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 Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

4/5(454 area reviews)

Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.

Şişli
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6 Istanbul
The price is AED 1,009 per night from Dec 22 to Dec 23
AED 1,009
AED 1,130 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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)
Perfect Staff , clean rooms

Reviewed on 15 December 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Marmara Taksim

The Marmara Taksim

5 out of 5
Taksim Square Istanbul Istanbul
The price is AED 556 per night from Jan 16 to Jan 17
AED 556
AED 635 total
16 Jan - 17 January 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Great customer support, convenience and cleanliness.

Reviewed on 9 December 2025

The Marmara Taksim
Dedeman Bostancı

Dedeman Bostancı

5 out of 5
Degirmen Yolu Caddesi, No:39B Istanbul Istanbul
The price is AED 449 per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
AED 449
AED 503 total
6 Jan - 7 January 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 2 December 2025

Dedeman Bostancı
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.
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul

Radisson Residences Vadistanbul

Ayazaga Mah, Kemerburgaz St 6A No.7V/101 Sariyer Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Galata Tower are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
I didn't try breakfast at the hotel/residence I like the big rooms full with all amenities The staff was very responsive and friendly Would book again if coming with a group

Reviewed on 7 December 2025

Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Karayollari Mh. Abdi Ipekci Cad. No: 30 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (262 reviews)
Yes, and I thank them for that.

Reviewed on 3 December 2025

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Airport Residence Kurtkoy

Airport Residence Kurtkoy

Yenisehir Mahallesi Millet Caddesi Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
7.4/10 Good! (349 reviews)
The area is close to the airport. There are lots of restaurants and grocery stores. The staff is helpful.

Reviewed on 25 November 2025

Airport Residence Kurtkoy
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.