Where to Stay in Istanbul (14 Best Places) → 2025

Istanbul is a city of contrasts — where ancient empires meet vibrant modern life, and each neighborhood feels like a different world. Choosing where to stay here can shape your entire trip, from the sights you’ll wake up to, to the flavors and stories you’ll discover just steps from your door.

As a licensed tour guide with over two decades of experience showing visitors every corner of the city, I’ve seen how the right base can turn a good holiday into an unforgettable one. From the historic charm of Sultanahmet, where centuries-old landmarks are just outside your window, to the buzzing streets of Beyoğlu, alive with cafés, galleries, and nightlife — and even to the serene Bosphorus views in Beşiktaş or the creative, laid-back vibe of Kadıköy on the Asian side — Istanbul offers a match for every style of traveler.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in Istanbul, sharing local insights on their atmosphere, highlights, and hidden gems. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll find the perfect neighborhood to make the city feel like yours.

Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul

Sultanahmet: Old City of Istanbul — close to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace.
Karaköy: Trendy waterfront district near Galataport cruise terminal & Galata Tower.
Cihangir: Hip & bohemian neighborhood with cafés, art galleries, and Bosphorus views.
Beşiktaş: Lively area with luxury Bosphorus hotels & vibrant dining scene.
Kadıköy (Asian Side): Local vibe with bustling markets, street food, and nightlife.

Where to Stay in Istanbul 2025

Choosing where to stay in Istanbul can feel overwhelming — especially since every traveler’s needs are different. Couples, families with children, and solo adventurers often look for very different things in a neighborhood.

In this guide, we highlight the city’s most popular districts for visitors — including Taksim in Beyoğlu, Sultanahmet in the Old City, Şişli, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy on the Asian side — along with many other unique neighborhoods. You’ll find a clear breakdown of each area’s atmosphere, location advantages, and what type of traveler it suits best.

1. Beyoglu

Beyoglu is very close to the nightlife and Istiklal Street, which is the most pleasant walking street of the city. Only a short walk will take you to the best restaurants in Istanbul, such as 360 and Mikla. Some of the best nightclubs in Istanbul are also located in Beyoglu.

Formed in the late 19th century of the Ottoman Empire, Beyoglu covers a large area. Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Pera, Galata, Cihangir and Karakoy are the best entertainment, shopping and dining neighborhoods of Istanbul.

Although not as much as Sultanahmet, many historical monuments such as Galata Tower are also around. As a neighborhood on the list of street food tours, you can enjoy visiting Beyoglu’s Fish Market and its historical passages.

We will now focus on Beyoglu and review its neighborhoods such as Taksim Square, Cihangir, Pera, Galata and Karakoy in the following lines.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Beyoğlu
Pros: The cultural heart of Istanbul — walking distance to both the Old City and the Bosphorus. Brimming with art galleries, cinemas, lively cafés, and bars along Istiklal Street.
Cons: Taksim Square and nearby streets get overcrowded on weekends. Noise from crowds and traffic can be disturbing. Slightly less safe compared to Sultanahmet.

2. Taksim Square

Taksim Square is like the heart of Istanbul. Istanbul’s Sisli, Besiktas, Beyoglu and Fatih (Old City) districts are easily accessible from here. There are 4 and 5 star hotels in the streets surrounding the Taksim Square. Despite all the entertainment, shopping and eating facilities, it can sometimes be noisy due to the crowd.

Should I Stay in Taksim or Sultanahmet?

The question of whether to stay in Taksim or Sultanahmet in Istanbul is one of the most frequently asked questions about accommodation. The easiest answer I could give as an insider would be Taksim for nightlife and entertainment AND Sultanahmet for a calm and peaceful stay.

3. Cihangir

Cihangir is inhabited by Turkey’s famous writers and artists. For example, Orhan Pamuk, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006, was born and grew up in this area. The Museum of Innocence, which is identified with one of the books he wrote, is also in this neighborhood.

With the development of tourism in Istanbul in the last 20 years, wonderful boutique hotels have been opened in the neighborhood.

Cihangir is a popular choice between Taksim Square and Istanbul Cruise Port. However the hotels are small. You can reach Cihangir via Siraselviler Street, which runs from Taksim Square towards the sea.

Where to Stay in Istanbul for Couples (2025)
For a romantic and stylish base, Cihangir is one of the top choices for couples in 2025. This bohemian neighborhood offers a central location, chic cafés, intimate restaurants, and boutique bars — all within walking distance of Beyoğlu’s cultural heart. For a memorable stay, I personally recommend The Witt Istanbul, one of the most unique boutique hotels in the area.

4. Pera

Pera reached its present splendor during the last period of the Ottoman Empire. Beautiful hotels were opened for the guests of Orient Express from Paris. The French and British embassies moved here, and the district gained great popularity.

In the 19th century, Beyoglu was called “Pera” by the Europeans living in the city. The name of Istiklal Street was “Grand Rue de Pera”. The area where Mesrutiyet Street is located is still known as “Pera” today. This area has great hotels such as Rixos Pera, Pera Palace (shown in the picture above) and Soho House.

