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.

There are many scams in Istanbul- some simple, some more elaborate.

Knowing what they are before you travel there, will save your pockets, dignity, and safety!

Istanbul is a safe city, yes, but that doesn’t mean that tourists don’t often get targeted with petty crimes – because they do!

I have been the victim of Istanbul scams twice, so keep reading to avoid the same happening to you!

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

Istanbul Scams – The Taxi Scam

Ugh, this one is SOOOO frustrating.

Because it practically messes with your intelligence!

Yes, you guessed it, I was a victim of this Istanbul scam.

The Scam: So you are sitting in the taxi and the meter says 25 TL (Turkish Lira).

You hand in a 50 lira note, and expect some change – but the taxi driver quickly changes your 50 note with a 5.

He then says, ”you only gave me a 5 I need another 20”.

You KNOW you have given a 50 but you can’t PROVE it.

So you are forced to hand it another 20.

How to respond: Well I was so frustrated I just started screaming in Greek. No, it didn’t help my situation, but it sure made me feel better!

Make sure you watch him carefully. Tell him you need change before you hand in any money. ”Do you have change? I only have a 50”. Let him respond before you hand in your money.

If he is insistent or gets aggravated, cut your losses and get out.

Istanbul Scams – Currency Conversion Shopping Scam

This one is tricky, and the main reason why I don’t like paying with credit cards when I am shopping abroad!

As mentioned in my Istanbul Travel Blog, it is always better to convert to local currency.

The Scam: You are out shopping in the numerous markets in Istanbul. A lovely and polite salesperson will assist you perfectly.

Of course, he will reassure you that whatever he is selling (rugs, jewelry, leather) is 100% authentic.

Once you have decided to purchase, your card will be charged in YOUR local currency, not theirs.

And if you think that 1 Euro is 7.5 Turkish Lira, the difference is immense! You will basically end up paying 7 times the amount.

How to respond: Pay in local currency everywhere you go. Avoid paying with credit cards.

Another trick is to pay with a Revolut card (I have been using it for 2 years and it’s free). BUT make sure you leave it empty and only transfer a small amount into it at the time.

That way, your card won’t have enough funds to be overcharged 🙂

Istanbul Scams – The drinks Scam

The Scam: In the evening, while you are walking the streets of Taksim or Istiklal, a friendly man will approach, and start asking you questions or serving compliments like hot potatoes.

If you stop walking and engage in conversation, you will be asked to go to their bar for a drink.

They will say it is the best club of course, with the best crowd, drinks, women, etc.

Upon entering the establishment, you will realize it is a strip club.

Drinks will be brought to you and a woman that will magically appear at your side before you even had a chance to order them!

But what is so bad about that? You ask. Well, the bill will be HUGE. Like, hundreds of euros. If you try to leave, you will be threatened by security, and might even be forced to an ATM to withdraw the funds!

How to Respond: Do NOT engage in conversation. Say, ”no thank you” and keep walking away! If you ignore them, they give up!

If you wish to party, ask to see a price menu BEFORE you enter.

Istanbul Scams – The ”no change” scam

The Scam: You are in a taxi, and you hand a 5 TL (Turkish Lira) note and need some change. All of a sudden, the driver miraculously runs out of change.

He produces less change and insists he hasn’t got any more on him.

How to respond: Either let him keep the petty change, or insist he pop in a store and procure some change.

I guarantee you anything, that change will magically appear out of thin air!

Istanbul Scams – The Stolen and Fake Goods Scam

The Scam: Perfume, designer labels. carpets, jewelry, and leather goods – are all subject to fraud.

Outside of malls, or in the tourist areas of Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar, merchants will try to push fake perfume and sunglasses down your throat and my God are they relentless!

They swear the goods aren’t fake, and even offer to show you the authenticity barcode. Don’t be fooled, they are totally fake!

Carpets and jewelry are where you need to be EXTRA careful with – as the cost of buying them will be far higher than perfume.

Please be careful you won’t be given a fake piece, that is worthless!

A piece of jewelry or traditional Turkish rug can cost from hundreds of euros to tens of thousands.

How to Respond: Especially when buying rugs or jewelry, do your research beforehand. Know exactly what you are looking for, the category of it, and the approximate price.

To avoid this Cliche Istanbul scam from happening to you, only deal with a reputable store. Make sure you take a look at a few before making a decision!

Istanbul Scams – The Restaurant Scam

Food couldn’t be excluded from this Istanbul scams list!

Istanbul is a place for great food- no doubt about that. Bus as with every country, tourists will not often be served authentic, delicious food.

Scam 1: Tourist areas are almost always serving second-rate food so caution is advised! The prices are higher, and the quality of the food is subpar.

How to respond: In general – if you see a menu only in English, walk away. If a restaurant serves 50 dishes walk away.

And lastly, if there are no locals there, then walk straight out the door! But there is also another scam to be aware of

Scam 2: The waiter brings water, nibbles, or wine to the table without you ordering them. You are delighted and think it is part of the culture, but when the bill comes, you will soon realize they are not for free!

How to respond: Be thorough when you order, and respectfully decline any additional items landing on your table!

Pickpocketing

Of course, this is the most common petty theft and an act that plagues any country you travel to, particularly – in my opinion – Europe!

Pickpocketing will most often take place in a highly crowded, touristic location. Think bus stations, metro, and trams!

