Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
Default Image

Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(2,609 area reviews)

Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.

Fatih
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is AED 279 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
AED 279
AED 313 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 4 June 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
4 out of 5
Türbedar Sk. 20, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (409 reviews)
"Fantastic find in a prime location between Sultanahmet Square and the Grand Bazaar! Easy walking distance to major tourist attractions on the historic peninsula. Staff were very friendly and helpful … special thanks to Halil and Burak in particular. Great dining options close by. The bed was very ..."

Reviewed on 9 June 2025

Carina Gold Hotel and Restaurant
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is AED 989 per night from Jun 14 to Jun 15
AED 989
AED 1,108 total
14 Jun - 15 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful property and wonderful service. The rooftop restaurant was excellent and the service was amazing! They were very attentive to the customers. Overall the hotel was just relaxing and comforting to stay. The bedrooms spacious and comfy with everything you need. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 9 June 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
G Tower Residences
G Tower Residences
Mimar Sinan Cd 35, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (274 reviews)
"Good breakfast and good room service."

Reviewed on 13 April 2025

G Tower Residences
Element Suites
Element Suites
3 out of 5
Sehit Muhtar Mah Turan Cad Cevza Sok 2, Istanbul
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
5.2/10 (292 reviews)
Good value
"For the price very good, clean comfortable small room nice bed shower worked fine, very central location, helpful reception staff, it’s in a steep street that looks a bit run down but is safe and a good cheap Turkish cafe on the corner"

Reviewed on 28 December 2024

Element Suites
Elits Suits
Elits Suits
3 Osmanli Bulvari, yenisehir mahçosmanli bulvari.no13, Istanbul, pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
5.6/10 (158 reviews)
"Very good people"

Reviewed on 13 January 2025

Elits Suits
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Istanbul

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3131
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
1378
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
236
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
47
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
55
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Taxi drivers are very aggressive and arrogant towards tourists

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Istanbul is a very vibrant city. It's an interest mix of cultures and played a key role throughout many points in history. We spent a week here after a week in Athens. 1 week was enough to enjoy our time and see the highlights in Istanbul.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was not our first trip to Istanbul. We had visited many of the places before and were only there for a day and a half this trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Melissa

Beautiful, clean city especially suited to couples or individual travelers. I would imagine it difficult to keep children interested in historical sites although plenty of outdoor walking. A multicultural destination where we felt welcome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful city we really enjoy our stay We definitely come back in the future..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The new airport is very far from town. Don't arrange a shuttle. They couldn't find us. Take a bus or a taxi if you are four people. They plan to have the metro connect to the airport next year.