Best Place To Stay in Istanbul -Accommodation Options For All Budgets

Last Updated on February 9, 2022 by Tia

In this Best place to stay in Istanbul article, I will give you plenty of accommodation options to Instanbul.

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!

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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!

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Love Tia x

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