How to protect yourself: Men should avoid carrying wallets and phones in their pockets. Instead, check out this waterproof, anti-theft, lightweight messenger bag!

Women should always carry a bag that has a zip, or better yet, buy a backpack!

For extra safety, I am extremely impressed with this Anti-theft backpack!

It has been designed with a password lock, can fit a laptop, and is made with waterproof mesh fabric.

Furthermore, it has a  built-in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside so you can safely charge your phone while out and about!

Best travel backpack I have seen- by far!

What to do if you have been Scammed

If you find yourself the victim of any of the above, don’t panic.

For scams with small amounts, you will probably be angry more than anything else, but hey c’est la vie!

For scams with higher amounts, there may be something you can do! I personally keep ALL receipts of ALL travel purchases until I have returned back home.

This is CRUCIAL when you want to prove you have been taken advantage of.

If you realize you have been a victim of an Istambul scams scheme and are still in the country, take your receipt and go back to the store and dispute it.

Threaten them by getting the police involved if need be! Alternatively, contact the actual police or customer service office.

Istanbul Tourism Police: Address: Emniyet Müdürlüğü Turizm Şube Müdürlüğü Yerebatan Cad. No: 6 Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Phone Number: +90 (212) 527 4505

Customer Rights Office : 133 Istiklal Caddesi (Ave), Kuloğlu Mah. 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Save this post for later!

Thank you for reading my Istanbul scams article, and I hope it has been an eye-opener!

Hopefully, on your next visit, you will be vigilant and avoid getting scammed or taken advantage of!

Don’t forget to subscribe below to receive monthly travel updates and exclusive travel discounts as well as my Instagram!

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.

Love, Tia x

The post Istanbul Scams To Know Before You Travel appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

These iconic images will make you fall in love with this multicultural wonder city.

After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and while we bloggers want to give you every bit of information we can, it is sometimes nice to let the lens do the talking!

I encountered so much beauty in Istanbul, that even though I was cold for the entire trip I wanted to be outdoors all the time!

One trip, a thousand pictures, and a million memories made

Why is Istanbul so photogenic?

There is beautiful architecture everywhere, clear signs of the Greeks and Ottomans. There is a certain flair in the air, an eclecticism. 

You will see colors; so many colors! Food markets bursting at the seams with colorful produce and spice racks overflowing with Istanbul’s finest herbs and spices.

Strolling through the city you will witness street art, majestic churches like Haya Sofia and mosques, and urban shopping streets.

Istanbul manages to marry the old and the new in a fascinating, vibrant package, one you can’t help but fall in love with.

My Istanbul photography post might just be enough to make you book a ticket!

But if you want to find out what to also do in Istanbul check out my Istanbul off-the-beaten path guide!

Istanbul Photography – The Majestic Hagia Sophia

What is there to say about the INCREDIBLE Hagia Sophia?

Also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom or Church of the Divine Wisdom, we are talking about an important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments.

It was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I.

After the fall of Costantinople ( the real name of Istanbul) to the Turks in 1453, it was turned into a mosque and in 1935 into a museum.

Then in 1985 the Hagia Sophia was designated a component of a UNESCO World Heritage site called the Historic Areas of Istanbul

In 2020 though, President Erdogan made the controversial decision to convert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. It makes me wonder, where was UNESCO then?

Who could have the audacity to convert one of the most celebrated and influential monuments of Christianity into a mosque? And actually get away with it?

As you can probably tell, it is a bitter subject for us Greeks and Cypriots.

Bear in mind that the Blue Mosque is built directly opposite Hagia Sophia. Until the completion of Blue Mosque in 1616 the Hagia Sophia was the main mosque in the city. Its architecture directly inspired builders of the Blue Mosque and several others around the world.

The Beautiful Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque.

It is very much a functioning mosque, whilst also attracting a lot of tourists.

It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, and it is built opposite the majestic ( and VERY Greek) Hagia Sofia.

Istanbul Photography of Turkish textiles and patterns

Istanbul is known for its traditional rugs and textiles. Turkish rugs are made from only the most high-quality materials. Hand-spun wool and silk are the most valuable but you can also find cotton or wool-cotton combinations.

Bosphorus Cruises.

Choose from cruises along the river, or day trips to the Princes Islands,

The ferry also transports you from the European side, to the Asian side, so you can combine a beautiful cruise, with the crossing between 2 continents!

Istanbul Photography of Basilicas, palaces, and majestic architecture

Forever the melting pot of ethnicities, the architecture here is worthy of a spot in my Istanbul Photography.

The architecture is a fascinating mix  from Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman, and modern Turkish sources

From mosques, to churches, tombs, and palaces, it is a dream discovering this city step by step.

Food Markets

The food is delicious, so it comes as no surprise that the food markets, like the Kadikoy Food Market, are bursting with smells, colors, and culture

The Grand Bazaar – Instanbul Photography

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! There are 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops that attract between close to half a million visitors per day!

Istanbul Photography by Night..! What a sight!

Incredible sunsets, especially by the Bosphorus!

The crossing from Asia to Europe – Istanbul Photography

The only city in the world that belongs to two continents – Asia and Europe.

Sunsets in Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorous – Istanbul Photography

Costantinople, you are simply majestic!

I hope you have enjoyed this display of Istanbul Photography and mini guide!

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

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.

Like this post? Then share it on Pinterest!

The post Incredible Istanbul Photography from Tia’s Travels appeared first on Tia Does Travel.