Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

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.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

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.

Taksim
Default Image

Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

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.

Beşiktaş
Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views

Fatih

4.5/5(2,609 area reviews)

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.

Fatih
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22, Kucukyali Maltepe, Istanbul
The price is SAR 365 per night from May 2 to May 3
SAR 365
SAR 409 total
includes taxes & fees
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Property is weary nice and clean but only a workers need more training"

Reviewed on 27 April 2025

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6, Elmadag/Sisli, Istanbul
The price is SAR 1,040 per night from May 29 to May 30
SAR 1,040
SAR 1,165 total
includes taxes & fees
29 May - 30 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"This property is wonderful, good location within the walking distance to the Palace, the pier and a lot of restaurants. The staff was a very friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet is a must have to try before you heading out for sightseeing."

Reviewed on 25 April 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
4 out of 5
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int'l Airport, Pendik, Istanbul, Istanbul
The price is SAR 406 per night from May 12 to May 13
SAR 406
SAR 462 total
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,509 reviews)
"The hotel itself is very good but sadly the reservation team did not pay attention neither to our special request for bedding nor the eligible room upgrade due to member status. Strongly suggest to reach out to the hotel via phone if you have special requests as it seems they are not watched. Other ..."

Reviewed on 21 April 2025

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Han YK
The Han YK
Universite Mah., Aral Sokak No. 16, Avcilar, Istanbul, Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Florya Beach and Bahçeşehir Gölet ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"Far from downtown and airports but great area otherwise. Super clean, new and safe. One of my favourites."

Reviewed on 25 February 2025

The Han YK
The Superior Living Kağıthane
The Superior Living Kağıthane
Cendere Cad. 33, Istanbul, Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Bosphorus are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
"This hotel is in a great location. It is outside of the core of Istanbul but not so far away that you can't take a taxi. It is also a great distance from the airport. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is visiting Istanbul. The front desk staff is very helpful and were able to answer all ..."

Reviewed on 15 April 2025

The Superior Living Kağıthane
D Twins plus Hotel
D Twins plus Hotel
Nursen Sk., 11, Arnavutköy, Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Green Mosque and Florya Ataturk Villa are ...
7.2/10 Good! (11 reviews)
Recommended as a lower price good hotel
"Everything was good. No restaurant.perfect as an overnight airport Hotel"

Reviewed on 6 April 2025

D Twins plus Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Istanbul

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3131
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
1378
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
236
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
47
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
55
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Taxi drivers are very aggressive and arrogant towards tourists

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Istanbul is a very vibrant city. It's an interest mix of cultures and played a key role throughout many points in history. We spent a week here after a week in Athens. 1 week was enough to enjoy our time and see the highlights in Istanbul.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was not our first trip to Istanbul. We had visited many of the places before and were only there for a day and a half this trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Melissa

Beautiful, clean city especially suited to couples or individual travelers. I would imagine it difficult to keep children interested in historical sites although plenty of outdoor walking. A multicultural destination where we felt welcome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful city we really enjoy our stay We definitely come back in the future..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The new airport is very far from town. Don't arrange a shuttle. They couldn't find us. Take a bus or a taxi if you are four people. They plan to have the metro connect to the airport next year.