Where To Stay In Istanbul First Time 2024 - 8 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Istanbul first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Istanbul first time?
Where to stay in Istanbul with family?
Where to stay in Istanbul for nightlife?
Where to stay in Istanbul for food?
Where to stay in Istanbul for one night?
Where to stay in Istanbul for couples?
Where to stay in Istanbul for shopping?
Where to stay in Istanbul on a budget?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Istanbul
| Name of the area in Istanbul | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is home to Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Staying here puts you within walking distance of many historic sites. It’s one of the most desired areas among tourists. *You can click on the purple and blue links to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Taksim Square is an area full of things to do during the day and night and you can find many shops, restaurants, and nightlife here. You can also find Istiklal Avenue here, a pedestrian street, that offers plenty of dining and shopping options. You also have great access to the main attractions as well as public transportation. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | These two combined areas are located centrally and offer beautiful panoramic views of the city and its bridges. It’s a bit of a hip and upscale part of Istanbul. You have fantastic access to the other parts of Istanbul across the bridges and also the main attractions of the city. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the European side. It’s known for its food scene, local markets, and waterfront promenade. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Situated along the Bosphorus, Ortakoy is famous for its picturesque mosque, waterfront cafes, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to enjoy views of the Bosphorus Bridge and explore its local street food scene. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Besiktas is located a bit north of the tourist attractions but is a popular area among locals for shopping and dining. The neighborhood is also home to Dolmabahce Palace, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel, and the upscale shopping street of Nisantasi. It’s considered an upscale area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This historic district has undergone gentrification in recent years, and nowadays, Karakoy is a hip area. It’s also a transportation hub with ferry and tram connections. It’s a very good area for couples who want to combine sightseeing with visiting trendy bars and restaurants. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Cihangir is the area between the historical parts of the city and Besiktas. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to these two busy neighborhoods. As you have good access to public transport, you can still easily reach the major attraction of the city, while staying in a somewhat quieter area. A great option for families! |
Where to stay in Istanbul first time
The best areas to stay in Istanbul first time are Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoglu & Galata, and Kadikoy.
Sultanahmet is the tourist epicenter of the city, and the closer you stay to this area, the better the access you have to Istanbul’s major attractions.
Taksim is an incredibly fun area to stay at, where you can find an abundance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
It’s also home to Istiklal Avenue, one of the most bustling streets in the city and you have great access to main attractions, as well as public transportation.
Beyoglu & Galata are great for panoramic views of the city and its bridges while staying centrally and in a hip area.
Kadikoy is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and offers a far more relaxed and local experience compared to the European side and the food scene here is simply incredible.
Simply put, when picking one of these four areas as your base during your stay in Istanbul, you can’t go wrong.
Now, there are, of course, more areas that are worth considering.
Ortakoy is another great option if you want to explore Istanbul’s nightlife scene but keep in mind that it’s located much further away from the main attractions.
Besiktas is a great option for those who want to shop. Especially the upscale shopping street of Nisantasi is a shopaholic’s heaven.
Karakoy is another hip area that’s located centrally and is ideal for couples.
And lastly, Cihangir is a great option for families who want to stay in a quieter area but still well-connected to the tourist parts by public transportation.
Where to stay in Istanbul with family
The best areas to stay in Istanbul with family are Sultanahmet, Kadikoy, and Cihangir.
Sultanahmet is the tourist epicenter of the city and staying here allows you to visit many of the top attractions, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace on foot.
This area is completely designed to keep tourists entertained, and there is an abundance of family-friendly restaurants.
But this is also an incredibly busy area.
If you’re looking for a quieter area, consider staying at either Kadikoy or Cihangir.
Kadikoy is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and offers a far more relaxed atmosphere.
It’s also an area where you can find far more affordable accommodations.
Cihangir is also a good option.
This neighborhood is located between Besiktas and the main tourist areas.
You have great access to public transport in order to reach the major attractions, yet you’re staying in a relatively quiet area.
Just keep in mind that Cihangir has far fewer things to do.
Where to stay in Istanbul for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Istanbul for nightlife are Taksim, Beyoglu & Galata, Besiktas, Karakoy, and Ortakoy.
In Taksim, you can find Taksim Square.
