Hotels in Istanbul

Where to Stay in Istanbul

• Sultanahmet and the Old City: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar are within walking distance. The most practical base for first-time visitors.
• Taksim and Beyoğlu: İstiklal Avenue, Galata and Karaköy; a lively base for restaurants, art and nightlife.
• Beşiktaş and Ortaköy: the Bosphorus waterfront, ferry piers and a local market atmosphere.
• Kadıköy and the Asian Side: a calmer, more local Istanbul with the Moda seafront, market and cafés, closer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Şişli and Levent – Maslak: modern hotel districts for business trips, trade fairs and shopping centres.

Which Type of Hotel Suits You?

Most places to stay in Istanbul are hotels: boutique hotels in historic mansions, large chain hotels with Bosphorus views and modern hotels in the business districts. Aparthotels with kitchens suit families and longer stays, while solo travellers will find hostels around Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet. Rooms in historic buildings can be small and lifts limited, so read the room description before you book. For more on areas and boutique stays, see our guides Where to Stay in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors and Boutique Hotels in Istanbul: The Best Areas and Addresses.

When to Go

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons for exploring on foot, and in April the parks bloom with the tulip festival. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is mild but wet and the city is quieter. Hotels fill quickly during big trade fairs, concerts and public holidays, so booking early widens your choice.

Getting There and Around

Istanbul Airport is on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side; choosing the airport nearer your area shortens the journey. For a private transfer to your hotel, see Istanbul Airport to Istanbul transfer and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Istanbul transfer. In the city, the metro, Marmaray, trams and ferries all take the Istanbulkart; the T1 tram links the historic peninsula with Karaköy, and ferries connect the two sides.

Things to Do in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque can be visited outside prayer times; Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays) make up the classic Old City route. Galata Tower, İstiklal Avenue, a ferry ride on the Bosphorus and Kadıköy market show the city’s other sides.

Practical Tips

• Streets in the Old City and Beyoğlu are hilly and cobbled, so comfortable shoes and light luggage help.
• When visiting mosques, wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees; women need a headscarf.
• Evening traffic is heavy, so planning dinner near your hotel saves time.
• If you want a Bosphorus view, check whether it is sold as a separate room type.
• To see both sides of the city, consider splitting your stay between the European and Asian sides.

Booking a Hotel in Istanbul

The lists on this page bring together the highest-rated hotels and the best-value options. Enter your check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests to see available room types, board options and cancellation terms. Card payments are processed securely. Your card is not charged now; the amount is taken once your booking is confirmed.