Specifically, I will cover the different areas of Istanbul and all their pros and cons so you can choose the best area and hotel to stay in!

Additionally, I will provide hotel recommendations to suit different budgets and travel styles.

As mentioned in my Istanbul travel guide, Istanbul is a city that belongs to both Europe and Asian continents!

You can cross from both sides via a ferry so that you can take advantage of everything the city has to offer!

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at my disclaimer here

Best place to stay in Istanbul – the European side

Sultanahmet Area

Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul and it belongs to the European part of the city.

This district is the best place to stay in Istanbul if you’re visiting the city for the first time.

All the major sites including the Grand Bazaar are located nearby so this area is super convenient for first-time visitors!

1.3* hotel in Sultanahmet

The Apple Tree Hotel is a great 3* option, which is only 500 m from Blue Mosque.

The hotel offers free WiFi throughout the property, buffet breakfast, and beautiful Bosphorus views.

All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV, kettle, minibar, slippers, and hairdryer.

2. 4* hotel in Sultanahmet

The Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel in Sultanahmet is a stunning Ottoman Style 4* Hotel.

It is located right in the heart of the region, and around 250m from the Hagia Sofia.

Conveniently, the Sultanahmet tram is only 2 minutes away!

This hotel is a 4 star, that feels like a 5 star, so perfect for affordable luxury seekers!

The Sura Hagia offers an outdoor swimming pool, gym, a spa with Hammam, free Wifi, and a beautiful botanic garden offering various flower species.

All the rooms are soundproofed and fully equipped with AC, LCD TVs, and satellite channels.

Furthermore, you will find an espresso machine, minibar, and more!

Food-wise, the Sura Restaurant on the ground floor serves incredible kebabs, as well as organic meat and veg grown in the hotel’s own farm (how amazing is THAT!)

5* hotel in Sultanahmet

You are in for a treat with the Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet!

I adore EVERYTHING about this almost brand new hotel, only a 10-minute walk from all the major sights like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia!

The Ottoman-style architecture is incredible, providing all the traditional accents to transport you back in time!

The stunning rooms come with handmade Tabriz-style silk carpets and Ottoman-style sofas!

Also, there are HD TVs, electronic curtains, air conditioning, and an underfloor heating system.

As an extra touch of indulgence, rooms M Line Slow Motion beds and plenty of other luxuries.

You can enjoy a touch of first-class cuisine at the Zeferan restaurant.

Zeferan is on the 8th floor and boasts breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea, the Princes Islands, and Sultanahmet.

Exercise enthusiasts will love the gym and indoor pool, and relaxing customers will adore the library and indoor pool!

Apartment in Sultanahmet

Location, location location!

The Green Life Apart Hotel is a stunning one-bedroom apartment right in the heart of Sultanahmet!

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are only 500m away, so, definite brownie points for location!

The apartment has a double bedroom, a bath, and views of the Bosphorus as well as a choice to add breakfast to your stay.

Furthermore, you will find a cute little terrace with stunning views, A/C, TV with satellite channels, and free Wifi.

Taksim Area

Taksim – Beyoglu is the heart of the city!

All the cultural events, cinemas, theaters, museums, and great nightlife are all there.

In Taksim you can meet really interesting locals and mix into the daily Istanbul life.

So this area is great if you are a repeat visitor, or if you wish to explore the local side of Istanbul and stay away from all things touristy.

You can take a tram from Taksim to Sultanahmet in less than 30 minutes. Taksim is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Istanbul if you enjoy traveling off the beaten path!

3-star hotel in Taksim

A 3-star hotel is a good budget option that still offers luxuries and convenience.

The CZN Burak Hotel is 400m from Taksim square, and even offers free parking – not often seen in hotels in Istanbul.

The hotel features a bar and local cuisine restaurant, a steakhouse, free wifi, and family rooms.

The hotels Guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs, AC, kettle, and toiletries!

Buffet breakfast is included in your booking.

4* hotel in Taksim

The Taksim Metropark Hotel is a convenient 4* hotel right in the heart of Taksim Square, only 100m away!

You can shop till you drop at the luxury brand Nisantasi Shopping District, which is less than 2km away.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a day at the Cevahir Mall, 3 km away.

Just 100m away, you can jump on a tram, metro, or bus to head to Sultanahmet in no time, and with super convenience!

The hotel is spacious and even offers babysitting services.

The rooms are traditionally decorated with seating areas, Free wifi, large safe, kettle and satellite TV.

5* hotel in Taksim

The Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is located next to Taksim Square and Taksim Metro Station.

What is most exciting, is the cosmopolitan Istiklal Avenue just around the corner packed with bars, restaurants, cafés, shops, and art galleries.

Havatas Airport Shuttle is within walking distance for convenience!

The hotel offers a fitness center, on-site car rentals, and a ticket service to visit the sights.

