It can be hard to know where to stay in Istanbul, Turkey. After all, this city of more than 15 million people literally spans two continents, with part of the city in Europe and part of the city in Asia.
I’ve visited Istanbul several times (most recently in September 2019, and with another trip booked for July 2023). Across these trips I’ve spent several weeks in the city and had the opportunity to explore, and stay in, several different areas. When I travel to Istanbul, I look for hotels that are within easy walking distance of popular attractions, have good public transportation connections to other parts of the city, offer great value in comparison to the cost of the room and (when possible!) have a great rooftop breakfast terrace.
Fortunately, the best hotels in Istanbul check all of these boxes and more. Across the city (and across the continental divide) you’ll find a wide range of cheap hotels, mid-range hotels and luxury hotels to suit every travel style and preference. But which are the best? Keep reading to see my roundup of the properties I would recommend to anyone traveling to Istanbul, Turkey.
I’ve put a ⭐ star ⭐ beside the hotels in Istanbul that I think are the perfect combination of price, amenities and location. They’re not always the cheapest hotels in Istanbul or the fanciest hotels in Istanbul, but they are the hostels in Istanbul where you really, truly get your money’s worth. Of all the starred hotels in this article, here are my top three recommendations:
- ⭐ Budget Option: Venue Hotel in Sirkeci has affordable double and family rooms, a homemade breakfast on their top-floor breakfast room, and easy access by tram to all of Istanbul’s top sights.
- ⭐ Mid-Range Option: Ferman Port Hotel is located in a beautifully-renovated fourteenth-century building that is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and transportation connections around the city.
- ⭐ Luxury Option: Sofitel Istanbul Taksim delivers on the brand’s promise of local culture elevated through French elegance. This five-star hotel is close to the city’s best shopping and nightlife.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors – Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the best area to stay on your first trip to Istanbul, because it’s the area where you can easily walk to the city’s most historic attractions, including the stunning Hagia Sophia, the spectacular Blue Mosque and the mesmerizing Topkapi Palace.
Sultanahmet also has convenient tram connections to other parts of the city, including Eminonu (where you can catch the ferry to the Asian side) and Karakoy (just down the hill from the Galata Tower).
I have stayed in Sultanahmet several times, and highly recommend it for first-time visitors or anyone who is only in the city for a short period of time (say, two or three days) and wants to be close to all the main attractions.
RW Boutique Hotel
Situated only two blocks behind the ancient Hippodrome (where the Byzantine Empire once held chariot races), RW Boutique Hotel is a small property with recently-renovated rooms and knowledgeable staff. A traditional Turkish breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, where you’ll also have unparalleled views of the nearby Blue Mosque.
The Magnaura Palace
On the opposite side of the Blue Mosque, just steps away from the Arasta Bazaar (a small bazaar that is much calmer and more relaxed than the Spice Market or the Grand Bazaar, but that still has some great shopping), you’ll find the Magnaura Palace Hotel. The luminous white facade will welcome you inside, where you’ll find rooms and suites decorated with touches of Ottoman design (the sea-view rooms are worth the splurge!). You have to try the homemade Turkish cookies that they serve at breakfast (with a view, of course!).
⭐ Hotel Poem
If you’re a nervous traveler, staying on Akbiyik Caddesi in Istanbul will help you feel a little bit more at home. This is the most touristy street in Sultanahmet, and you’ll find travelers from all around the world flocking to this street to eat familiar foods (and drink at Irish pubs!). One of the best hotels on this street is Hotel Poem, where you’ll find double, triple and family rooms decked out in funky decor. This is a good place to stay for a few days, as the breakfast buffet always features new and interesting Turkish and Western dishes.
Seven Hills Palace and Spa
Looking for a little bit of luxury in Istanbul’s Old Town? Seven Hills Palace and Spa is a boutique luxury hotel in Istanbul, on the waterfront level behind the Blue Mosque. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa, and a restaurant serving Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Rooms in the annex building are slightly less expensive, and several travelers have noted that they prefer it over the main building anyways.
Hagia Sophia Mansions Istanbul (Curio Collection)
So, these are actual mansions. 🤩 If you value privacy, luxury and individuality, you’ll want to stay at this hotel in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district. Seventeen historic mansions (located between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia) have been converted into Ottoman-style suites, each spread over two or three floors to respect the historic layout of the mansion. Three restaurants are set around the hotel’s courtyard, and of course there’s an alluring Turkish bath for hotel guests. The Hagia Sophia Mansions are perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
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Where to Stay in Istanbul to Easily Get Around Town – Sirkeci
On my most recent trip to Istanbul I was visiting with my parents, who are in their seventies. Our main priority was to stay in an area that combined proximity to the Istanbul’s main attractions with easy public transportation connections around the city, since my parents aren’t comfortable walking 20,000+ steps a day (as I normally would on vacation).