Here, you find the nightlife epicenter of the city.
Istiklal Avenue is a bustling pedestrian street lined with bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Adjacent to Taksim, Beyoglu and the Galata neighborhood also offer a great nightlife scene.
Galata Tower is a popular spot to enjoy panoramic views of the city before heading out for a night on the town.
The streets of Beyoglu are filled with bars, live music venues, and late-night eateries.
Besiktas is also an excellent option when it comes to partying until late.
Karakoy has emerged as a hip and trendy nightlife destination in recent years.
This historic neighborhood is home to chic cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and underground clubs, and because of that, it attracts a more trendy crowd who are looking for something more sophisticated.
Ortakoy also offers a good nightlife scene but is more the area to experience the local nightlife scene.
You won’t find that many nightclubs here compared to areas like Taksim.
Where to stay in Istanbul for food
The best areas to stay in Istanbul for food are Kadikoy, Ortakoy, and Besiktas.
While you can find delicious food in every part of Istanbul, moving away from the tourist epicenter of the city will make sure that you can really find local eateries, hidden gems and heavenly street food in the city.
Arguably the best area to stay to enjoy amazing food in Istanbul is Kadikoy.
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy is a foodie paradise known for its diverse culinary scene.
At markets like Kadikoy Market and Moda Market, you can find amazing street food, but the whole area itself is known for its (street) food scene.
Ortakoy is another great option and is also known for its street food scene, especially along the waterfront promenade.
Besiktas, a popular area for shopping, is known for its meyhanes (traditional Turkish taverns) and lokantas (casual restaurants) serving authentic Turkish cuisine.
At Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar is a great area to explore street food stall and local eateries.
Where to stay in Istanbul for one night
The best areas to stay in Istanbul for one night are Sultanahmet and Taksim.
As you want to make the most of your limited time, you want to stay as central as possible, near the major attractions of the city.
At Sultanahmet, you can find the majority of the must-see attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Staying here is simply incredibly convenient.
Consider staying at Taksim if you also want to have a great night out in Taksim.
During the day, it’s easy to reach the major attractions from here, and in the evening, you can explore Istiklal Avenue, the main pedestrian street of the area with loads of things to do and to discover.
Where to stay in Istanbul for couples
The best areas to stay in Istanbul for couples are Beyoglu & Galata, Karakoy, and Sultanahmet.
Beyogglu & Galata and Karakoy are both ideal areas for couples as they are located centrally with great access to the must-see attractions, as well as offering a trendy experience within the historic districts.
These areas are ideal to explore on foot, discover great bars and restaurants, and enjoy beautiful, panoramic views.
You can also stay in Sultanahmet, the tourist epicenter of the city. Although it’s a crowded area, you can easily find a hotel here with beautiful views of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, or Topkapi Palace.
Where to stay in Istanbul for shopping?
The best areas to stay in Istanbul for shopping are Besiktas, Beyoglu & Galata, and Taksim
Your best option is Nisantasi, which is located near Besiktas.
Nisantasi is Istanbul’s upscale shopping district, known for its luxury boutiques, designer stores, and high-end brands.
Beyoglu & Galata is also a great option as it offers a mix of trendy boutiques, artisanal shops, and vintage stores.
Around Galata Tower, you can find many shops selling Turkish carpets, textiles, and handicrafts.
At Taksim, you can find Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, which both are bustling hubs of activity with numerous shops, boutiques, and department stores.
Istiklal Avenue, in particular, is a vibrant pedestrian street lined with international brands, local shops, and specialty stores.
Where to stay in Istanbul on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Istanbul on a budget are Kadikoy and Ortakoy.
Kadikoy is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and offers a far more relaxed and local atmosphere.
As the majority of tourists tend to stay closer to the tourist epicenter, around Sultanahmet, Kadikoy is often overlooked.
You can find many affordable accommodations here while experiencing the true way of life in Istanbul.
If you prefer to stay on the Europe side of Istanbul, consider staying at Ortakoy.
It’s located a bit further from the tourist epicenter, and because of that, it’s far easier to find something that fits your budget.
One of the great perks of this area is that you have beautiful views of Istanbul’s waterfront and the Bosphorus Bridge.
