The metro station is 5-minutes walk away. But being home to many famous landmarks, Eminn also is extremely touristy. For a more visual guide to all the areas to stay in Istanbul, check out this Google map. I understand your struggle - there are SO many different areas in Istanbul to choose from that it can be a little overwhelming for visitors, especially if you are visiting this mega-city for the first time. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Sultanahmet and Sirkeci are close to the main attractions, so great for elderly people, kids and anyone with mobility issues. If youre looking for luxury then look no further than this elegant hotel, just 100 yards from Taksim Square. The staff here are very friendly and helpful and there's a wonderful terrace. There is also a selection of cafes and restaurants serving up delicious traditional Turkish cuisine. We found the highest-rated places for you to stay in the Taksim Square neighborhood! Unveil the hidden gems and must-visit spots, and make the most out of your Istanbul visit. With its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, Istanbul is a great place to explore. that a water buffalo wouldnt sink in it. Guests can enjoy a delicious, varied breakfast. Located across the Golden Horn from Sultanahmet and Eminn, Karaky is one of Istanbuls best areas to stay for visitors looking for a convenient but stylish part of town. Walking distance to the main attractions and a stones throw from the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. This hotel has excellent service and offers rooms with breathtaking views of the Galata Tower, just 100 metres away. Important local attractions: The fragrant Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a delightful market with every spice imaginable from oregano to saffron, is a few minutes walk away. European Side (Turkish: Avrupa Yakas) is the western half of Istanbul, located west of the Bosphorus and on the European mainland.. Belizia Hotel comfortable and reasonably priced hotel walking distance to the ferries to Istanbuls other districts. Some parts of the interior are over 1,000 years old! Located in a quiet area of Moda, this tranquil hotel has large, comfortable private rooms with garden views. How many days do you have to spend in the city? Each unit features a private bathroom, a tea/coffee maker and free WiFi. Troya Hotel Balat beautiful mid-sized hotel with classically-designed rooms facing the waterfront. Accommodation is mostly mid-range to luxury, Photo courtesy of SuB Karaky from Booking.com, OVERALL TOP PICK: SuB Karaky - Special Category (8.5). Getting to Sabiha Gken airport is also a breeze - just take the ferry to Kadiky and jump on an airport bus from the pier. The adjoining Niantas Kedili Park is fantastic for cat lovers - over a 100 very affectionate stray cats live here! A home-cooked organic breakfast is served each morning and there is a rooftop garden with incredible views. Lively nightlife scene: Venture into any of the side streets that extend out from Istiklal and youll find hundreds of local eateries serving cheap and delicious grub, live music venues, pubs and historic coffee houses. Well connected by bus and metro: The Osmanbey metro station (M2 line) is just one stop from Taksim. Eminn: Istanbul's Hectic Bazaar Neighborhood. Istanbul, the bustling metropolis on the two continents of Europe and Asia, is a fascinating city. Theres a generous breakfast buffet with fresh pastries. It features a spa with a Turkish bath, a heated indoor pool, a gym, a bar and two restaurants - one has a terrace with views of the Bosphorus and live music. Plus the breakfast items keep on coming until you beg them to stop! Some of the links in this Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul guide are affiliate links. Photo courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Moda from Booking.com, BEST LUXURY HOTEL: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Moda (8.0). Its where we actually live. Generally, Istanbul is a very safe city. Visitors on a short trip who want to see all the historical sites should stay in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminn or Beyazit. Walking distance to all the major tourist sites - this area is the best place to stay in Istanbul for tourists short on time, Great public transport connections to the rest of Istanbul, Very flat area and easy to walk compared to other Istanbul neighbourhoods, One of the most touristic places in Istanbul, Restaurants cater to tourists so there is a lack of authentic and budget friendly Turkish cuisine, Barely any nightlife as everything shuts after 9pm, Can feel a bit crowded with tour groups and buses, Photo courtesy of Boutique Saint Sophia from Booking.com, OVERALL TOP PICK: Boutique Saint Sophia (9.0). Meaningful distance from Istanbuls major sites. On Wednesdays explore the humongous aramba Pazar (Wednesday Market) near Fatih Mosque. You can even reach the lovely cafes in ihangir in 25 minutes! The Peninsula Hotel 5-star waterfront hotel. Many of the most popular things to do in Istanbul can be found in this historic neighborhood. Most of these hotels have extremely romantic settings and are located either right by the water or have stunning views over the Bosphorus. Hi, I am flying from Mumbai (BOM) to Istanbul (IST) to New York (JFK) & Boston (BOS) to Istanbul (IST) to Mumbai (BOM) and