Where to Stay in Istanbul For First-Timers (Neighborhoods and Hotel Suggestions)

First time traveling to Istanbul and wondering where to stay? Istanbul is a massive city that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, with each side offering its own unique vibe. Choosing the best area to stay can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit.

Should you stay closer to the historical part? Or should you seek something more local? What’s the best option for optimizing your itinerary?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular neighborhoods for first-time visitors, breaking down the pros and cons of each, along with some hotel suggestions to help you decide where to stay in Istanbul for your first time.

Most first-time visitors spend two to five days in Istanbul. Staying near the main attractions in Sultanahmet is super convenience, helping you make the most of your time.

That said, lively neighborhoods like Beyoğlu (that includes the Galata and Taksim areas) can also be a great alternative without sacrificing practicality and proximity to tourist attractions.

Ultimately, the best neighborhood depends on your preferences for comfort, convenience, and the experience you want.

Table of Contents

Map of Istanbul

The map below shows the main neighborhoods in Istanbul that are most popular among first-time visitors with a short stay. We’re not covering every area. Just the ones that are likely to be more interesting and practical for first-time visitors.

The highlighted areas are only a rough idea of where the neighborhoods are. The lines are not exact and may not match the real borders.

Recommended reading: Istanbul 3-Day Itinerary with Map (Best Things to Do)

Sultanahmet – The Historical Center

The Sultanahmet area is the historical heart of the city. It’s perfect for first-timers. This is the most touristic area and where you’ll find major attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace. These main attractions are all within walking distance of each other.

You’re also relatively close to Eminönü, where you can catch a ferry to the Asian side, and near the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, two must-visit markets (although very touristy and often overpriced).

You also have access to Tram Line 1, which is super convenient if you want to cross the Golden Horn (an inlet that separates the historic center from the more modern parts of the European side) and explore Galata and Taksim.

Sultanahmet was the area we stayed in. It’s a bit more expensive than other neighborhoods when you compare price/quality ratio. Also, because this area is very popular, the best options sell out quickly. However, it was super practical, and from Hagia Sophia to our hotel was only a 7-minute walk.

It’s not the place to experience local life, but it’s perfect for sightseeing. The vibe during the day is busy, but in the evenings, it gets quieter. There’s not much going on at night besides rooftop dinners and dessert cafés for baklava and other Turkish sweets.

Most restaurants here mainly cater to tourists, and it’s hard to find “authentic local food.”

Side note: something that let me down in Turkey in general was how tourists were treated in many restaurants, even in more local areas. Portions were really small and prices quite high.

Having dinner at a rooftop restaurant is really popular in this area, with views over the Bosphorus or the iconic mosques. Many hotels also have rooftops where you can enjoy the view during breakfast or dinner. The hotel we stayed at, even though super simple and basic, had a great rooftop with awesome views.

Highly-Rated Hotel Suggestions in Sultanahmet

If you want to stay in Sultanahmet, we’ve picked a few highly-rated hotel suggestions according to your budget. Please note that even within the same range, prices can vary greatly.

Luxury Hotel Suggestions

• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul (luxury): a former Ottoman-era prison turned into a five-star hotel. Located quite close to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it offers elegant rooms, a beautiful courtyard, fine dining, a full-service spa and top-tier hospitality. Obviously, it also includes a beautiful rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

• White House Hotel Istanbul (mid‑range / upper mid‑range): elegant hotel with classic Ottoman–style decoration. Perfectly located for exploring Sultanahmet’s top sights. It has a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served.

• Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet (mid‑range / upper mid‑range): this is one of the most popular hotels in the historic quarter, located quite close to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. What stands out is its breathtaking panoramic views (considered the best in the area) spanning Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus.

Mid-range Hotel Suggestions

• Kate Hotel Special Class & SPA (mid-range): modern and stylish hotel with a great location near major sights. Offers an on-site spa and wellness area: spa, hammam, and sauna.

• Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel (mid-range/upper-mid-range): a large hotel right next to Hagia Sophia. Offers a beautiful outdoor pool, on-site spa and fitness center, and multiple dining options with Michelin awards.