Mesrutiyet Street is parallel to the famous Istiklal Avenue. The side streets connecting the two avenues are famous for their Turkish taverns, restaurants and bars. The most famous of these is the narrow street called “Asmali Mescit”. Many Istanbulites go to the places in Asmali Mescit to have fun on weekends.

5. Galata

Galata is famous for its Galata Tower. But the history of the neighborhood is much more than that. Throughout Byzantine and Ottoman history, silk fabrics from China and spices from India reached the port of Constantinople.

The Venetian and Genoese trade colonies located here distributed the goods of Asia to Europe. Galata, a lively harbor, has inherited many Genoese buildings. Galata Tower is the most famous of these Genoese works.

This historic district is one of the best neighborhoods in Istanbul today. It offers great options, especially for those who are looking for Istanbul Airbnb apartments. Some of the streets surrounding Galata are the best places to shop in Istanbul.

6. Karakoy

Karakoy acts as a bridge between Old City and Modern Istanbul. Galata Bridge connects the Eminonu and Karakoy. The southern end of the bridge is Eminonu (Spice Bazaar area), while the northern end is Karakoy.

The transportation hub of Istanbul’s Old City is “Eminonu”. Likewise, the transportation center of Beyoglu, which is the opposite side of the Golden Horn, is “Karakoy”. From both sides, the ferry departs to Kadikoy, the most popular district of the Asian side.

Karakoy had a large non-Muslim population as one of the most cosmopolitan districts of Ottoman Istanbul. It was preferred by wealthy Jewish and Greek families. With the globalization of the 19th century, the first international banks of Istanbul were opened here.

You can still see the traces of this multicultural structure while you are visiting Karakoy. Because the streets are like a cultural mosaic where synagogues, churches and mosques are side by side.

Karakoy has been the most developing district of istanbul in the last decade. Karakoy is one of the hip neighborhoods of Istanbul, with the best 3rd wave coffee shops, art galleries and boutique hotels.

I have listed districts of Beyoglu such as Taksim, Cihangir, Galata and Karakoy so far. If you want to know the prominent hotels in these districts, you can also review the article on the best hotels to stay in Beyoglu.

Where to Stay in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors (2025)
With the opening of Galataport — Istanbul’s modern cruise terminal — Karaköy has emerged as one of the most appealing areas for first-time visitors. Ideally located between the historic charm of Sultanahmet and the lively streets of Taksim, it offers quick access to top landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. The waterfront is filled with stylish cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a perfect blend of convenience, atmosphere, and authentic Istanbul vibes.

7. Istanbul Old City

The Old City of Istanbul is the core of the city known as Constantinople during the Byzantine period. This area is known to Istanbulites as the Historical Peninsula and is surrounded by Roman walls and houses the majority of historical monuments.

We will now focus on the Old City and review its neighborhoods such as Beyazit, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci and Golden Horn in the following lines.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Istanbul Old City
Pros: Mostly closed to traffic, quiet, and safe. Located near all the must-see historic attractions. Easy access to Beyoğlu (Galata, Istiklal Street, Taksim Square) via the tram.
Cons: Limited nightlife — after 11 PM, the area becomes very quiet and streets are mostly empty.

8. Beyazit

Beyazit is the neighborhood where the historical Grand Bazaar is located. You can easily reach Istanbul’s most functional vehicles such as Metro, Marmaray and Tram on foot from Beyazit.

The biggest advantage of accommodation in Beyazit compared to Sultanahmet is that it hosts larger hotels. Beyazit and its neighboring Laleli and Aksaray districts offer spacious hotel rooms for a family with kids visiting Istanbul.

Where to Stay in Istanbul with Family (2025)
For families visiting Istanbul, Beyazit, Laleli, and Aksaray stand out as convenient and comfortable bases. These districts are just a short walk or tram ride from Sultanahmet, making sightseeing with children easy. Many hotels here offer spacious family suites at reasonable rates. Popular choices include Crowne Plaza Istanbul Old City and Hilton Doubletree Old Town, both known for their central location and family-friendly amenities.

9. Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the best place to stay for those who want a quiet night in istanbul. No matter how crowded it is during the day, after midnight all the streets are silent. Those who want to experience the nightlife of Istanbul go to districts like Beyoglu and Besiktas.

Sultanahmet, where the best places to visit in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque, is home to beautiful boutique hotels. You may want to check the blog post named Best Hotels in Sultanahmet for further information.

Where to Stay in Istanbul for Sightseeing (2025)
For sightseeing, Sultanahmet is the ideal base in 2025. Here, you’ll find Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar all within easy walking distance. The area is largely closed to traffic, making it perfect for relaxed strolls between landmarks. Evenings are generally quiet, allowing for a restful night after a full day of exploring.

10. Sirkeci

Sirkeci was the last stop of the Orient Express which departed from Paris. Europeans who came to the Ottoman capital used to see this neighborhood as the first place in Istanbul.

