Istanbul · Where to stay
Where to stay in Istanbul
How to choose where to base yourself in Istanbul, then search live availability and prices on Booking.com.
Istanbul is vast, and the neighbourhood you pick changes the trip more than the hotel does. Base yourself in the old city to walk to the headline sights, or cross to the modern and Asian sides for the food, nightlife and everyday life locals actually live.
Sultanahmet
First-time sightseeingThe historic peninsula, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace all within a short walk. The most convenient base for a first visit, though restaurants skew touristy and the streets quieten after dark.
Beyoğlu & Galata
Nightlife and atmosphereAround İstiklal Street, Galata Tower and Karaköy, this is the city at its liveliest: rooftop bars, meyhanes, galleries and late crowds. Well linked by tram and funicular, and an easy walk down to the water.
Beşiktaş & Nişantaşı
Upmarket and localLeafy, well-heeled districts with designer shopping, good restaurants and a genuine residential feel. Handy for Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus ferries, and far less touristy than the old city.
Kadıköy (Asian side)
Food and local lifeAcross the water on the Anatolian side, Kadıköy is where Istanbul eats, drinks and browses markets away from the crowds. A short, scenic ferry from Europe, and the best value of the lot.
Read the area guidance in our Istanbul overview, then search live availability and prices below.
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