Our search for Istanbul hotels that met these criteria led us to Sirkeci, an area I had visited as a tourist before, but not stayed in overnight. Sirkeci is only three tram stops away from Sultanahmet, but its waterfront location at the foot of the Galata Bridge makes getting across both the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait a little bit easier. Oh, and there are tons of great restaurants and cafes nearby!
⭐ Venue Hotel
One of the most affordable hotels in Sirkeci, Venue Hotel has the perfect location less than 200 meters from the T1 tram line and less than 500 meters from the Eminönü ferry terminal. The Spice Bazaar is also less than five minutes away by foot. The simple rooms here have traditional furnishings, plus modern amenities like air conditioning and an elevator. If you’d rather splurge on experiences than accommodations, this is the perfect Istanbul hotel for you!
Hotel Golden Horn
Travelers rave about Hotel Golden Horn, a six-story hotel that is just four minutes by foot from the Sirkeci tram station. With double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms and suites, this hotel can accommodate groups of any size and composition. The breakfast terrace here has beautiful, panoramic views of the Golden Horn (the inlet that divides the European side of Istanbul into north and south).
Cronton Design Hotel
You might feel like you’ve just stepped off the Orient Express at this Sirkeci hotel, situated less than two hundred meters from the Galata Bridge and the Spice Bazaar. Rooms are decorated with ornate brass finishing, plush leather touches and objets d’art inspired by the Roaring 20s (the hotel itself was built in 1911). Cronton Design Hotel is ideal for a honeymoon that doesn’t break the bank, or a business trip where you need to impress a client over dinner with a view… basically, any kind of stay where understated elegance counts.
⭐ Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
Literally across the street from the Spice Bazaar and right behind the famous Yeni Cami Mosque, this is a great hotel for travelers who want to sightsee by foot. The views at Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci are definitely a highlight, but if you’re traveling as a family they offer a discounted family room without windows (head up to the rooftop terrace for coffee and tea instead!). Oh, and don’t worry about noise from the bazaar, as it’s only open from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm each day!
Where to Stay in Istanbul for Nightlife – Taksim
Although there aren’t any big tourist attractions around Taksim Square in Istanbul, many travelers love to stay here because it’s such a hub for shopping and nightlife. In the modern city center you might feel like you’re in New York or London (until you hear the call to prayer from the Taksim Mosque, of course!).
Taksim has excellent public transportation connections, including a funicular to Kabatas (from here, you can catch the tram all the way to Sultanahmet, or hop on a ferry to Kadikoy, on the Asian side of the city). There’s also a metro stop here (Line 2) and a stop on the HAVAIST airport bus with direct service to the new Istanbul airport.
Premist Hotels Taksim
Premist Hotels Taksim is located in the middle of Istiklal Caddesi, the pedestrianized shopping street that connects Taksim Square with the Beyoğlu Tunnel funicular (at the north end of the Galata Bridge). Strolling down Istiklal Caddesi is one of the most iconic things to do in Istanbul… just keep an eye out for the historic red tram that also runs along this street! Rooms here don’t have amazing views, but if you book in advance you can usually score one for an amazing price.
Magnova Vitality Hotel
This is a new hotel just two blocks away from Taksim Square. The property was recently renovated and redecorated with a chic design, including eclectic lobby art and modern new bathrooms (no need to visit the Turkish baths if you book their room with a soaker tub!). There’s no breakfast service here, so sleep in and then stroll from Magnova Vitality Hotel over to Lades Menemen, a historic breakfast restaurant serving Turkish-style scrambled eggs in tomato sauce.
Trinity Taksim
Another new hotel near Taksim Square, Trinity Hotel Taksim is an intimate property with only thirteen modern rooms (including some with French-style balconies overlooking the new city). While there’s no restaurant on-site, there is a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can relax with a coffee or tea before stepping out the front door and into the heart of the action.
⭐Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
Billing itself as offering the perfect balance of “French luxury and local cuisine”, the luxurious Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is my top recommendation for a five-star hotel near Taksim Square. They have a wide range of rooms, two on-site restaurants (with views of the Bosphorus Canal), an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and an on-site spa. The concierge staff here are happy to assist with everything from airport transfers to reservations at the city’s best restaurants.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for Restaurants and Cafes – Galata & Karakoy
In my opinion, Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world for foodies. With its location straddling two continents, Istanbul’s culinary scene blends East and West, modern and traditional, and healthy and indulgent. If you’ve got a passion for Turkish food, the best area to stay in Istanbul is Galata and Karakoy, on the north side of the Golden Horn.
This district, tumbling down the hill from the Galata Tower to the Galata Bridge, is densely packed with restaurants, bars and cafes. Some date back hundreds of years, while others have opened their doors as recently as 2023. Ask at any of the hotels below for their staff’s recommended local dining spots, or simply wander around until you find a menu that catches your eye (it won’t take long!).
(I know you can’t spend your whole trip eating, so don’t worry! This part of Istanbul is also well-connected to the tram, funicular and ferry system, and there’s a metro station nearby too!)