Sirkeci, one of the most vibrant squares in Istanbul since Ottoman era, is located between Sultanahmet and Eminonu. Istanbul’s most delicious desserts, street food and local restaurants can be found in this neighborhood.

If you take a look at the articles called best street food in Istanbul and the best local restaurants in Istanbul, you can see that I mentioned Sirkeci a lot. Sirkeci is also home to Hodjapasha Cultural Center, the best place to watch the Whirling Derwishes Show.

11. Golden Horn

Golden Horn is an estuary that separates Beyoglu (New City) from the Fatih (Old City). Hotels with large rooms opened on the shores of Golden Horn in recent years. You can also consider this area as an alternative to Sirkeci, Sultanahmet and Beyazit, which are in the inner part of the Old City.

There are many tourist attractions in neighborhoods such as Fener, Balat and Eyup on the shores of Golden Horn. Fener Balat districts are the most popular walking route of recent years. In Eyup, you can take the cable car to the Pierre Loti Hill and watch the Istanbul view as in the picture above.

Until a few years ago, Golden Horn did not come to mind when it came to where to stay in Istanbul. Now big hotels such as Movenpick, Hilton Garden Inn and Ramada are opened. With these features, Golden Horn is among the best places to stay in Istanbul in 2025.

12. Sisli

Sisli is one of the most popular accommodation places in Istanbul in recent years. Sisli, where the biggest shopping malls of Istanbul are located, draws attention with its proximity to all tourist attractions.

It is very easy to reach Taksim Square and the shores of the Bosphorus from Sisli. It is also possible to reach Istanbul Old City in half an hour by public transportation or taxi.

Sisli is also very close to the business centers of Istanbul such as Levent and Maslak. There are luxury shopping centers and fine dining restaurants of Istanbul in these districts.

Where to Stay in Istanbul for Shopping (2025)
For a shopping-focused stay, Şişli is the top choice in 2025. It’s home to Cevahir, one of Istanbul’s largest shopping malls, and just a short drive from upscale destinations like Kanyon and IstinyePark. The area offers a mix of modern hotels and excellent transport links, making it easy to shop and explore the city.

13. Besiktas

If you want to be close to the unique beauty of Bosphorus, you can choose hotels located in Besiktas area. In general terms, these hotels are in the most expensive category.

Besiktas is a district covering a large area. Dolmabahce Palace is also located within the borders of Besiktas. The hotels around the Dolmabahce Palace are The Ritz Carlton Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and Swissôtel The Bosphorus.

Hotels nearby Besiktas Fish Market area (center of the neighborhood) are Shangri-La Bosphorus and Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. In recent years, the very stylish W Hotel has been added among these hotels.

When you go further up the Bosphorus there is Ortakoy district of Besiktas. Ortakoy is also home to the most luxurious hotels such as Four Seasons Bosphorus and Ciragan Palace Kempinski.

For more information about hotels with Bosphorus view in Istanbul, you can also check out my post on Bosphorus Hotels in Istanbul.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Beşiktaş on the Bosphorus
Pros: Stunning Bosphorus views, higher quality of life compared to many districts, upscale restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Close to charming neighborhoods like Ortaköy and Bebek.
Cons: Hotels are generally expensive and far from major historic attractions. Heavy traffic can make reaching Sultanahmet time-consuming. Roads to Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, and Bebek are often congested.

14. Kadikoy

Kadikoy is the most popular district of Istanbul’s Asian Side. Fish Market in Kadikoy is one of the main stops of food tours in Istanbul. You can find delicious local restaurants, street food and the coolest cafes of Istanbul in Kadikoy.

When you get away from the center of Kadikoy, there are still many beautiful places. For example, Moda and Fenerbahce are neighborhoods with good restaurants, cafes and hotels.

Bagdat Street, which is the largest shopping street of Istanbul’s Asian Side, is also located in Kadikoy. There are countless bars, cafes and restaurants on this 15-kilometer street.

For accommodation options in and around Kadikoy, I recommend you to take a look at the article titled Best Hotels on the Asian Side of Istanbul.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Kadıköy (Asian Side of Istanbul)
Pros: A vibrant local atmosphere with lively markets, street art, and a rich food scene. Excellent ferry connections to the European side, plus easy access to Moda’s relaxed seaside vibe. More affordable accommodation compared to touristic districts.
Cons: Far from the main historical attractions in the Old City, requiring a ferry or long commute. Lacks the immediate proximity to iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

Conclusion

In this article, I tried to answer the question where to stay in Istanbul. As someone who has worked in Istanbul hotels for nearly ten years, I have a lot of experience in this field.

At first glance, it will be difficult to understand the location of the districts I mentioned in this article. You can view the map I shared at the beginning of the article in full resolution and work on it.

You can also find the Istanbul Tourist Attractions Map, which shows the locations of the districts in Istanbul and describes how to reach the famous historical monuments.

Written by Serhat Engul