In a nutshell
- For first-time visitors wondering where to stay in Istanbul, we recommend the Beyoğlu district. Our hotel tip: Witt Istanbul – stylish rooms and a great rooftop terrace.
- In Ortaköy, you’ll be right among the locals. Our hotel tip: Nevv Bosphorus Hotel & Suites – a beautiful spot on the Bosphorus and one of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul for its vibrant atmosphere.
- The most famous sights in the city are in Sultanahmet. Our hotel tip: Hotel Poem – lovely rooms with sea views and an amazing breakfast.
- Experience authentic local life in Kadıköy. Our hotel tip: 39 Kalamış Marina Hotel – a stylish boutique stay with plenty of charm.
- For a super relaxed stay in Üsküdar, check out Antwell Suites – great value for money with a hammam, sauna, and pool.
Table of Contents
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Istanbul
We recommend these five districts if you’re wondering where to stay in Istanbul:
- Beyoğlu
- Ortaköy
- Sultanahmet
- Kadıköy
- Üsküdar
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the best areas to stay in Istanbul on the map below. You’ll also find four must-see attractions highlighted for easy orientation.
For First-Timers: Where to Stay in Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu is the best area to stay in Istanbul if you love being right in the heart of the city and prefer to explore Istanbul on foot.
You’ll be close to many of Istanbul’s top sights, can enjoy local life in the evenings, and stroll through narrow lanes full of atmosphere. Many Bosphorus boat tours also start from here.
Beyoğlu is often seen as the center of Istanbul, home to the famous Taksim Square and the lively shopping street İstiklâl Caddesi.
But what really makes Beyoğlu special are the quiet side streets filled with great restaurants and charming little shops.
We especially loved the area around Çukurcuma Caddesi – a paradise for flea market fans. We could have spent days there exploring every corner.
Pros of staying in Beyoğlu:
- Plenty of small bars and cozy restaurants
- Lots of stylish hotels tucked away in side streets
- Most major sights within walking distance
- Excellent public transport connections
- Easy transfer from Istanbul Airport
Cons of staying in Beyoğlu:
- Can be a bit noisy at night in some areas
- Slightly pricier than other parts of the city
The best places to stay in Beyoğlu
We stayed at the Witt Istanbul Suites during the second half of our trip. It’s a little more expensive, but this boutique hotel in Istanbul is worth every cent – especially for its stunning rooftop terrace.
The rooms are stylish and modern, with incredibly comfy beds and a duvet we almost wanted to take home. A delicious breakfast rounded off our stay perfectly. We’d come back here anytime.
Check out more hotel tips for Beyoğlu:
Among the Locals: Where to Stay in Ortaköy
Ortaköy is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul if you want to experience daily life among locals and don’t mind being about 15 minutes away from the main tourist sights.
Here you’ll feel less like a visitor and more like part of the city – surrounded by students and young people in pedestrian-friendly streets lined with cafés and restaurants.
It’s one of Istanbul’s trendiest areas, especially lively on weekends when locals flock here for breakfast, brunch, or a leisurely walk by the water.
The harbor near the Ortaköy Mosque is another favorite weekend hangout for Istanbulites.
Pros of staying in Ortaköy:
- A calmer and more local vibe
- Good selection of affordable hotels
- Plenty of local bars and eateries
- Delicious and inexpensive restaurants
Cons of staying in Ortaköy:
- During the low season, only tourist boats (no regular ferries) depart from the harbor
- You’ll rely on buses. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Taksim Square, but traffic on the way back can be heavy, especially in the evening.
The best places to stay in Ortaköy
Right in the heart of Ortaköy, directly on the Bosphorus, you’ll find the Nevv Bosphorus Hotel & Suites. There’s always something happening here, and you’ll be right in the middle of it all with restaurants and a market just steps away.
Given its central location, a bit of noise is to be expected – that’s part of Ortaköy’s charm. The super friendly staff make sure you’ll feel completely at home.
More hotel tips for Ortaköy:
Close to the Main Attractions: Where to Stay in Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is one of the best areas to stay in Istanbul if you want to see the city’s most famous sights in a short amount of time.
