European Side
Travel Guide
![European Side](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/814d1c711371b09f6d1a6367e5797f3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Istanbul featuring religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40931-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Topkapi Palace which includes a bay or harbor, a city and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40846-Topkapi-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Galata Bridge which includes city views, a ferry and night scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40879-Galata-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit European Side
Where to stay in European Side
![Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40919-Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542717-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Taksim
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.
![Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475355-Cumhuriyet-Ant-Republic-Monument.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Istanbul City Center
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 Galata Tower, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
![Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40864-Bosphorus-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Beşiktaş
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.
![Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Fatih
Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/cbca2849b7176b56bda6aa192ddf07a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Şişli
Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre 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.
![YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38550000/38543600/38543599/298c9a38_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 3 February 2025
![Heaven Premium Airport Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92610000/92604400/92604320/e2c7a19f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 5 February 2025
![Days Inn by Wyndham Istanbul Arnavutkoy](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92460000/92450300/92450291/1f6bf08a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 25 January 2025
![Somerset Maslak Istanbul](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19410000/19403300/19403252/2eda436f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 24 January 2025
![The Superior Living Kağıthane](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105980000/105970200/105970111/36d3f513_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 24 December 2024
![The Han YK](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103780000/103777500/103777419/5279c194_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 20 January 2025
Popular places to visit
![Taksim Square featuring food and markets as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542735-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
![Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475341-Hagia-Sophia-Ayasofya.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a popular museum in Istanbul with a story of its own. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
![Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40924-Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Blue Mosque
Find out about the history of Blue Mosque, one of the top monuments in Istanbul. Visit the area's shops or amble around its seaside.
![Galata Tower](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507739-galata-tower-galata-kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Galata Tower
You can learn more about the history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a top site like Galata Tower. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.
![Grand Bazaar](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507763-grand-bazaar.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Grand Bazaar
During your visit to Istanbul, you can do some window-shopping at Grand Bazaar. Add the area's notable monuments or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.
![Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507859-topkapi-palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Topkapi Palace
You can browse the exhibits at Topkapi Palace, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Istanbul. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.