⭐ Ferman Port Hotel
Imagine staying in historic Istanbul, in a building dating back to the fourteenth century and the fall of the Byzantine Empire. That’s what you’ll experience at the Ferman Port Hotel, a newly-renovated property just minutes away from the tram, funicular and waterfront in Karakoy. They have double, triple and family rooms, as well as a rooftop terrace with views of Princes Islands and the Marmara Sea. My favorite part of the hotel, though is the spectacular central lobby with a sky-high glass roof. Foodies will want to check out Karaköy Gümrük, a restaurant just around the corner that gets rave reviews for its fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean flavors.
Hotel de Reve Galata
One of the top-rated hotels in Istanbul, Hotel de Reve Galata is the kind of place that guests return to again and again. Rooms here are clean and spacious, with many having gorgeous views of the Bosphorus Strait. The staff here are particularly welcoming and helpful, making it the perfect place to experience authentic Turkish hospitality. Hotel de Reve Galata happens to be on the same block as Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü, one of Istanbul’s most famous dessert shops. Visit on an empty stomach because you’ll be tempted to sample all the sweet treats!
Galata Rasso
When you stay at Galata Rasso you are literally steps away from Istanbul’s most iconic landmark: the Galata Tower. While you’ve got ancient marvels at your doorstep, inside this new boutique hotel you’ll find modern, minimalistic design that makes each room feel bright and airy. Fans of the Turkish celebrity chef “Saltbae” 🧂 will want to check out the his signature burger restaurant – Saltbae Burger Galata – located just a few blocks away.
World House Boutique Hotel
Just on the opposite side of the tower from Galata Rasso, World House Boutique Hotel is another excellent option in this neighborhood. The rooms here feel like they’re coming alive with wooden accents, colorful tiles and even vibrant plants. There’s no elevator in this historic building, but it’s worth carrying your bags upstairs to one of the rooms with a private balcony and views over the historic city center. Nearby, the Galata Art Smyrna Restaurant and Cafe does double duty as a beautiful mezze (Turkish tapas) bar and art gallery.
⭐ JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
When I was researching the best hotel in Istanbul for my elderly parents, the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus was recommended again and again. An easy, flat walk from trams, funiculars and ferries, travelers with limited mobility will be able to move around Istanbul freely from this property (and yes, it has both an elevator and accessible rooms!). It’s not just the accessibility features that make this a top choice, though. This five-star hotel has eight on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-noted Octo, which focuses on fresh Turkish seafood.
Where to Stay in Istanbul for a Local Experience – Kadikoy
I first visited Kadikoy in 2010, and ever since then I’ve been recommending that travelers to Istanbul make a point of visiting this district on the Asian side of Istanbul… or even consider staying here, if you’re looking for a more authentic, less touristic experience.
The ferry between Kadikoy and the European side (Eminonu or Karakoy) takes about twenty minutes and is part of the city’s public transportation network, so hopping between continents couldn’t be easier. Kadikoy is also connected to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport by metro. If you’re flying in and out of Istanbul’s second airport, staying on this side of the city can save you money in costly airport transfers.
The advantage of staying in Kadikoy is that you will have a more authentic experience. There aren’t many tourist attractions on this side of the city (though there are still some interesting things to do in Kadikoy) so you’ll have more of a chance to see day-to-day Turkish life. Slow travelers, this is your kind of neighborhood.
Istanbul Life Hotel
You’ll in love with this boutique hotel in Kadikoy from the moment you walk up to its pretty front facade. Inside, many of the rooms have their original wooden beam ceilings and large windows with views out into the day-to-to-day life of local residents. Istanbul Life Hotel also has some very affordable single rooms for solo travelers, and you can connect with other travelers over the property’s highly-rated Turkish breakfast.
⭐ Dekalb Hotel
I love the location of Dekalb Hotel in Kadikoy, as it’s across the street from the metro station and just one block from the ferries to the European side. Like the hotel above, they have a range of rooms including affordable single rooms, several classes of double rooms, family rooms and suites. Splurging on one of the sea view rooms is totally worth it (you can save a bit of money by skipping the optional breakfast and enjoying a traditional breakfast at one of the many nearby cafes instead!).
Where to Stay in Istanbul Near the Airport
When Istanbul opened its new IST airport in 2019, I was one of the first passengers to fly through what has now become the world’s seventh-busiest airport. By car, the new airport is approximately one hour from the historic center of Istanbul, so if you have an early flight it makes sense to spend your last night in Istanbul near the new airport. I have a separate guide to the best hotels near the new Istanbul airport – click through to see my recommendations for flyer-friendly hotels.
Istanbul also has a second airport on the Asian side of the city, called Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Again, it’s about an hour from the city center (this time to the east, however). I am working on a guide to the best hotels in the area, but until I get the full article ready I recommend starting your search with the on-site ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel. Located right on the airport’s property, it’s just two minutes by foot to the terminal or to the metro station that will whisk you all the way to Kadikoy.
In the upcoming weeks I’ll be updating all of my Istanbul content, and adding new articles about my travels along Turkey’s Aegean coast. Follow me on Facebook to be notified of new articles as they’re published!
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