-Eat in Istanbul
• Explore Balat District
• Things to Know Before Traveling to Turkey

Hope you’ve found the right area to stay in Istanbul thanks to this guide! Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback. Safe travels!