The famous local (street) food scene is another perk when travelling on a budget, as you can easily find something delicious for a bargain.
You’re also well-connected by public transport to reach the major attractions of the city.
1. Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the tourist epicenter of Istanbul and home to the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Because of that, it’s simply the most desired area among tourists in the city.
The whole area caters to tourists and you can easily learn more about Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage.
During the day, you wander through these narrow streets and explore historic buildings and centuries-old landmarks.
You can find many restaurants and shops in this area, and within a short walk, you’re at the Gand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and Istanbul Archaeology Museums.
Many other areas are well-connected to Sultanahmet, which means that this area is also a great base to explore the other parts of the city.
Sultanahmet is among the safest areas in Istanbul, although generally speaking, tourists won’t feel unsafe in this city.
For the majority of tourists, especially those who visit Istanbul for its magnificent attractions, Sultanahmet is the perfect area to stay at.
Just keep in mind that it’s also one of the busiest areas in the city.
Also, the area is not particularly known for its nightlife scene.
If you’re looking for that, there are several better options.
Lastly, as it’s such as touristy area, it lacks local culture.
If you’re looking for that, there are several better options.
However, for the majority of tourists, Sultanahmet simply won’t disappoint because of its convenience.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Taksim
Taksim is yet another centrally located area in Istanbul that’s incredibly popular among tourists.
It’s conveniently connected to other parts of the city, including the tourist epicenter.
So, whenever you want to visit the must-see attractions, you visit Sultanahmet, and whenever you want to go shopping, you visit Besiktas.
All without much hassle.
But what sets Taksim apart from Sultanahmet is that Taksim is an incredibly bustling area.
Especially if you want to combine sightseeing with nightlife, Taksim is the place to be.
Around Istiklal Avenue, you can really have a fun night out.
This main pedestrian street is lined with boutiques, galleries, theaters, and historic buildings.
Is there anything not to like about Taksim?
First of all, it’s incredibly busy, and traffic congestion is a big problem.
Secondly, if you’re not into nightlife, there are much better and quieter areas nearby that suit your preferences better.
Lastly, while Taksim offers a great atmosphere and modern amenities, it lacks the historic charm and cultural attractions found in other neighborhoods such as Sultanahmet or Beyoglu.
But when it comes to convenience and nightlife, Taksim won’t disappoint!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Beyoglu & Galata
Beyoglu and the neighboring Galata district are a great alternative to Taksim.
Contrary to Taksim, these two areas are rich in history and architectural charm.
You can find Galata Tower here, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus.
The cobblestone streets of Galata are lined with historic buildings, trendy cafes, and artisan shops.
It’s a bit of an upscale area and especially couples tend to stay in Galata, while Beyoglu is particularly known for its nightlife scene.
One of the best parts of these neighboring areas is that they come with beautiful panoramic views of the city as well as its bridges.
You can reach vantage points via the Tunel funicular.
As you’re located centrally, it’s incredibly easy to reach the other parts of the city, but you can also easily explore the historic parts of Istanbul on foot.
Keep in mind that all of this doesn’t always come cheap.
Yes, you can find all sorts of accommodation options, including hostels, but most hotels here are somewhat upscale and come with a premium price tag.
Also, if you travel with kids, it doesn’t make any sense to stay in this particular area.
But if you’re a couple, or when you visit Istanbul with friends and you want to explore Istanbul’s nightlife and trendy restaurants and wander through cobblestone streets near major attractions, these combined areas are perfect for you.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Kadikoy
For a local experience, I highly recommend you stay in Kadikoy.
Kadikoy offers a far more authentic and local atmosphere compared to the tourist-heavy areas of Sultanahmet and Taksim.
As one of the oldest and most diverse districts on the Asian side of Istanbul, Kadikoy is home to a unique mix of residents, markets, cafes, and restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to experience everyday life in Istanbul.
What Kadikoy particularly is known for is its food scene.
The neighborhood is dotted with traditional Turkish eateries, trendy cafes, seafood restaurants, and street food stalls serving everything from mezes and kebabs to fresh seafood and international cuisine.
Foodies should definitely check out Kadikoy Market.
As Kadikoy is situated along the picturesque coastline of the Bosphorus, it comes with stunning views of the water and the European side of Istanbul.
