Best Place to Stay in Istanbul: Best Areas, Hotels, and Tips

Istanbul is massive, chaotic, beautiful, and completely different depending on which neighborhood you stay in.

Some areas place you steps from famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, while others feel quieter, more local, and far removed from the tourist crowds.

After living in Turkey since 2019 and spending years exploring Istanbul’s neighborhoods, I’ve realized that choosing the best place to stay in Istanbul can completely shape your experience in the city.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in Istanbul based on different travel styles, budgets, and neighborhoods, along with my favorite hotel picks in each area.

And yes, I will explain why Kadıköy is still my favorite.

My Favorite Places to Stay in Istanbul

#1 Top Pick – Best Budget

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Stanpoli (Sultanahmet)

✅ 10-15 minute walk to many tourist areas

✅ Comfortable beds

✅ Private and dorm-style rooms available

See full review below

#2 Top Pick – Best Apartment

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Istanbul Place Apartments
(Galata/Beyoğlu)

✅ Great mix of prime location, views, and comfort

✅ Julia & Tarkan have created a warm and beautiful space

✅ All of the apartment options are absolutely incredible

See full review below with all locations

#3 Top Pick – Best Luxury

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Mandarin Oriental
(Kuruçeşme/Beşiktaş)

✅ Childcare available

✅ Surrounded by green in one of the biggest cities in the world

✅ Best views in Istanbul

See full review below

Best Hotels in Beşiktaş and Şişli

Beşiktaş and Şişli are some of the best areas to stay in Istanbul if you want a more upscale and residential feel while still being close to the main attractions.

You will find many of Istanbul’s luxury hotels here, along with excellent restaurants, international food, shopping, and beautiful Bosphorus views.

You are also close to areas like Nişantaşı, one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul for upscale shopping, cafés, and designer stores.

I especially like this area for travelers who want a quieter place to return to at the end of the day without being completely removed from the city center. Some of Istanbul’s most iconic waterfront hotels and even restored Ottoman palaces are located here.

One thing to know about this area is that it can be very hilly. Whenever I used to go visit my friend’s apartment in Beşiktaş, I always had to mentally prepare myself for the walk back up.

Comfortable shoes are definitely a good idea if you plan on exploring on foot.

While it is possible to rent a car, I honestly would not recommend driving in Istanbul unless you absolutely have to. Traffic can be overwhelming, parking is expensive, and taxis or public transportation are usually much easier.

And if you are looking for a unique souvenir, stop by Minoa. It is one of my favorite English-language bookstores in Istanbul, and such a cozy place to browse for a while.

Best for:
Luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, Bosphorus views, and a quieter side of Istanbul

Hilton Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s classic hotels and a reliable option if you want comfort, green space, and easy metro access without staying directly in the middle of the tourist areas.

Some parts of the hotel still feel a bit dated, but the beds are comfortable, the breakfast buffet is excellent, and the gardens are surprisingly peaceful for such a massive city.

Best for:
Families, Hilton loyalists, and travelers looking for a quieter upscale stay

Crowne Plaza Istanbul is a great option if you want incredible Bosphorus views and a slightly calmer location while still being close to Istanbul’s nightlife and main attractions.

The wifi can occasionally be slow, which honestly is not uncommon in Turkey, but the views, pool, spa facilities, and attentive staff more than make up for it.

You are also just a short taxi ride from some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in the city.

Best for:
Luxury travelers who want Bosphorus views without staying directly in the busiest tourist areas

If money is not really a concern and you want one of the most luxurious stays in Istanbul, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is hard to beat.

Between the Bosphorus views, waterfront seating, spa facilities, and incredible service, this hotel feels more like a resort tucked into the middle of Istanbul.

I also love that despite being in such a massive city, the property still feels surprisingly green and peaceful.

Best for:
Luxury travelers looking for a resort-style experience on the Bosphorus

Top Places to Stay in Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu is one of the best places to stay in Istanbul if you want nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to many of the city’s most popular attractions without staying directly in the middle of the Old City.

This area is home to places like Galata Tower, Istiklal Caddesi, and Taksim Square, all connected by busy streets full of cafés, bars, bookstores, and small shops.

