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Where to Stay in Istanbul: My Selection of the Best Accommodations
Wondering where to stay in Istanbul? Looking for the best areas and districts?
You’re at the right place!
As I know Istanbul very well, I have created this guide of:
- Istanbul’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
- For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget
Let’s find your dream hotel now!
My Favorite Hotels in Istanbul
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Istanbul, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.
You just have to click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:
- Where to stay in Istanbul for sightseeing: Antusa Design Hotel & Spa, perfectly located to discover the historic center.
- Best area and hotel in Istanbul for a weekend: Best Western Empire Palace Hotel & Spa, in the Sultanahmet neighborhood if it’s your first time.
- The Best 5-star hotel in Istanbul: AJWA Sultanahmet – Preferred Hotels LVX Collection (the most beautiful hotel in Istanbul!) or CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, for its magnificent spa and swimming pool
- Where to stay in Istanbul on a budget: Hostel Le Banc, great location and close to public transport
- Best family-friendly hotel in Istanbul: Walton Hotels Galata
- My favorite hotel in Istanbul for a romantic stay: Divan Istanbul for its warm and intimate atmosphere.
In Sultanahmet District
Sultanahmet is the historic center of Istanbul.
It’s the most touristic and iconic district of this famous Turkish city, with its historic buildings.
The old city is home to Istanbul’s main monuments, as well as numerous shops and restaurants.
For me, Sultanahmet is the best district to stay in Istanbul!
I recommend this district for accommodation in Istanbul:
- Because it’s the best place to explore most of the city on foot due to its central location
- To be close the city’s must-see attractions
- To immerse yourself in the city’s history.
Sultanahmet district is the ideal place to discover:
- The Blue Mosque: with its 20,000 Iznik tiles and its huge dome, Istanbul’s largest mosque is a perfect example of Ottoman architecture.
- Hagia Sophia: built in the 4th century, it’s another emblematic monument of the city
- Topkapi Palace: a magnificent palace, the former main residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire
- The Grand Bazaar where you will find more than 4,000 shops offering jewelry, silverware, carpets, textiles, leather goods, and all kinds of local handicrafts
- The Hippodrome of Constantinople where gladiator fights and chariot races were held.
Here is my selection of the best hotels in the historic center of Istanbul
- My Dream Istanbul Hotel: Located 12 minutes walk from the Blue Mosque. Double room 100€ per night, breakfast 8€. Strong points: Airport transfer, excellent central location, super friendly staff – an excellent choice for a stay in the center of Istanbul!
- Best Western Empire Palace Hotel & Spa: Located 300 meters from the Topkapi Palace. Double rooms with Turkish decor from 120€ per night. Strong points: Turkish bath, very central, spa, pet-friendly, good restaurant food.
- Henna Hotel Istanbul: Located 7 minutes walk from Hagia Sophia. Nice double room from 140€ per night, breakfast included! Strong points: Bike rental at the hotel, rich breakfast, terrace overlooking St. Sophia, excellent staff.
- Antusa Design Hotel & Spa: Located 400 meters from the Grand Bazaar. Double room from 170€ per night, fabulous breakfast included. Strong points: Spa, stores in the vicinity, delicious breakfast, terrace. A great hotel for a romantic stay in Istanbul!
- AJWA Sultanahmet – Preferred Hotels LVX Collection: An amazing 5 star hotel beautifully decorated with an Ottoman style and traditional details, it is located 12 from the Blue Mosque. Beautiful double rooms decorated with carpets from 450€, breakfast 35€. Strong points: Swimming pools, excellent restaurant, Spa. Simply the best luxury hotel in Sultanahmet!
In Eminönü District
Eminönü district is located right next to Sultanahmet, north of the Grand Bazaar and is also part of the historic center.
It’s also very lively and touristy as you will find several key attractions there.
Just like Sultanahmet, Eminönü is a great area to stay to explore the city, as it’s located close to the train station, subway, tram, and the boats that allow you to cross over to the other bank of the Golden Horn.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Istanbul for a weekend in the city center, it’s an excellent choice!