want to Know which is the best side of the plane for the view, adding details of my flight below. The lovely neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat are some of the most unique places to stay in Istanbul and a great choice for travellers looking for a more authentic and local experience. The 7 best neighborhoods in Istanbul - Lonely Planet Wide range of accommodation: Given that the area is a commercial and tourist hub, its not surprising to find the best hotels in Istanbul Turkey here. Manage Settings The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace are walking distance for those lucky travelers staying in this area. Most rooms also have balconies with city views. What are the main attractions on the European side? Fatih District is the most popular place to stay in Istanbul for tourists because there are so many attractions here - basically everywhere you look, theres something to visit, be it a museum, a mosque or a bazaar. Some rooms also have a balcony. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, there is something for everyone no matter which side of Istanbul you explore. In summary, Kadiky and Moda are best for travelers looking to experience living in one of Istanbuls cool local neighborhoods. This is one of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul. Its walking distance to Taksim Square (which is on the M2 metro line) and Istiklal Street. Whether you find yourself on the European side or the Asian side of Istanbul, you are guaranteed to find a plethora of restaurants and street food vendors offering mouthwatering and authentic Turkish cuisine. The staff are friendly and helpful. Great public transport by bus, tram and ferry, Walking distance to Sultanahmets attractions, Very crowded and chaotic during the day, Nightlife is limited and extremely quiet in the evenings, A more conservative area so fewer bars and pubs, Photo courtesy of Regie Ottoman Istanbul Hotel from Booking.com, OVERALL TOP PICK: Regie Ottoman Istanbul Hotel (9.2). Mog and Dog Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Staying in Sultanahmet makes things easier as the area is flat and you are so close to everything. This boutique budget hotel, just 5-minutes walk from Taksim Square, has elegant, cosy rooms for surprisingly cheap prices. Reach out in the comments or DM us on Instagram! Answering these questions will hopefully help you to narrow down what you want to get out of your trip and make it easier for you to decide where to stay in Istanbul Turkey. The areas of Kurtulu and Osmanbey are some of the most interesting places in Istanbul, primarily because they have such a unique and diverse history. For historic atmosphere, it's certainly hard to beat: the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque . 10-minutes walk takes you to a T1 tram stop, from which you can take a tram to the major historical sites of Sultanahmet (a 12-13 minute ride) or ferries from Karaky to the Asian side of the city. In terms of accommodation, the European side offers a wider range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Meanwhile, the Asian side provides a more relaxed atmosphere, vibrant art scene, and a taste of local life. We think this area is perfect for travelers who have already spent time in Istanbul or those on a longer Istanbul itinerary. We have an entire Turkey travel series on YouTube! There are also loads of boutique hotels, vintage shops, and cool cafes that attract the young and fashionable. Here are the highest-rated places for you to stay in our favorite Karaky neighborhood: Guess what? This gorgeous designer apartment in the heart of Nianta is perfect for families. With cafe lined streets, antique shops, excellent eateries, incredible murals and street art, the relaxed pace on the Asian side is perfect for travellers who want to explore Istanbul like a local. There are also spa facilities, a gym and a restaurant. Kadky is the most well known neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. Enjoy the unforgettable views as the sun drops behind Istanbuls most famous mosques! Vibrant nightlife: After sunset, you can head towards the trendy bars and clubs in Niantai that serve up cocktails and tunes until the early hours. Mumbai (BOM) to Istanbul (IST) : Flight - Turkish Airlines. This charming, family-friendly hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace with stunning views and extremely reasonably priced rooms. This gorgeous, friendly hotel has cosy and comfortable rooms that are great value for money. From the Laleli tram stop, you can walk to Vezneciler Metro station on the M2 line - this takes you to Taksim, Istikal Street and Galata. 