It is definitely one of the livelier parts of Istanbul, though, so if you are a very light sleeper or like going to bed early, this may not be the best fit for you.

I especially love wandering through Cihangir and the streets around Galata. And if you want a break from Turkish food for a meal or two, Reyhun is one of my favorite places in Istanbul for Iranian food.

Best for:
Nightlife, walkability, shopping, cafés, and first-time visitors who want to stay central

Nippon Hotel is a great option if you want to stay close to Taksim and Istiklal Street without completely destroying your budget.

The penthouse rooms especially stand out because of their balconies, city views, and kitchenettes. I also appreciate that the beds are softer than what you typically find in Turkey, which is often really hard to come by.

While there is no pool or spa, the location makes it easy to explore much of Beyoğlu on foot before coming back to a clean and comfortable room at the end of the day.

Best for:
Budget travelers, walkability, nightlife, and easy airport bus access

Hammamhane Hotel – $$

⭐️ RATING: 9.5/10 | $$ ♻️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Firuzağa | ✅ Book it!

Hammamhane is one of my favorite places to recommend in Beyoğlu because it combines a great location with a more traditional Istanbul feel.

The historic Cukurcuma Hamam next door is not included in the room price, but I honestly think it is worth visiting for a more authentic hammam experience than many of the tourist-focused options in the city.

You are also within walking distance of Galata, Istiklal Street, and public transportation to Sultanahmet and the Old City.

Best for:
Boutique stays, walkability, traditional hammams, and first-time visitors

Istanbul Place Apartments – $$$

⭐️ RATING: 9.8/10 | $$$ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Galata | ✅ Book it!

I found Istanbul Place Apartments through an expat recommendation, and honestly, these are some of my favorite apartment stays in Istanbul.

The apartments are beautifully renovated, surprisingly spacious, and feel much more personal than a standard hotel.

Many also have incredible city views and multiple bedrooms, which makes them a great option for families or small groups.

Julia and Tarkan have clearly put a lot of care into creating spaces that actually feel warm and lived in rather than just another rental apartment.

Best for:
Families, longer stays, groups, apartment-style travel, and travelers who want more space

See all their locations:

Fatih/Sultanahmet’s Best Hotels

Fatih and Sultanahmet make up what many people think of as the historic heart of Istanbul. This is where you will find famous landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the old city walls all packed into one area.

If it is your first time visiting Istanbul and you want to be surrounded by the major tourist attractions, this is probably the easiest place to stay.

One of the nice things about staying here is that you can walk to many of the main sights or use the tram to get around the peninsula without needing taxis very often.

Personally, I prefer staying in neighborhoods that feel a little more local and less touristy, but I understand why so many first-time visitors choose this area. I also have personal experience with two of the hotels below and would happily recommend both.

And while you are here, make sure to wander through Eminönü as well. Some of my favorite shopping in Istanbul is there, especially if you want to see where locals actually shop.

Stanpoli Hostel – $

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 | $ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Sultanahmet| ✅ Book it!

Stanpoli Hostel is my top budget pick and one I feel especially comfortable recommending because I personally know the owner.

I visited the property, had lunch on the rooftop terrace, and was honestly impressed by how clean and comfortable everything felt despite the affordable price point.

The rooms are on the smaller side, but the beds are incredibly comfortable, and the staff is genuinely kind and helpful.

The owner also runs Jennifer’s Hamam nearby, which is one of my favorite places in Istanbul to shop for high-quality Turkish towels and peshtemals. If you make a purchase of $100 or more, you can also get a free handmade soap or face cloth with this coupon.

You can use promo code “ARTFULLYLIVING” for 5% off your stay at checkout. I especially appreciate that their prices for extras like airport transfers are fair and trustworthy, which honestly gives a lot of peace of mind in Istanbul.

Best for:
Budget travelers, solo travelers, hostels with private rooms, and first-time visitors

Mytra Hotel – $$

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 | $$ ♻️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Sultanahmet| ✅ Book it!

I actually took the photo above from the rooftop terrace at Mytra Hotel. The views are incredible and stretch across both the Bosphorus and the rooftops of the Old City.