The spa at the Gezi Hotel is to die for…and probably deserves daily visits!

In it, you’ll find therapeutic water beds, aromatherapy showers, ice fountains, hammam and sauna, and a fitness center to boot.

Absolute.Perfection!

The rooms are equally stunning, with wooden floors, marble bathrooms, satellite TVs, free wifi and mood lighting!

As for food, there is a massive buffet served every morning, and a Mediterranean resto with excellent views of the Bosphorus.

Top tip: The Hotel has been refurbished and is now eco-friendly paying special attention to green energy and water conservation.

Apartment in Taksim

Taksim City suites are a fab option for budget, privacy, and convenience!

The location of this elegant hotel is PERFECT – 200 m from Taksim Square and Taksim Metro Station, and 100 m from the vibrant Istiklal street mentioned above!

The rooms come with free wifi, AV, a safe and satellite tv, as well as a mini-fridge and kettle.

The apartment comes with a private bathroom with a shower.

The historic Sultanahmet area is 4.3 km from the property.

Best place to stay in Istanbul – The Asian Side

The Asian side is so different, you truly feel like you are in a different city! Local life is buzzing here, and tourists are sparse, which makes everything cheaper!

If you are planning on spending a lot time viewing the sights, be aware that staying on the Asian side will mean taking the ferry daily to the European side.

Definitely worth to cross over for the day, but not sure I would choose to spend all my days there.

You do get a big slice of local culture though, so head there if you are a repeat Istanbul traveler!

Meanwhile, if you are keen to explore the Asian side , you should know the hotels are cheaper!

3* hotel in the Asian Part

Look no further than My Dora!

This is a modern and cozy hotel in Kadikoy, with lovely rooms equipped with Free Wifi, spa bath, satellite TV, and tea and coffee facilities.

My Dora hotel also offers a buffet breakfast and is only a 20-minute walk away from Taksim and all its glorious nightlife.

4* hotel in the Asian Part

I love this alternative and spacious hotel – with scenic views of the Princes Islands (mentioned in my Unusual things to do in Istanbul).

The Sanli Hotel is lovely and convenient, being only 150m away from a metro station (the Huzurevi station).

The rooms have a flat-screen TV, safe, AC, Wifi, hairdryer, and toiletries.

There is a 24hr restaurant inside the hotel although some rooms also have a kitchenette and fridge so you could cook some of your own meals!

Free on-site parking is possible. The chic and lively Bagdat Street is 9 km away.

5* hotel in the Asian Part

This is one of my favorite hotels in Istanbul boasting beautiful decor and rooftop panoramic views on the top floor!

So if you enjoy the finer things in life, this is a top contender for Best Place To Stay in Istanbul.

The Divan Istanbul Asia offers modern rooms, and a huge spa with a hammam, sauna, hot tub, and a beautiful rain room!

You will also find an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a fitness center, with its own health bar serving healthy and delicious juices.

The hotel’s rooms are decorated elegantly and have free wifi, satellite TVs, and kettles.

The hotel is situated 3 km from Pendik Marina, where you can catch the ferry to the other side of the Marmara Sea.

Be aware that to get to the European side, you will need to take the ferry across the Bosphorus.

Thank you for reading through this best place to stay in Istanbul article.

I hope I have provided valuable information and ideas for all budgets!

Make sure you subscribe down below to receive travel discounts, as well as monthly newsletters! Lastly, go and follow my Instagram, for daily travel inspiration!

Love Tia x

Save this post for later

Related Articles

Istanbul Travel blog – All you need to know to plan the perfect trip

The most unusual things to do in Istanbul – The Things that no one tells you about.

Beautiful Istanbul Photography – Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Scams to know before you travel – Avoid getting scammed and robbed.

The post Best Place To Stay in Istanbul -Accommodation Options For All Budgets appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

The highlights of the city, along with its history, climate, budget, and customs await!

The blue waters of the Bosporus, the glistening rooftops, the call to prayer echoing across the Golden Horn, the smells, sounds, and energy…Welcome to Istanbul!

Keep reading to explore Istanbul, the only city in the world that belongs to two continents; Asia, and Europe

Where is Istanbul ?

Istanbul is in Turkey. It is one of the most special cities in the world, as its position belongs to Europe and Asia at the same time.

In the south of Istanbul you find the Marmara Sea, and to the north, the Black Sea.

On the European side, you will find all the historical sights, and on the Asian side, all the glorious food markets, and what I like to call, the real essence of the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Why you should visit

This city is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in Europe or Asia.

The reasons are many, but in a single city, you will find a plethora of Greek and Eastern influences.

Additionally, your eyes will marvel at monuments like Ayia Sofia church, mosques, tombs, palaces, and food markets.

At the same time, you can explore cosmopolitan shopping, street art, beautiful rooftop restaurants, and a lively night scene to top it all off!