22 September 2022. This stunning hotel on the shores of the Bosphorus offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking sea views. This stunning hotel has a rooftop terrace restaurant with incredible views of the Hagia Sophia. What activities are available in Istanbul for tourists? Formerly an Ottoman distillery, the rooms have modern furnishings and gorgeous original features such as fireplaces and wooden beamed ceilings. Walking distance to tourist attractions - the best place to stay in Istanbul with family, Lower prices in shops, restaurants and cafes, Photo courtesy of Erboy Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci from Booking.com, OVERALL TOP PICK: Erboy Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci (9.0). Your email address will not be published. There are also plenty of fantastic places to eat, lots of cute cafes, bars and taverns and the trendy neighbourhoods of Nianta and Beikta are very close by. Packed full of hipster cafes and restaurants and with plenty of green spaces, this walkable, fashionable neighbourhood is where youll find Istanbuls young crowd. Then check out our Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days! Budget accommodation: From cute apartments and B&Bs to hotels, this is the best place in Istanbul for budget travellers. Similarly, there are limited local dining and nightlife options nearby. One of the best things about the European side of Istanbul is that it is relatively cheaper than the Asian side. If youre planning to visit Istanbul, be sure to check out the European side. Photo courtesy of The Wings Hotel Istanbul from Booking.com, TOP LUXURY HOTEL: The Wings Hotel Istanbul (9.1). Quite far from the main tourist attractions, Sultanahmets tourist attractions arent within walking distance, Photo courtesy of Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul from Booking.com, OVERALL TOP PICK: Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul (8.9). Authentic residential area where you can experience local city life, Great transport links to the European side for major tourist attractions, Not touristy, so cheaper for accommodation, restaurants and cafes, Must get public transport (ferry or metro) to main attractions in Sultanahmet, Can seem a bit too far out for a short trip (1-2 days) to Istanbul, especially for travellers who just want to see the historical sites, Photo courtesy of Loka Suites from Booking.com. The ferry is the most convenient way to visit old Istanbul. Home to some of Istanbuls wealthiest residents (it even has its own marina where people dock their yachts) Bebek is extremely popular in the summer when Istanbulites from all over the city flock down to enjoy breakfast by the sea, drink in the trendy bars and escape the stifling city heat. Photo courtesy of Meretto Hotel Laleli from Booking.com, BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Meretto Hotel Laleli (9.5). Photo courtesy of Hagia Sofia Mansions from Booking.com, BEST LUXURY CHOICE: Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton (8.8). Cosy, comfortable and clean - this very affordable hotel is only 6-minutes walk from the Grand Bazaar. Prices for street food in Kadikoy range from 10 to 20 Turkish Liras (approximately $1.20 to $2.40). Excellent public transport: The metro station, Marmaray line station and skdar ferry pier are all conveniently close together. From 288 metres above sea level you are treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the European side of the city. Eminn might be the place for you! Photo courtesy of Zeynep Sultan Hotel from Booking.com, TOP MID-RANGE HOTEL: Zeynep Sultan Hotel (8.7). If you'd like to be at the heart of history, I'd suggest that you choose a hotel in the old city, preferably in Sultanahmet or Sirkeci. Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul in 2023 Mog and Dog Travels Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman era summer residence is also worth a visit. Photo courtesy of Dreamers V&V from Booking.com, TOP BUDGET PICK: Dreamers V&V Hotel Cihangir (8.5). This is one of the best locations to stay in Istanbul if you want to be near the sights but also experience a different side of the city. Rooms are quiet and feature flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Karaky (for ferries to the Asian side) is only 15-20 minutes by metro or bus. Great for first time visitors: The metro and funicular near Galata means that getting to the historical areas of Istanbul is easy and you can still enjoy the buzzing modern areas of the city too! Make sure to visit SALT Galata, a former Ottoman bank with an incredible glass ceiling that now functions as a gallery, coffee shop and museum. However, we think choosing the best area in Istanbul will definitely help upgrade your visit! Fener & Balat in Fatih District: The colourful houses of Fener and Balat have made this area one of the must-see places in Istanbul. On the European side, visitors will find more of the modern Istanbul. After 3, Our Malaysia travel guide is LIVE! Istanbul is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world. And finally - let's talk ca$h monies: are you a budget, mid-range or luxury traveller? Luxury and romantic hotels: Widely considered to be one of the most romantic places in Istanbul, Ortaky is full of 5-star hotels with incredible facilities that cater to your every need. Nevv Bosphorus very cozy hotel with spacious rooms at a great price! Esenler Otogar, a massive intercity bus station, is accessible by metro and shuttle buses to Istanbul and Sabiha Gkcen Airports run regularly from Beyazit Square. Perfect for long-term visitors, this area is buzzing with small restaurants, cafes, bookshops and clothing stores. Overall, Istanbuls European side is a great option for travelers looking to experience the best of both worlds. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities in Istanbul, such as visiting historical sites, exploring markets and bazaars, and cruising the Bosporous River. Photo courtesy of Hotel Niles Istanbul from Booking.com, BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Hotel Niles Istanbul (8.6). Taksim is an exciting area with lots to do plus many resort-like hotels that are fantastic for families. Explore its lavishly decorated rooms, wander through its landscaped gardens, and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire. There are plenty of long-term rental apartments available plus hotels suitable for business travellers. Is Sultanahmet the best area in Istanbul for you? What does this mean for you? Istanbul, the vibrant and historic city that bridges two continents, offers a multitude of attractions for tourists to explore. Sitting on the western Bosphorus Strait banks, the European side of Istanbul is a mesmerizing tapestry of Turkey's history, culture, and city life. MUST READ: Where to stay in Istanbul (2023 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Me & my husband will be visiting Istanbul in July for the second time. If youre seeking a more upscale dining experience, the Asian side has its fair share of high-end restaurants that offer a fusion of traditional Turkish and international cuisines. Our first tuktuk, Few words can truly express what driving a tuktuk, Surprise! Both sides of Istanbul offer visitors stunning architecture, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Famous for its beautiful coastline and unique mosques, skdar is well connected by ferry and train to Istanbuls European side. The rooftop cafe with views over the Bosphorus is a great place to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee. Istanbul European Side Area Guide - Turkey Homes Many of the old Ottoman homes are now popping with color, and the streets have a similar quirky appeal that we also found while visiting the picturesque town of Amasra. Then explore the opulent Dolmabahe Palace - the largest palace in Turkey. This extremely cool design hotel is 5-minutes walk from Karaky ferry port and offers stylishly decorated, clean and comfortable rooms. Laleli and Aksaray are unlikely to be on many travellers radars but if you are looking for super affordable accommodation then these are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul. Less local feel compared to other neighborhoods. Vegan and vegetarian friendly: Hipster culture here means more vegan/vegetarian restaurants offering everything from vegan burgers, pizzas and falafel wraps to vegan mant (Turkish ravioli)! A buzzing nightlife scene and very affordable accommodation make this a great place in Istanbul to stay for young travellers. 4. Most people often just assume that the best place to stay in Istanbul is near the major Istanbul tourist attractions in Sultanahmet. Photo courtesy of Cheers Vintage Hostel from Booking.com, BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Cheers Vintage Hostel ( 8.7). Cool street art: North of Kadky Pier is the neighbourhood of Yeldeirmeni, a quaint area packed with quirky cafes, tattoo shops and breakfast places. Fer Hotel gorgeous Art Deco hotel in the middle of Istanbuls historic core. This is a huge district and honestly, we havent had time to explore all the different neighbourhoods in-depth so our suggestions below of where to stay in skdar will be from all over the district. Tip: If you want to experience Istanbuls famous nightlife scene, dont stay in Sultanahmet. What is the most popular area of the city for tourists? This friendly homestay is amazingly affordable and well connected to public transport. World House Boutique Hotel stunning accommodation with contemporary design. The best way to visit the iconic sites around Sultanahmet is by taking the metro. There are, however, plenty of options for budget travellers, which I will outline below. No matter where you stay, you are likely to have an excellent time. This glitzy hotel has gorgeous rooms designed to ensure an amazing sleep. What did you expect? Near to many cafes and restaurants, this charming hotel offers luxurious suites at a reasonable price. The city has its own unique charm, and its no wonder why so many people flock to Istanbul. The Osmanbey metro station is 3-minutes walk away and you can be in Taksim in 10 minutes. Very hilly, steep streets - not suitable for people with mobility issues. Superb location and public transport links, Very hilly so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues, Residential area so no high quality hotels - accommodation is mostly apartments or suites. Quirky cafes and restaurants abound and here you get a chance to experience local life away from the crowds. This. Historic and hipster vibes: Former merchants workshops and warehouses were renovated into fashionable boutiques, stylish restaurants and LOTS of funky cafes. On the European side of Istanbul, one of the top attractions is the iconic Hagia Sophia. For a more off-beat art experience, visit the Schneidertempel Art Center, a 19th century Ashkenazi synagogue that has been converted into an art centre. The 9 Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul: An Ultimate Guide (2023). Tip: Due to its proximity to the Grand Bazaar and the fact that many city buses and dolmu minibuses stop here, Beyazit can feel very busy and a little overcrowded. Great public transport: Beikta centre is extremely well connected to the rest of Istanbul. Charming historical area: Sultanahmet is like an open-air museum. Great public transport: The tram can also take you to Kabata (for the lovely Dolmabahe Palace); Taksim and the nearby hipster neighbourhood of ihangir; and to Karaky where you can take the F2 Funicular line to Galata and the start of Istiklal Street. 