Many landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern are right here — along with plenty of hotels. That’s why Sultanahmet is often the first choice for travelers visiting Istanbul for the first time.
However, the neighborhood is more about sightseeing than atmosphere. There aren’t many good restaurants or bars where locals hang out, so for nightlife you’ll need to head over to Beyoğlu.
If you plan to spend your days exploring and prefer a convenient base close to everything, Sultanahmet is the best place to stay for you.
Pros of staying in Sultanahmet:
- Home to many of Istanbul’s top attractions
- Wide range of hotels in every price range
Cons of staying in Sultanahmet:
- Very touristy, with lots of pushy salespeople
- Lacks that authentic Istanbul vibe
- Few charming streets with local restaurants or bars
- Most cafés and bars close by midnight
The best places to stay in Sultanahmet
We completely fell in love with the Hotel Poem. The value for money here is amazing for what you get. It’s located right in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia — and it’s one of our favorite boutique hotels in Istanbul.
Some of the cozy rooms come with sea views and even a private balcony. Each room is named after a famous writer, and the breakfast is absolutely fantastic — one of the best we’ve had anywhere!
More hotel tips for Sultanahmet:
Authentic: Where to Stay in Kadıköy
If you want to experience a more authentic and local side of Istanbul, head to Kadıköy on the Asian side. It’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul if you want to see how locals really live — and we absolutely loved it!
Things here feel a bit more laid-back and vibrant than on the European side. You’ll find countless cafés, restaurants, and street food stalls everywhere. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly, sample fresh fish at the market, or just soak up the atmosphere.
If you’re into nightlife, Kadıköy is also a great choice. It’s one of Istanbul’s liveliest districts and especially popular with young locals.
Getting to the European side is easy — just hop on a ferry or metro (Marmaray) and you’ll be there in no time.
Pros of staying in Kadıköy:
- Plenty of great cafés, restaurants, and bars
- More affordable accommodation than on the European side
- Quiet streets if you stay away from the main road
- Well connected by metro and ferry
- Easy access from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Cons of staying in Kadıköy:
- Around 30 minutes by ferry to the European side
- Major tourist sights are farther away
The best places to stay in Kadıköy
One of the best hotels to stay in Istanbul — and our favorite in Kadıköy — is the 39 Kalamış Marina Hotel. This boutique hotel is beautifully designed and full of thoughtful details. The lush greenery makes it feel like a calm little oasis.
You can walk to the ferry in about 25 minutes, and the route itself is lovely, with plenty of cool cafés and shops along the way. After a day of sightseeing, unwind with a drink at the hotel’s stylish bar.
Even more hotel tips for Kadıköy:
Peaceful and Quiet: Where to Stay in Üsküdar
The peaceful and green district of Üsküdar is one of the best places to stay in Istanbul if you’re looking for relaxation and quiet.
Located on the Asian side, Üsküdar is known for its beautiful waterfront, where you can take long walks with views of the Bosphorus. Stop at one of the many cafés along the promenade and watch the boats go by — it’s wonderfully calming.
A highlight here is the Çamlıca Tower, one of the tallest TV towers in the world with a stunning observation deck. And just off the coast lies one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — the Leander’s Tower (also known as the Maiden’s Tower). Otherwise, Üsküdar is still more of an insider tip for Istanbul.
Pros of staying in Üsküdar:
- More affordable than the European side
- Very green area with lots of small parks
- Close to highlights like Leander’s Tower and Çamlıca Tower
- Good public transport with metro and ferries
Cons of staying in Üsküdar:
- Fewer restaurants and cafés
- Large area — make sure your hotel is near a metro stop
- Around 30 minutes by ferry to the European side
The best places to stay in Üsküdar
The Antwell Suites offers outstanding value for money. Despite its facilities — hammam, indoor pool, sauna, and gym — the rates are very reasonable.
We especially love the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views over Istanbul, especially at sunset. The breakfast is also excellent — you really can’t ask for much more!
More hotel tips for Üsküdar: