where to stay in istanbul ? budget FRIENDLY and luxuries stay 2025

In this guide, I’ll share my recommendations on where to stay in Istanbul, a vibrant city that stretches across both Europe and Asia. As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul is known for its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. This guide is especially useful for first-time visitors, offering an overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in. I’ll list 12 top areas to stay in Istanbul, with tips for activities and attractions, ensuring you have all the information needed for an unforgettable trip.

where to stay in istanbul best Ares and luxury hotels

Istanbul Areas

For first-time visitors, Istanbul may seem vast, but it’s actually quite compact and easy to navigate, with many of the city’s main attractions located near each other. One tip is to buy the City Museum Pass, which offers discounts to top museums and monuments, and lets you skip the ticket lines.

Let’s look at the best areas to stay in Istanbul, including Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Karakoy, Galata, Taksim, Macka, Kabatas, and Besiktas along the Bosphorus.

The historic part of the city, located on the southern peninsula, is called Fatih and is divided into two main areas: Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. Sultanahmet is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. This area is perfect for first-time visitors or those who love history, as it’s filled with museums, markets, mosques, and traditional Turkish baths (hammams).

Hotels in Sultanahmet are often boutique guesthouses, typically housed in renovated, older buildings, offering a charming and historical stay.

Sultanahmet & Best Hotels

Some of the best hotels in this area are the luxurious Four Seasons, the charming boutique hotels like Amira and Ibrahim Pasha, and the Seven Hills Palace and Armada Istanbul by the waterfront.

Nearby, Sirkeci offers a mix of both traditional and modern elements, and it’s just a short walk from many attractions.

Sirkeci & Best Hotels

This area is more residential and less touristy, giving it a busy urban vibe with lots of restaurants and shops. It’s well-connected to other parts of the city by various transportation options and offers beautiful views of the lively harbor and Beyoglu across the water.

Some of our top hotel picks here include Regie Ottoman, Mercure Istanbul, Empire Suite Hotel, Phosphorion Hotel, and Miss Istanbul.

Karakoy & Galata & Best Hotels

Across the busy Galata Bridge, where you’ll find fishermen above and restaurants below, are the lively neighborhoods of Karakoy and Galata.

Karakoy is a vibrant waterfront area with stunning views of the harbor, looking towards Sirkeci and Sultanahmet. It’s full of trendy bar and restaurants, and boutique shops. Just a short walk uphill, Galata is home to the iconic Galata Tower, which stands out above the buildings and can be seen from many parts of the city. This neighborhood is popular with a young, affluent crowd and has a mix of international vibes. It’s packed with rooftop bars and cafes, perfect for a snack or sunset drink.

Both Karakoy and Galata offer a wide range of accommodations, mostly in the budget to mid-range price range. A few recommendations include The Wings Hotel, The Galata Istanbul Hotel, Haze Karikoy, and The Wings Hotel DeCamondo.

Taksim & Best Hotels

Istiklal Street leads to Taksim Square, which is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. The square is a large pedestrian area with a park filled with trees, fountains, and benches. A newly built large mosque stands at the square’s edge, and there is a metro station and transportation hub underneath.

Luxury hotels overlook the square, and the surrounding streets are filled with shops and restaurants offering everything from high-end international stores to affordable tourist souvenirs.

In and around Taksim, you’ll find some of the city’s best hotels, including The Marmara Taksim, Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, The Ritz Carlton, and The CVK Park.

Macka & Best Hotels

Not far from Taksim, you can reach the upscale residential area of Macka by taking a cable car that crosses a large forested park. The streets here are lined with trees and high-end boutiques, although food and drinks are available at more reasonable prices.

Macka is home to several luxury hotels, many of which cater to business travelers and Turkish tourists. Some of our favorites include The Park Hyatt, The St. Regis, and The Stay Nişantaşi.

Kabatas & Besiktas & Best Hotels

Along the scenic Bosphorus River, which separates Europe and Asia, you’ll find two busy areas: Kabatas and Besiktas. Kabatas is a major transportation hub where ferries, trains, and buses all connect. Many visitors also travel to this area via a funicular, an underground tram that quickly travels between Taksim and Kabatas with no stops in between.

A main boulevard runs along the waterfront, lined with stunning monuments, museums, and many cafes where you can enjoy amazing views. This is also where you’ll find some of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, including The Ciragan Palace Kempinski, The Four Seasons, and Shangri-La. Despite being a large city, Istanbul is relatively easy to navigate.

Getting Around The City

Istanbul has an efficient and affordable public transportation system. With one easy-to-buy electronic card, you can access the metro, trams, buses, ferries, funiculars, and cable cars. By mixing walking and using public transit, you can easily get around the city.

The tramway that runs between Sultanahmet and Kabatas connects many popular areas and offers a scenic ride across the Galata Bridge, through the city, and past Karakoy. Double-decker hop-on-hop-off buses are another great way to see the city.

Istanbul is a city where Europe and Asia meet, surrounded by water on all sides. One of the best ways to experience the city is by taking a ferry to the Asian side, where you can enjoy a meal, explore, or simply return on the next boat. Besides frequent commuter ferries, there are sightseeing and tour boats that circle the harbor and travel up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, offering longer day trips.

budget friendly hotels

Antique Hostel and Guest House:

• Location: Heart of Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic district.
• Accommodation: Traditional Ottoman house offering basic rooms with shared bathrooms.
• Amenities:
  • Free Wi-Fi.
  • Dormitory rooms for tighter budgets.
  • Rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.
  • Communal kitchen for meal preparation.
• Staff: Friendly and helpful with tips about local attractions.
• Nearby Attractions: Close to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace.
• Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a cultural and historical experience.

Surah Design Hotel and Suites:

• Location: Sultanahmet, near Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
• Accommodation: Stylish rooms combining contemporary and traditional Ottoman designs.
• Amenities:
  • Rooftop terrace with stunning city views.
  • Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.
  • Restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine.
  • Bar and lounge area.
  • Traditional Turkish bath.
• Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers who want modern amenities in a central location.

Grand Washington Hotel:

• Location: Beyazit district, near the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque.
• Accommodation: Cozy rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.
• Amenities:
  • Complimentary breakfast buffet.
  • Bar and lounge area.
  • Terrace with stunning city views.
  • 24-hour front desk, laundry, currency exchange, and ticket booking.
• Ideal for: Budget travelers wanting to explore Istanbul’s markets and historical landmarks.

Emir Han Inn:

• Location: Sultanahmet, within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Accommodation: Spacious apartments with kitchenettes, seating areas, and en-suite bathrooms.
• Amenities:
  • Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
  • 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
  • Terrace with panoramic city views.
  • Daily cleaning and laundry services.
• Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations in a central location.

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Top Istanbul Neighborhoods to Stay:

1. Sultanahmet (Fati District)

• Key Features:
  • Historical heart of Istanbul.
  • Close to major sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace.
  • Pro: Convenience, as you’re within walking distance to main attractions.
  • Con: Very touristy and crowded, with less authentic local flavor.
  • Best for: First-time visitors who want to stay near major landmarks.

2. Çirkeci (Fati District)

• Key Features:
  • Located in the northern section of the old city, close to Sultanahmet.
  • Walkable to historical sites.
  • Well-connected to public transport (metro, ferry, tram).
  • Pro: Less crowded than Sultanahmet, with easier access to transit.
  • Con: Not as close to Sultanahmet Square but still accessible.
  • Best for: Those wanting proximity to major sites without the heavy tourist crowds.

3. Balat (Fati District)

• Key Features:
  • Known for colorful buildings, charming cafes, and a local vibe.
  • Pro: Ideal for a local neighborhood feel, with great Airbnb options.
  • Con: Poor public transport access, requiring long walks or taxis.
  • Best for: Travelers who want to stay in a picturesque, non-touristy area but need to consider transportation.

4. Karaköy (Baolu District)

• Key Features:
  • Waterfront neighborhood, full of restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Easy access to the Golden Horn and the rest of the city by ferry or tram.
  • Pro: Great seafood, incredible views of the city, and a trendy atmosphere.
  • Con: Not much historical context, as it’s a more modern area.
  • Best for: Foodies and those who enjoy a vibrant, trendy area with easy access to attractions.

5. Galata (Baolu District)

• Key Features:
  • Charming and hilly area with cobblestone streets.
  • Home to the famous Galata Tower.
  • Pro: Stunning views, great cafes, and rooftop bars.
  • Con: Hilly, steep streets might be a challenge for some.
  • Best for: Those who love picturesque, elevated neighborhoods with a trendy vibe.

6. Taksim Square & Istiklal Street (Baolu District)

• Key Features:
  • Busy commercial area with vibrant nightlife, shopping, and cultural activities.
  • Pro: Lively atmosphere, great for shopping and nightlife.
  • Con: Distance from major tourist sites, requires metro travel.
  • Best for: Nightlife lovers, shoppers, and those seeking a lively and energetic area.

7. Kadıköy (Asian Side)

• Key Features:
  • A residential neighborhood with a local atmosphere.
  • Great food scene, local markets, and nightlife.
  • Pro: More affordable, less touristy, and authentic.
  • Con: Slightly further from major tourist sites, but well connected via ferry.
  • Best for: Travelers seeking a local experience, especially for longer stays.

FAQ

conclusion,In this post, we’ll help you choose the best place to stay in Istanbul, especially if you’re visiting for two or three days. You’ll find out which areas are best for your stay and which hotels to consider, so you won’t need to search for more information elsewhere. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us. We often publish similar posts on our blog, so if you’re a travel lover, staying connected with us will be really helpful. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing your feedback in the comments!