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 Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 287 per night from May 30 to May 31
AED 287
AED 322 total
includes taxes & fees
30 May - 31 May
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! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel boasts elegant interiors and a luxurious atmosphere throughout. My room was spacious, spotless, and offered a stunning view of the Marmara Sea. The staff were exceptionally polite and helpful, always going the extra mile. I especially appreciated the rich breakfast buffet and the relaxing ..."

Reviewed on 22 May 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
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 1,133 per night from May 30 to May 31
AED 1,133
AED 1,269 total
includes taxes & fees
30 May - 31 May
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)
"Place was clean and perfect . Be careful with co fridge service , they don’t always have your back"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int'l Airport, Pendik, Istanbul, Istanbul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 441 per night from May 30 to May 31
AED 441
AED 494 total
includes taxes & fees
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,525 reviews)
"Thanks"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
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.
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 (276 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
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Karayollari Mh. Abdi Ipekci Cad. No: 30, Kucukkoy Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (217 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
The Han YK
The Han YK
Universite Mah., Aral Sokak No. 16, Avcilar, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Florya Beach and Bahçeşehir Gölet ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (63 reviews)
"Far from downtown and airports but great area otherwise. Super clean, new and safe. One of my favourites."

Reviewed on 25 February 2025

The Han YK
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.