1. Some of the neighborhoods in this post may be familiar. Close to the Bosphorus Strait & Dolmabahe Palace. Asian side or the European side! Discover hidden gems: Make sure to check out the magnificent St Stephen of the Bulgurs Church made entirely out of iron; the breathtaking mosaics and murals in the Kariye Mosque (Chora Church); the imposing red-brick Phanar Greek Orthodox College for Boys and the Byzantine era Church of Pammakaristos/Fethiye Museum. Unique mosques: The stunning akirin Mosque, the first mosque to be designed by a woman, combines futuristic and traditional design while the geometric design of the Marmara Ilahiyat Cami (Marmara Faculty of Theology Mosque) is jaw-dropping. But it is located close to the T1 metro stop, which takes visitors into Sultanahmet, and walking distance to the Kabata ferry terminal along the Bosphorus Strait. There are also frequent ferries to Karaky (25 minutes), Eminn(30 minutes) and Kabata (25 minutes). Beyazit tram stop is only 4-minutes away making this a great find. Taksim Square is not within walking distance of old Istanbul for most people. Most people will know that the majority of the historic places in Istanbul are located in the old neighbourhood of Sultanahmet. Bebek Park, located on the shore of the Bosphorus is flanked on either side by the Bebek Mosque and the Egyptian Consulate building (Valide Pasha Mansion), which are also worth visiting. This stunning hotel, 4-minutes walk from Vezneciler metro station has clean and spacious rooms that feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a balcony. With a reputation for being one of Istanbuls most elite neighbourhoods, youll find modern hotels and apartments, plenty of fashion boutiques, shopping malls and restaurants. From the stunning Hagia Sophia to the beautiful Blue Mosque, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Sarsak Sigara Brei has amazing vegan versions of sigara brei (Turkish crispy pastry rolls)! Off-beat tourist attractions: The underground mosque (Yeralt Camii), Aya Panteleymon Russian Orthodox Church and Nusretiye Mosque are some of the lesser-known sites that many tourists skip. On the Asian side of Istanbul, one of the highlights is the Maidens Tower, also known as Kiz Kulesi. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the terrace with amazing views of Galata Tower. Popular areas such as Sultanahmet and Taksim tend to be more expensive, while neighborhoods like Beyoglu and Kadikoy offer more affordable options. Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc from Booking.com. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). But with so much going on, choosing the best area to stay in Istanbul is essential to making the most of your visit! This tiny neighborhood definitely will not disappoint travelers who appreciate hanging out in eclectic coffeeshop with locals as much as they do having access to Istanbuls iconic sites. The European side is also where youll find most of the tourist attractions. A stones throw from ihane metro station, this gorgeous hotel offers spacious modern suites that feature an ensuite bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, living room, flat-screen TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi. The European side is famous for its traditional Turkish markets, such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where visitors can find a variety of souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts. One area of Ortaky is just filled with kumpir sellers! 1. Authentic and photogenic: Fener and Balat are now some of the most famous places in Istanbul, due to the eye-catching colourful houses and photogenic nature of the neighbourhood. When it comes to shopping, both sides of Istanbul have their own appeal. These luxurious serviced apartments on the 39th floor feature incredible views of the Bosphorus. Taksimbul Design Hotel stylish hotel in the middle of the Taksim Square neighborhood with a 9.8 guest rating! This elegant hotel just minutes from Glhane Park has spacious rooms featuring flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. There is also a cable car to the affluent area of Maka near Beikta. Can find local life away from the touristy bazaars. However, the completion of public transport systems in this area in 2022 means that you can now avoid this classic Istanbul traffic jam! Washing lines are strung up between buildings and children raucously play football in the street - this is the best place in Istanbul to see local people just carrying on with their daily lives. Its a welcome respite from a long day of sightseeing. 4 Tips when picking a good area to live in in Istanbul. However, because it is over 4 miles (6 km) away from Sultanahmet and not easily connected by metro, the average visitor would find Beiktas location less than ideal. There's also a generous daily breakfast. Aug. 31, 2015. Watch our video from Kadiky and Moda and find out why we think this part of Istanbul is so underrated! Istanbul seamlessly blends the remnants of ancient Constantinople with modern and cosmopolitan ambiences, and the European side embodies this unique blend.
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