This district is ideal for your accommodation in Istanbul:
- For its strategic geographical location
- If you like cultural visits
- To easily reach other districts on foot, by tram, and by metro.
In Eminönü, you shouldn’t miss:
- The Spice Bazaar and its stalls of spices, dried fruits, and teas
- Istanbul Archaeological Museums, housing an impressive collection of statues, pottery, and sarcophagi spread across 3 buildings
- Rustem Pasha Mosque known for its magnificent Iznik tiles that cover its interior
- The New Mosque with its numerous domes
- Suleymaniye Mosque: built in the 16th century, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are the best hotels to stay in the Eminönü (Istanbul) district
- Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci: Located 15 minutes from the Suleiman Mosque. Double room from 130€ per night, breakfast 16€. Strong points: Rich breakfast, ideal for visiting Eminönü and Sultanahmet, friendly staff Sultanahmet, friendly staff. It is my first choice for its excellent value for money
- Beethoven Senfoni Hotel: Located 300 meters from the Shehzade Mosque. Modern double rooms from 140€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Spa, rich breakfast buffet, terrace, good location.
- Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City: Located 10 minutes walk from the Grand Bazaar. Spacious double room from 150€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Pool, Spa, Bar, views of the mosque, central location.
- Rayelin Hotel Istanbul Old City Special Category: Located 10 minutes walk from the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. Double room from 170€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, spa access included, close to metro and streetcar, very friendly staff.
- Régie Ottoman Istanbul – Special Category: Beautiful hotel located in a former tobacco factory, it is a stone’s throw from the New Mosque. Cozy rooms from 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Its restaurant is in the Michelin guide, concierge service, nice decoration, friendly staff – a great hotel for a romantic weekend in Istanbul!
In Galata and Karakoy Districts
Galata and Karakoy districts are located to the North of the historic center.
They are separated from the Sultanahmet district by the Golden Horn, an estuary on the Bosphorus that crosses the city.
To get to the city center from there, you will have to walk across Galata Bridge (about 30 minutes) or take public transport.
These are dynamic and trendy districts, with many restaurants and cafés, more traditionnal than those in highly touristic areas.
You will like these districts:
- To enjoy the lively evening atmosphere on the terraces of the many bars
- For its more authentic side, with its cobblestone and winding streets
- For a trip to Istanbul with friends.
Places to see in the Galata and Karakoy district:
- Istiklal Caddesi pedestrian street, which hosts many shops and cafes over almost 3 km
- Yeralti Mosque, which translates to “underground mosque” and is located in the cellars of Galata Castle
- Camondo Stairs: a quite unique Art Nouveau style staircase
- Tünel Funicular, which connects Karakoy and Galata to each other
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü, the most famous pastry shop in the district!
- St. Anthony of Padua Church, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul.
Where to stay in Galata and Karakoy, in Istanbul?
- Meroddi Barnathan Hotel: Located 10 minutes walk from the Yeralti Mosque. Nice double room from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Close to the streetcar, great breakfast, terrace with very nice views, friendly and attentive staff. A great choice if you are looking for a traditional hotel to stay in Istanbul.
- Momento Golden Horn Hotel: Located 300 meters from the Galata Tower. Double room from 140€ per night. Strong points: Beautiful views of the Golden Horn, panoramic terrace, helpful staff, delicious food – it’s the perfect place to stay in Galata for a reasonable price!
- Port Bosphorus: Located 10 minutes walk from Karaköy Güllüoğlu. Comfortable double rooms from €170 per night, breakfast €15. Strong points: Bay views, terrace, continental breakfast, perfect for strolling along the Bosphorus.
- 10 Karakoy: Located 500 meters from the Tünel funicular. Modern double rooms from €190 per night, breakfast €18. Strong points: centrally located, rich breakfast, close to shopping areas and transportation, 2 very good restaurants.
- The Bank Hotel Istanbul: Beautiful 5-star hotel in the center of Karaköy, located a few blocks from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Elegant and spacious double rooms from €280, breakfast €20. Strong points: Spa and wellness center, pet-friendly, beautiful views, delicious local breakfast. Simply the best luxury hotel in Karaköy!