This Istanbul travel blog will take you through this enigmatic city filled with wonders, culture, and a perfect combination of ancient and modern!

A brief History – Why Istanbul is really, Costantinoupoli

Until 1453, Istanbul was in fact called Constantinople (Kostantinoupoli) and was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 324.

The city was set on the site of an already-existing city, called Byzantium, which was settled in the early days of Greek colonial expansion, in around 657 BC, by colonists of the city-state of Megara.

In 1453 it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and made the Ottoman capital. Later in 1923, the Republic of Turkey was founded and so the capital became Ankara. 

Constantinople was officially renamed Istanbul in 1930 and Hagia Sofia was turned into a mosque.

The dwindling Byzantine Empire came to an end when the Ottomans invaded the city by breaching Constantinople’s ancient land wall after besieging the city for 55 days.

The war was bloody, brutal, and cruel, with over 4.000 deaths.

The Fall of Costantinoupoli called outrage, and Pope Nicholas immediately sought help to recover the city, although he received no help from any Western Monarch.

The fall of the legendary Constantinople was a turning point in Western History and is seen as the end of the Middle Ages.

What is it like visiting Istanbul as a Greek or Cypriot citizen?

I’m going to be brutally honest here.

Istanbul is a safe country to visit- sure – but my experience as a Greek Cypriot traveling there was somewhat… different.

And I will be the first to admit, that perhaps I am also to blame, as I am prejudiced because of all the bad history between the Turks and Greeks/Cypriots.

After all, Cyprus was invaded by Turkey in 1974, and still wrongfully inhabits 1/3 of my country.

But I have to say, the minute we spoke Greek, we were met with a certain hostility that made me uncomfortable.

Taxis didn’t seem eager to take us to the Saint George’s church for Greek Easter, and Ayia Sofia (A Greek Wonder) was filled with Islamic inscriptions everywhere.

All these details made me feel kind of unwanted, so I feel compelled to share them here.

Do let me know if you have a different experience, especially as a Greek.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Language and Religion

The official language in Istanbul is Turkish, although English is also spoken due to tourism.

The religion is mostly Muslim, although some small proportions of Christians and Jewish people still live in the city.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Dress Code

As stated above, Istanbul is a Muslim city, although it is also modern and westernized!

As a result, the dress code is relaxed, but also modest.

A headscarf is not mandatory for women but you will need to cover up when you visit a mosque. Men should also wear t-shirts and have their knees covered to visit mosques.

My Jordan Packing Guide is perfect for this Istanbul travel guide, as it is also a Muslim destination and the same rules apply!

Make sure you pack a pashmina, so you can quickly and easily cover-up. (you will need to do this several times per day!)

Tia’s tip: Feel free to pack something fabulous if you want to hit a nightclub! The dress code there is definitely more relaxed!

Unusual things to do in Istanbul

Below, you will find suggestions for the most historical sights in Istanbul.

But there is more to this fascinating city that meets the eye! All you need is to know the secrets!

And you can enjoy hidden gems like religious ceremonies, authentic cuisine, marble art workshops, food cooking classes, and more!

If that sounds like you, then definitely read the most unusual things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul Travel Blog – The most historical sights

In this Istanbul travel blog, I wish to help you explore Istanbul in its 360-degree glory.

To achieve that, you need to plan an itinerary that includes unusual activities, as well as the highlights and historical sights of Istanbul.

I am certain you have heard of many of these world-renowned locations. The Grand Bazaar, Ayia Sofia, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), and Topkapi Palace are only a few!

Keep reading for a full list of Istanbuls Highlights and Sights!

Where to stay in Istanbul

Choosing where to stay, will greatly affect the quality of your holidays and of course your accommodation and transportation budget!

There is nothing worse than being in the wrong area, or overspending on a hotel! Read hotel and area recommendations here

Istanbul Travel Blog – Climate

In this Istanbul travel blog, I find climate information to be of crucial importance! ‘There is nothing worse than freezing in your entire trip and trust me, I say this from bitter experience!

Summer is both warm and humid with very little rain but during winter, it is cold, wet, and sometimes snowy.

The hottest month is August (25-30 degrees) and the coldest is January (6 degrees).

Best time to visit

The summer is pretty great in Istanbul!

It is definitely not as hot as Cyprus, but it is busier and more crowded. Springtime is a good time to visit – less heat and fewer crowds too.

On average, April is 17 degrees and May is even better at 22 degrees!

Alternatively, September and October are also beautiful months to visit, with 25 and 20 degrees respectfully!

What if I visit Istanbul during Ramadan?

I have a whole article about what it is like visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan!

This will help you understand what Ramadan is, and to know how it will affect your holidays.

For example, some sights might be closed as well as many restaurants and bars. Or as a sign of respect, you might like to only eat and drink inside closed doors.

