Where to stay in Istanbul.

Istanbul spreads across both sides of the Bosphorus and has two airports, so where you stay and where you land shape the trip.

hotelsAll our sourcessynced nightly

Counting hotels…

The areas, one by one

SultanahmetEuropean side
The old city on the historic peninsula, around Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. Many of the best-known historic sights are close together here.
Hotels in Sultanahmet
BeyoğluEuropean side
North of the Golden Horn, around İstiklal Avenue, Taksim Square and Galata Tower. The main streets stay busy late into the evening.
Hotels in Beyoğlu
KaraköyEuropean side
On the water below Galata, where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. Ferries cross to the Asian side from here.
Hotels in Karaköy
BeşiktaşEuropean side
On the European shore of the Bosphorus, north-east of Karaköy, around Dolmabahçe Palace.
Hotels in Beşiktaş
KadıköyAsian side
On the Asian side, across the water from the old city, reached by ferry.
Hotels in Kadıköy

day tripsfood areas

Princes' Islands (Adalar)Islands in the Sea of Marmara with no private cars. Büyükada is the largest.About 60–120 min by ferry from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)
Up the Bosphorus by public ferryThe city ferry company's Bosphorus trip goes up the strait to Anadolu Kavağı, near the Black Sea.About 75–105 min by ferry from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)
Ortaköy, Arnavutköy and BebekOld waterside neighbourhoods one after another on the European shore of the Bosphorus.About 20–45 min by road from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)

4 more day trips

Şile and AğvaTwo small places on the Black Sea coast of the Asian side: Şile with its lighthouse and beaches, Ağva on its rivers.About 90–150 min by road from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)
BursaThe first Ottoman capital, south across the Sea of Marmara: the Grand Mosque, the Green Tomb and the Koza Han silk market.About 120–180 min by sea bus or by road from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)
EdirneA city near the Greek and Bulgarian borders, known for the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site.About 150–210 min by road from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)
Belgrad ForestA large forest north of the city, with walking paths around old dams and reservoirs.About 45–75 min by road from central Istanbul, one way (approximate)