In Taksim District
Taksim district is located to the North of Galata.
If you choose to stay in this district, it’s important to know that you would be really moving away from the historic center, which will then be accessible only by public transport.
However, this also means that you’ll be staying in an area inhabited by Istanbulites (the name for residents of Istanbul).
Taksim is also home to quite a few luxury hotels, making it a great choice for a romantic stay in Istanbul!
Here are the best places to visit in Taksim:
- Taksim Square: the main square of the district, where you can find a mosque and the Republic Monument
- Gezi Park, one of the few green spaces in Istanbul
- The small shops selling a bit of everything
- Istiklal Avenue, which I already mentioned, ends at Taksim. The perfect place for a bit of shopping!
Where to stay in the Taksim district?
- Midtown Hotel: Located 50 meters from Taksim Gezi Park, nice double rooms from 120€ per night, breakfast 15€. Strong points: Rich breakfast, super well located, professionalism of the staff, very clean. It is my first choice for its excellent value for money.
- Mukarnas Taksim Hotel: Located 10 minutes walk from İstiklal Avenue. Bright double rooms from 130€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: very very tasty breakfast with vegan option, comfortable beds, especially friendly staff.
- Barcelo Istanbul: Beautiful luxury hotel with contemporary decor. Room from 190€ per night, breakfast 12€. Strong points: Beautiful city views, spa, restaurant, terrace, impeccable facilities – a superb hotel for a romantic weekend in Istanbul!
- Divan Istanbul: Elegant hotel located against the corner of Gezi Park. Double room from 230 euros per night, breakfast 30 euros. Strong points: Pet-friendly, swimming pool, delicious spa, 3 restaurants, beautiful views of the sea or the city.
- CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul: This 5-star hotel is just 5 minutes from Taksim Square. Stay in elegantly decorated rooms from €340, breakfast €28. Strong points: Beautiful views of the city and hotel gardens, swimming pool, spa, wonderful facilities – my favorite hotel for a luxury stay in Taksim (Istanbul)!
Where to stay in Istanbul on a budget
If you’re on a tighter budget, here is my selection of hotels for budget-friendly stays in Istanbul:
- Stanpoli Hostel: Nice hostel located 100 meters from the Sultanahmet Mosque. Bed in shared dorm from 20€ per night, breakfast included or double room from 60€.
- Hostel Le Banc: Located 4 minutes walk from the Galata Tower. Bed in shared dormitory from 30€ per night, breakfast included or double room from 80€.
- Selvese Collection Hotel Galata 1875: Located 400 meters from the Tünel funicular. Studio with king size bed from 80 euros per night, breakfast 15 euros.
- Acacia Mansion Hotel: Located 10 minutes from the Blue Mosque. Bright room from 90€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Free loan of bicycles.
Where to stay in Istanbul with family
- Novus Pera Hotel: Just a 2-minute walk from the Tünel funicular. Family room from 120€ per night. Strong points: Quiet, clean, well located hotel.
- Nippon Hotel: Located 300 meters from the Taksim Mosque. Family room from 180 euros per night, breakfast 18 euros. Strong points: Very comfortable, excellent breakfast and friendly staff.
- Walton Hotels Galata: Located 2 blocks from the Galata Tower. Family room from 230€ per night, breakfast 15 euros. Strong points: Nice views, friendly staff and owner, very comfortable, best place to stay in Istanbul with the family!
What is the best hotel in Istanbul?
If you’re looking to stay in the best hotel in Istanbul, I can only recommend AJWA Sultanahmet – Preferred Hotels LVX Collection.
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul is also a great choice, but it’s not near the old town (you will need to take public transports).
And if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable yet still excellent, you should book a night or more at Divan Istanbul.
Where to stay in Istanbul: The summary table of the best hotels
To give you a better idea of where to stay in Istanbul, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve created a table summarizing all the hotels mentioned in this article.
You can sort them by price or by district!
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