• Hotel Poem (mid-range): beautifully-decorated boutique hotel quite close to Hagia Sophia. It has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and breakfast included.

Budget Hotel Suggestions

• Sultan Hamit Hotel (budget): simple, clean, and well-located just a few minutes walk from the Blue Mosque. A great budget-friendly choice

• Cheers Hostel (budget): a great option for solo travelers located just a few minutes from the Blue Mosque. It offers nice views of the Bosphorus from the rooftop terrace. Besides bunk-beds, it also offers beautiful private rooms.

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Galata

When we mention Galata, we’re referring to the area surrounding the iconic Galata Tower, which belongs to the Beyoğlu district (northern side of the Golden Horn). This neighborhood with cobblestone streets has a very cozy, trendy, and charming atmosphere, filled with modern cafés and stylish restaurants.

The area is a great option in terms of location. You’re just a few steps from the Galata Bridge, and it’s easy to walk from Galata either across the bridge toward Sultanahmet or up toward Taksim via Istiklal Avenue. You can also hop on Tram Line T1 to quickly reach Sultanahmet or Eminönü, and Karaköy is just next door. If you don’t want to deal with big hotels or tourist crowds (like in Sultanhamet) but still want to stay somewhere central, Galata is a very good option.

What stands out here is obviously the Galata Tower, from where you can get beautiful panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the city. (Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed for renovation during our visit, so we didn’t get to go up and we don’t have any pictures of the views to show you.) Even so, just walking around the tower is a highlight. Don’t miss Büyük Hendek Street, one of the best photo spots for the tower.

Something very popular in the cafes in this area is the San Sebastian cheesecake. Although it’s a dessert from northern Spain, it has become very popular here. We tried one slice of cake for the two of us. It was delicious, but quite expensive for just a small piece of cake.

Highly-Rated Hotel Suggestions in Galata

Here’s a list of highly-rated hotels in Galata divided by budget range.

Luxury Hotel Suggestions

• Hotel De Reve Galata (luxury): stylish and elegant, with luxurious touches and city views from the upper floors. A quiet but central location just a short walk from the Galata Tower. Some rooms have balconies or spa baths.

• The Bank Hotel Istanbul (luxury): a luxury boutique hotel just a few steps from the Galata Bridge. It features a rooftop bar with panoramic Golden Horn views, a sophisticated spa, plus a well-equipped fitness center.

Mid-range Hotel Suggestions

• Novus Pera Hotel (mid-range): comfortable and stylish with a minimalist design. Features a rooftop terrace, some rooms with private balconies.

• The Hotels, Galata (mid-range/budget): modern and well-equipped with an indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant. Great value for money.

• The Gift Hotel (mid-range/budget): modern boutique hotel just a short walk from Galata Tower and Istiklal Street. Offers compact, stylish rooms, some with balconies, and a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served with city views. Great value and highly rated for location and cleanliness.

Budget Hotel Suggestions

• PeraNox Boutique Hotel (budget): a cozy and affordable stay just a short walk from Galata Tower. Rooms are compact but beautifully designed, and some have private balconies with city views. Super great value for location.

• Hotel Des Arts Galata (budget): a boutique hotel just a minute from the Galata Tower in one of the most instagrammable streets with views to the tower. Rooms are compact but stylish, and some offer balconies or city‑view terraces from where you can see the Galata Tower.

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Taksim

Taksim is one of the busiest and most modern areas in Istanbul, centered around Taksim Square, a lively and busy place with lots of restaurants nearby. Like Galata, it belongs to the Beyoğlu district.

From the square, you have easy access to Metro Line M2, the vintage red tram, and Istiklal Avenue, one of the city’s most famous pedestrian shopping streets.

Taksim Square is also home to the Taksim Mosque and the Republic Monument, which commemorates the founding of the Turkish Republic. These are two iconic landmarks worth seeing.