A friend of mine stayed here recently and had a great experience with the staff, food, and comfortable beds.

I also appreciate that, despite being in Sultanahmet, the area is relatively quiet at night aside from the occasional call to prayer.

Best for:
Mid-range travelers, rooftop views, quieter stays, and first-time visitors

Four Seasons – $$$$

⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 | $$$$ ♻️ ♿️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Sultanahmet | ✅ Book it!

If you want a luxury stay in the heart of Sultanahmet, the Four Seasons is hard to beat.

One of the most interesting things about this property is that the building used to be a prison before being transformed into a luxury hotel. Some of the original tile work still remains, which gives the hotel a really unique atmosphere.

Do not miss the rooftop restaurant, which has incredible Bosphorus views and one of the best settings in Sultanahmet for dinner or drinks at sunset.

I stopped by for cocktails when I visited Jennifer and was genuinely impressed. The drinks were excellent, and the whole atmosphere felt calm and luxurious despite being in the middle of busy Sultanahmet.

Best for:
Luxury travelers, rooftop dining, historic hotels, and first-time visitors

Best Places to Stay in Kadıköy – Asian Side

Finally, we have arrived at my favorite neighborhood in Istanbul: Kadıköy. I might be slightly biased since I live here, but honestly, I think it is one of the best places to stay in the city.

Kadıköy gives you a more local and relaxed side of Istanbul while still having amazing restaurants, shopping, cafés, nightlife, and easy ferry access to the European side.

Some of my favorite areas to wander are Yeldeğirmeni, Caferağa, Moda, and Bağdat Caddesi. I especially love grabbing a coffee and walking along the Moda seaside in the mornings before it gets too crowded.

It is also usually more affordable to stay on the Asian side, though Kadıköy tends to be one of the pricier neighborhoods over there because of how popular it has become.

And if you are looking for a unique meal while you are here, one of my favorite spots is PALEGG. Get the Tavuk Falan and a lavender lemonade. You’re welcome.

Remta Real Estate Apartment – $

⭐️ RATING: 9/10 | $ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Rihtim Street | ✅ Book it!

I love having a kitchen when I travel, and with all the issues Airbnb has faced in Turkey recently, it is nice to have an apartment option that feels reliable and straightforward.

Pro Tip: If you do book an Airbnb in Turkey, make sure the property is properly registered, as the government has started cracking down on unlicensed rentals.

The Remta building is brand new, earthquake-resistant, and in a great location close to ferries, metro lines, and the HavaIST airport bus. I also appreciate that the landlord speaks English, which honestly can make things much easier.

Best for:
Apartment stays, longer visits, transportation access, and budget travelers

My Dora – $$

⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 | $$ ♻️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Rihtim Street | ✅ Book it!

A couple of my friends stayed at My Dora recently, and both said they would absolutely stay there again.

The rooms are a little small, especially for two people with luggage, but the beds were comfortable, the breakfast was good, and the rooftop terrace was a nice surprise for a hotel in Kadıköy.

I also really like the location since it is close to the ferries, metro, and airport buses, which makes getting around Istanbul much easier.

Best for:
Transportation access, shorter stays, mid-range travelers, and ferry access

Wyndham Grand – $$$

⭐️ RATING: 8.5/10 | $$$ ♻️ ♿️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Bağdat Caddesi | ✅ Book it!

If you want a more upscale stay on the Asian side without giving up the calmer atmosphere that makes Kadıköy so nice, Wyndham Grand is a great option.

The hotel sits right along the Marmara Sea and has everything you would expect from a larger luxury property, including pools, spa facilities, fitness rooms, and multiple restaurants.

I also really like the location near Bağdat Caddesi, which is one of my favorite areas in Istanbul for shopping, cafés, and long walks. There is even a small beach nearby, which surprises a lot of people who do not realize Istanbul has beaches at all.

Best for:
Luxury stays, shopping, spa facilities, and travelers who want a quieter side of Istanbul

Üsküdar’s Best Hotels – Asian Side

Üsküdar sits just across the Bosphorus from the European side but feels noticeably calmer and more local than many of Istanbul’s tourist-heavy neighborhoods.

