Where to Stay in Istanbul: Choosing a Base in Two-Continent Istanbul

Istanbul is a city on two continents, split by the Bosphorus, with the historic peninsula on the European side holding the old city and the Asian side stretching east. Palaces and imperial mosques line its hills, and the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a visitor, the practical consequence is that the city is not one single centre: the old city, the modern centre and the Bosphorus banks each function as a base, and the water between them shapes how you move around.

Most of the accommodation you will be choosing between sits on the European side, concentrated in a handful of distinct areas. This guide covers where those areas are, what each is like to stay in, and which one suits different kinds of trips. It covers areas only, not individual places to stay.

Best areas to stay in Istanbul

1. Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the main centre of the old city on the European side. It has a selection of quality, reasonably priced hotels, many with terraces overlooking the Golden Horn or with views of the Marmara Sea and the Blue Mosque. Most hostel-type accommodation frequented by independent travellers is located in this district, although it is possible to find a few upmarket hotels as well.

This is the area to choose if you want the historic sights on your doorstep and a range of budgets within walking distance of each other. Because it is the old city, expect the streets around it to be busy with visitors during the day.

2. Taksim

Taksim is the main centre of the city on the European side. Locals and tourists go there for shopping and entertainment, and it has moderate hotels for budget travellers. There are also hostels in this area.

Stay here if you want to be in the middle of the modern city's commercial and night-time activity rather than among the historic monuments. It suits travellers who prefer to be out in the evening and don't mind a busy central setting.

3. Harbiye

Harbiye is a popular place to stay, close to the main centre of the new city on the European side. It contains a variety of international standard apartments, hotels, and moderate hotels for budget travellers.

Nişantaşı and Taksim are quite close, so you can stay in Harbiye and benefit from all the activities in those areas. It works well if you want a slightly quieter base than Taksim itself while staying within easy reach of it.

4. The western suburbs and the European Bosphorus banks

Upscale hotels can be found in the western suburbs, especially around the former airport, as well as on or near the banks of the European Bosphorus.

These areas suit travellers who want upscale accommodation and are prepared to be away from the old city and the modern centre. Being on or near the Bosphorus puts you along the water rather than in the middle of the sightseeing districts.

5. Ahırkapı, Maltepe and the outlying Bosphorus villages

Caravan parks exist in Ahırkapı south of Sultanahmet, in Maltepe, and in the outlying villages on both sides of the Bosphorus.

This is relevant if you are travelling with a caravan or similar. Ahırkapı places you just south of the old city; Maltepe and the outlying Bosphorus villages put you further out on either side of the water.

Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge

Budget: hostels, including the hostel-type accommodation concentrated in Sultanahmet and the hostels in Taksim, plus moderate hotels aimed at budget travellers in Taksim and Harbiye.
Mid-range: reasonably priced hotels in Sultanahmet, many with terraces or views, and moderate hotels in Taksim and Harbiye.
Splurge: the few upmarket hotels in Sultanahmet, and the upscale hotels in the western suburbs, especially around the former airport, and on or near the banks of the European Bosphorus.

Best area for a first visit

For a first visit, Sultanahmet is the most straightforward base. It is the main centre of the old city, so the historic sights are around you rather than a journey away, and it offers accommodation across the range from hostel-type places to a few upmarket hotels. Staying there also means many of the city's historic sights are within the same district.

Frequently asked questions

Which area is best if I want to be near the old city sights?

Sultanahmet, the main centre for the old city on the European side. Many of its hotels have terraces overlooking the Golden Horn or views of the Marmara Sea and the Blue Mosque.

Where should I stay if I want shopping and entertainment in the evening?

Taksim, the main centre of the city on the European side, where locals and tourists go for shopping and entertainment. It has moderate hotels for budget travellers and hostels.

Can I stay near Taksim but not right in it?

Yes. Harbiye is close to the main centre of the new city, and Nişantaşı and Taksim are quite close, so you can stay in Harbiye and benefit from all the activities in those areas.

Where can I stay with a caravan?