You’ll find plenty of food options around. Kebab spots line the streets, with men expertly preparing döner dürüm right at the entrance to call our attention. Don’t miss the Islak Burger (wet burger)—it might not look appealing, but it’s quite good.

For dessert, you’ll find many places selling Turkish sweets, including the Hafız Mustafa 1864 store, one of the most famous. I really recommend eating some Kunefe or blakava there. It might be a bit more expensive than other places, but you won’t regret it.

From Taksim, you can easily walk down Istiklal Avenue toward Galata or use public transport to get to Sultanahmet, Kadıköy (via ferry from Karaköy), and other parts of the city.

In terms of accommodation options, there’s a wide range of modern hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. This area is probably where you’ll find more modern hotels for better price ranges.

Highly-Rated Hotel Suggestions in Taksim

Luxury Hotel Suggestions

• The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul (luxury): just a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square. It offers elegant rooms with Bosphorus views, a full-service spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools

• CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul (luxury): just a 6-minute walk from Taksim Square, this 5-star hotel features panoramic Bosphorus views, a rooftop restaurant, and an impressive spa with a large indoor pool and Turkish bath.

Mid-range Hotel Suggestions

• Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, Istanbul, a Member of Design Hotels (mid-range): overlooking the Bosphorus and just a 5-minute walk from Taksim Square. Facilities include a spa, Turkish bath, sauna, fitness center, and a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for incredible Bosphorus views.

• Mukarnas Taksim Hotel (mid-range): only 2 minutes on foot from Taksim Square, it offers modern rooms, a fitness center, and a sauna. Just a few steps away from Istiklal Avenue.

• Midtown Hotel (medium/high range): super well-located just a a 3-minute walk from Taksim Square. Easy access to Istiklal Avenue and metro connections.

Budget Hotel Suggestions

• Ardilas Residence (budget): just a short walk from Taksim Square, this offers spacious, apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes.

• Santa Rio Taxim (budget): located 5 minutes from Taksim Square. With simple rooms but with a great friendly staff. This is a good option if you’re seeking a super well-located place for an affordable price.

• Juno Hotel Taksim (budget): Just a 3-minute walk from Taksim Square, if offers compact, modern rooms and a daily breakfast. Ideal for budget travelers who want to stay in a central location..

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Kadıköy and Üsküdar

Kadıköy and Üsküdar are located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is probably not what most first-timers consider, but if you want to experience a more local and relaxed vibe, Kadıköy can be a great option. Additionally, you’ll probably find cheaper prices for accommodation and more local restaurants with a better price and food.

If you choose to stay there, I’d recommend finding a place close to the Kadıköy ferry terminal, so you can easily cross to the European side and visit some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.

From Kadıköy, ferries go directly to Eminönü (ideal for reaching Sultanahmet, the Spice Bazaar, and the Grand Bazaar) and Karaköy (great for exploring Galata and Taksim).

In Kadıköy, you can explore the local market, and there’s a nice and long promenade you can walk relax, and enjoy beautiful views of the European side across the Bosphorus.

Üsküdar, just north of Kadıköy, is more residential and quieter. We visited for the Çamlıca Mosque, which sits on top of a hill and has one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul. The mosque itself is massive, the largest in the Istanbul, modern but still stunning. It honestly surprised us in the best way. We’re really glad we went, and there were far fewer tourists compared to the mosques in Sultanahmet.

Highly-Rated Hotel Suggestions in Kadıköy

Luxury Hotel Suggestions

• Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel (luxury): right on the waterfront, close to the ferry terminal, spa, pool, views of the Bosphorus and luxurious experiene.

Mid-range Hotel Suggestions

• DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Moda (mid-range): modern hotel, beautiful outdoor rooftop pool with views of the Bosphorus.

Budget Hotel Suggestions

• YOLO Hostel Kadıköy (budget): a great budget option for solo travelers or couples. It offers dormitory rooms and also private rooms. Great location close to bars and the ferry terminal (approximately a 7-minute walk).

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Visiting Turkey Soon? More Turkey Travel Guides

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