If you stay here, you will still have easy ferry, Marmaray, and metro access to the rest of the city while getting a quieter experience at the end of the day.

One of my favorite parts of Üsküdar is Kuzguncuk, a small neighborhood filled with colorful buildings, cafés, and tree-lined streets that honestly reminds me a bit of Balat but without the crowds. Whenever I am over there, I usually stop at GLOW Coffee for a dirty chai and dessert.

Üsküdar is also home to one of my favorite tiramisu spots in Istanbul, Kadim Kahve, which is dangerously close to the first hotel below.

May Otel – $$

⭐️ RATING: 8.7/10 | $$ ♻️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Üsküdar | ✅ Book it!

May Otel is a great option if you want Bosphorus views and lower accommodation prices while still being well connected to the rest of Istanbul.

The hotel sits close to Maiden’s Tower and makes it easy to hop on a ferry to the European side during the day before retreating back to the calmer atmosphere of the Asian side at night.

While Üsküdar itself is quieter than neighborhoods like Beyoğlu or Kadıköy, you are still close to places like Kuzguncuk and just a few Marmaray stops away from Kadıköy if you want more restaurants, cafés, and nightlife.

Best for:
Budget-friendly stays, Bosphorus views, ferry access, and quieter neighborhoods

Mercure Istanbul Altunizade – $$

⭐️ RATING: 8.4/10 | $$ ♻️ ♿️ | ⭕️ LOCATION: Altunizade | ✅ Book it!

Mercure Istanbul Altunizade is a good option if you want to stay outside the main tourist areas while still having easy metro access into the city.

I especially think this hotel makes sense for travelers visiting Istanbul for medical tourism or longer stays since the area feels much calmer and more residential than places like Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu.

Despite the reasonable price point, the hotel still feels fairly upscale and has amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.

Best for:
Medical tourism, quieter stays, metro access, and longer visits

Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Istanbul

There are thousands of hotels and apartments in Istanbul, so if none of the places above feel like the right fit, here are a few things I personally recommend paying attention to when booking accommodations in Turkey.

Look for places with strong reviews

I usually recommend booking places with a customer review score of at least 8+ on Booking.com and making sure there are plenty of reviews, not just a handful.

It is also important to actually read the reviews themselves. Sometimes foreign travelers leave negative reviews for things that are completely normal in Turkey. For example, many Turkish hotels do not provide washcloths, and beds are often firmer than what Americans are used to.

If softer beds are important to you, look for reviews that specifically mention comfort or consider international chains like Hilton or DoubleTree.

Be careful with Airbnbs

I personally would avoid Airbnb in Istanbul right now unless you are absolutely sure the property is properly registered, as they would give a registration number in the description.

Turkish police have started cracking down on illegal rentals, and some travelers have dealt with cancellations or issues checking in.

Prepare for noise

Istanbul is a loud city, and people tend to stay out late, especially in neighborhoods like Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet. If you are a light sleeper, I highly recommend bringing earplugs or a white noise machine.

You will also hear the call to prayer throughout the city, especially if you stay near mosques.

Driving in Istanbul can be stressful

Unless you are planning a larger road trip around Turkey, I honestly would not recommend renting a car in Istanbul. Parking is expensive, traffic is chaotic, and public transportation is usually much easier.

If you do rent a car, be prepared to pay for parking almost everywhere.

If your hotel has a pool

Swimming caps are required at most hotel pools in Turkey. You can usually buy them onsite, but they are often overpriced, so it is easier to bring one with you if you already have one.

One final thing to know

Especially in older buildings, it is common to throw used toilet paper into the trash bin instead of flushing it because older pipes cannot always handle it.

FAQs About Staying in Istanbul

Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of those cities where your experience can completely change depending on the neighborhood you choose.

Some travelers will love being surrounded by the history and energy of Sultanahmet, while others may prefer the nightlife of Beyoğlu or the calmer, more local feel of Kadıköy.

You could see the major highlights in a few days, but I honestly think Istanbul is best enjoyed slowly. If you like wandering neighborhoods, trying cafés, riding ferries, and experiencing local life, you could easily spend a week here.

No matter where you decide to stay, Istanbul is the kind of city that keeps pulling you back for another visit.