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Where To Stay In Istanbul
- dylanmyers1993
- Apr 23, 2023
- 4 min read
A short breakdown of where to stay in Europe's eclectic capital of culture.
Choosing where to stay when you travel to Istanbul depends on your budget and the purpose of your trip. Istanbul offers everything from luxury and mid-range hotels to cozy boutiques and hostels. The megapolis can overwhelm you with options, but each neighborhood caters uniquely to its guests. Break down the city into bite-sized chunks and comb through the offers in the areas that appeal to your travel type.
Outer Fatih
Outer Fatih is great for budget travelers, couples, and for families. It remains a comfortable distance from the center but has plenty of public transportation, restaurant, and sightseeing options.
The district of Fatih is the southern peninsula on the European side of Istanbul. Fatih encompasses what was once the walled city of Constantinople and today represents the historical center of Istanbul.
The western portion of Fatih, also known as Outer Fatih, offers the cheapest accommodations without sacrificing quality. Not only are hotels and restaurants cheap, but Outer Fatih is also well-connected by Metro (M1 and M2), Tram (T1), and the suburban train (Marmaray).
Outer Fatih boasts attractions such as the daunting Walls of Constantinople, the Byzantine Palace of Porphyrogenitus ruins, and the medieval Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior.
If you stay in Outer Fatih, one clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly hotel is Porta Romanos. The Tram station is five minutes from the hotel and takes riders directly into the historic city center. Additionally, the Metro station is ten minutes away and connects vacationers to the suburban train and airport lines.
A quaint market area is also only five minutes on foot, with small shops, bakeries, and grocery stores.
Location: Near Pazartekke Tram station
Price: $$, from $42 a night
Amenities: Four Star Hotel with Restaurant | WiFi | Private Rooms | Airport Transfer Available
While several restaurants surround the Porta Romanos Hotel, one truly stands out. Kebapçı Murat has friendly staff, menus in English, and traditional Turkish plates at some of the best prices in Istanbul.
Location: Near Pazartekke Tram station
Price: $
Specialties: Plentiful starting plates, fabulous house-made Ayran in copper mugs, and savory kebab plates.
Hours: Mondays - Saturdays, 10 AM - 1 AM | Sundays, noon - 1 AM
Sultanahmet
On the Eastern half of Fatih lies Sultanahmet, the historical center of Istanbul. Packed with the most impressive sites, staying in Sultanahmet attracts lovers of history and sightseeing.
Travelers in the heart of Istanbul can walk to The Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, The Egyptian Spice Market, and the Grand Bazaar. Visitors are also well-connected by ferry or Metro (M2) to cross the Golden Horn and into the northern portion of the European side.
Although bursting with tourists, Sultanahmet maintains a relaxed vibe. A stay in the historic center is best for couples or families who prefer to be in the center of it all and don’t mind spending more or sacrificing a bit of quality. The area is replete with older buildings converted into mid-range or budget hotels. Several boutiques and vacation homes hide on streets between the mosques and the palace.
Galata and Karaköy
Across the Golden Horn into the northern peninsula, Galata and Karaköy are popular tourist areas, brimming with options for accommodation, restaurants, and sightseeing.
At the center of the neighborhood, the famous Galata Tower overlooks Istanbul, but it is only one among many rooftops in the area that offer impressive cityscape views. Galata and Karaköy attract younger but wealthier crowds, marking them as neighborhoods for nightlife and culture.
Solo travelers, friend groups, or couples can consider staying in Galata or Karaköy. Guests may need a higher budget since prices lean towards the expensive side. These neighborhoods offer a wide range of hostels and budget or luxury hotels.
Taksim
Another popular area for tourists to stay in is Taksim. Although slightly more expensive, Taksim caters to couples, families, and friend groups. Just north of the action, Taksim boasts quiet streets, large parks, city squares, and the best shopping in Istanbul.
The heart of the neighborhood, Taksim Square, births the famous Istikal Street, lined with bars, shopping, restaurants, and cafes. The bustling European-style street leads you south into Galata. Several alleyways branch off of Istikal Street, where you can find guesthouses and boutique or luxury hotels.
Beşiktaş
Lastly, Beşiktaş offers accommodation for couples on quieter, romantic trips to Istanbul. Several waterfront luxury hotels line the Bosphorous Straight, offering vacations with lovely views. Beşiktaş is just a short bus or taxi ride from the lively Taksim Square and is also home to Istanbul’s own Versailles: The Dolmabahçe Palace.
Asian Side
Over half of Istanbul lies across the Bosphorus Strait in Asia. However, the Asian side does not welcome tourists as heartily. Not only is there a lack of hotels, but visitors spend the entirety of their trips sightseeing on the European side. The Asian side of Istanbul is mainly residential.
What's The Budget?
Istanbul can cater to any budget throughout its several neighborhoods and endless accommodation options. Compared to American or European travel, Istanbul represents a cheaper vacation destination.
For two travelers staying in private but budget-friendly rooms, we spent about $42 each night, or a little over $200 for five nights in Istanbul. Consider this was over the New Year's celebration and the first week of January 2023, so hotel rates were higher.
Traveling off-season could save you even more money.
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