Despite its local flavor, Kadikoy is well-connected to other parts of Istanbul via public transportation, including ferries, buses, and metro lines.
The area is home to many affordable accommodations, which makes it also a budget-friendly area.
So, what’s the catch?
The biggest flaw of Kadikoy is, of course, the distance from the tourist attractions as Kadikoy is located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Also, this area caters to its local residents, not per se tourists.
You won’t find much nightlife here, for example.
But that’s the whole point when choosing Kadikoy as your base.
If you’re looking for a non-touristy area in Istanbul, this is the place you’re looking for.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Ortakoy
Ortakoy is one of the somewhat alternative areas that I recommend in this article.
When it comes to location, Ortakoy is not the most convenient area to pick.
It’s located quite far from the tourist epicenter and its must-see attractions.
So, why would anyone choose Ortakoy as their base to explore Istanbul?
The main reason is its scenic location.
Ortkoy has some of the most spectacular views of the iconic Bosphorus Bridge (also known as the First Bridge) and the European side of Istanbul.
And especially during sunset, this area becomes magical.
Despite its small size, Ortakoy offers several historic landmarks, including the Ortakoy Mosque (Ortakoy Camii), a stunning example of Ottoman Baroque architecture.
You can explore the narrow cobblestone streets here as well, and stumble upon historic building after historic building.
Food lovers should keep an eye out for the street food vendors in this area, which mostly gather along the waterfront promenade.
As this neighborhood is located further away from the popular tourist areas, you can easily find something affordable here, although some of the top brands in the luxury hotel industry are located here as well (because of the views).
Just keep in mind that it’s not the easiest area to reach the tourist epicenter by public transport.
That’s the biggest disadvantage of this area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Besiktas
Besiktas is centrally located on the European side of Istanbul.
The neighborhood is well-connected to other parts of Istanbul via public transportation, including buses, trams, and ferries, making it easy to access popular tourist destinations such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, and the Bosphorus.
You can also find several attractions and landmarks worth exploring in Besiktas, including Dolmabahce Palace, one of Istanbul’s most iconic palaces, and the Besiktas Fish Market.
But what Besiktas is really known for is its excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities.
It’s simply an area full of things to do, right in the middle of Istanbul.
As you’re located along the Bosphorus, you can also witness great views of the water and the Asian side of Istanbul.
When you compare this area with the touristy areas, the best way to describe Besiktas is that it offers a glimpse of the real Istanbul.
It doesn’t cater solely to tourists, but it’s an area where many citizens gather.
To shop, to dine, to go out, to watch football, and so much more.
Because of that, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to stay centrally but not in a touristy part of Istanbul.
Keep in mind that prices here are higher than in other parts of the city and that traffic congestion and noise play a big role here.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Karakoy
Karakoy is a rapidly evolving neighborhood in the older parts of the city, very close to the tourist epicenter of the city.
This area is steeped in history and retains much of its historic charm with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and architectural landmarks dating back to the Ottoman and Byzantine eras.
In recent years, the area has received a financial impulse, and nowadays, this somewhat trendy part of Istanbul is great for couples and younger travelers.
As Karakoy is situated along the waterfront of the Golden Horn, it comes with stunning views of the water and the historic skyline of Istanbul.
During the evening, Karakoy is a great area to explore unique restaurants and bars and it guarantees a fun, but somewhat sophisticated experience.
Keep in mind that Karakoy has become an upscale and thus pricy area.
If your budget allows it, and especially when you travel with your loved one, Karakoy is a superb option with a fantastic location and plenty of things to do and to discover!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Cihangir
The last area that I recommend is Cihangir, an area between the historical parts and Besiktas.
It’s a great alternative area for families or those who seek a quieter experience while remaining centrally located.
That’s because Cihangir is mainly a residential area.
Within the area, there is not much to do, but you do have good access to public transport, including the metro line that takes you to the tourist epicenter of the city.
Keep in mind that this area is quieter, so you won’t find many restaurants and shops here.
For that, you always have to visit one of the more bustling areas, like Besiktas or Taksim, which are not far from here.
When travelling with kids, definitely consider staying around Cihangir!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.