Muslims practicing Ramadan do not eat, smoke, have intercourse, alcohol, or even water from sun up to sundown.

Particularly in Istanbul, you will find many things open during that time.

Such examples are the famous Grand Bazaar, many restaurants, food stalls, and sights. The famous Blue mosque is also open, but with limited opening hours.

Tia’s Tip: During Ifte (the breaking of the fast at sundown) restaurants might be super busy and crowded.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Cuisine

Istanbul is a melting pot of multicultural influences and delicious tastes.

In most of the dishes, you will find southeast European staples and Middle Eastern tastes. These of course, result in a fantastic culinary experience!

The 360 rooftop restaurant is one of my favorites in the city for fine dining and excellent views of the city!

The Istanbul insider has a brilliant article on the 10 top things to eat in Istanbul.

Can I eat street food?

Absolutely! The hygienic standards are quite high in Istanbul, and you’ll find many tempting food stalls in the streets!

As always, I advise being sensible when it comes to choking where to eat in ALL your travels.

Choose establishments that are busy, especially with locals! And of course, make sure it looks clean, and that food is prepared fresh and not left outside for ages!

Should I leave tips?

A 10% tip is customary in restaurants, but not in bars or taxi rides.

Tia’s tips: Before you tip, make sure you check the bill! If it says ”Servis Dahil” it means they gave already added your service charge 🙂

Can I drink the tap water?

No! Bottled water is a better choice for tourists, and is widely available everywhere you go!

In the event of a funny stomach from water, food, or alcohol, make sure you take some activated charcoal tablets. You will need to pack those in your bag beforehand.

I buy mine from Amazon, as it is so much cheaper online than in the pharmacy! Activated Charcoal sucks up all the toxins from the body and will eliminate stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea in no time!

Istanbul Travel Blog – Transportation and Airports

Istanbul is actually a large city, but thankfully, not too hard to get around.

You can choose many transportation options like the bus, metro, tram, ferry, and taxi.

The airports in Istanbul are two, Ataturk airport on the European side, and Sabina Gokcen Airport on the Asian side.

Ataturk is the airport most frequently used by tourists!

Do I need a visa?

Cypriot travelers need to apply for an E-visa online and obtain their visa on arrival or online. The same rules apply to UK citizens too!

Tip: You will need to enter the names and details of babies and children traveling with you.

Additionally, you MUST buy your e-visa before your arrival in Istanbul. The visa is valid for 180 days, but you can only stay for 90 days in the city.

What is the best way to cross between Asia and Europe in Istanbul?

The cheapest and most enjoyable way to cross between the European and Asian sides is to take the ferry.

There are frequent ferries that take this route between Eminomu and Kadikoy. Alternatively, you can take a bus or Metrobus!

Lastly, you can visit the famous bridge, and walk along to cross from Asia to Europe.

Istanbul Travel Blog – Budget

I say this in all my articles, but please remember that you can travel either cheaply or expensively everywhere in the world, including Istanbul!

This depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the amount of shopping you want to do, and the type of food you choose to eat!

On average, I spent around 40- 50 euros daily on food, sightseeing, drinks, transport, and unexpected items here and there.

Below is a daily average budget plan.

Should I exchange money?

The Currency in Istanbul is the Turkish lira. Although large shops and sights might accept Euros, I would advise you to trade in the Lira.

You can use ATMs, which are available everywhere in the city. Better yet, pop into a currency exchange office, where you will get better rates.

Tia’s Tip: You will always save money by exchanging in the country you are visiting. Take out enough money from an ATM at the airport for the first day, and exchange the rest in the city.

For good rates, DO NOT exchange at the airport, or your hotel!

Safety and Tourist Scams in Istanbul

All things considered, Istanbul is a safe city. There are very few violent crimes in the city, although caution should be applied all our travels!

What is not uncommon though, are petty thefts and tourist scams. I was the victim of two of those in the space of a week!

So make sure you get to know the most known tourist scams in Istanbul

Charging your devices in Istanbul

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs

. I used my international travel adapter. It has got to be my most used travel purchase of all time – and it’s super cheap too!

Thank you for reading through my Istanbul Travel Blog! I hope I have given you the answers to all your questions on this beautiful, historical, and highly multicultural city!

Make sure you subscribe below to receive my travel newsletters and travel discounts! And while you are here, go on and follow my Instagram for daily travel inspiration and news!

Love, Tia

Save this post for later!

Other Istanbul Articles

Istanbul Travel blog – All you need to know to plan the perfect trip

The most unusual things to do in Istanbul – The Things that no one tells you about.

Beautiful Istanbul Photography – Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Scams to know before you travel – Avoid getting scammed and robbed

The post Istanbul Travel Blog – A Greek Bloggers tips to visiting Istanbul appeared first on Tia Does Travel.