Ebonytv

Jump To: Best Areas | For First Timers | Nightlife | Cool Area | Budget | Food | History | FAQs If you’re thinking of visiting Istanbul, or of staying longer as a digital nomad, don’t wait a second longer; take this as your sign to book and go. This is my favorite city in … Read more

The post Where to Stay in Istanbul (Best Areas and Places) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Jump To: Best Areas | For First Timers | Nightlife | Cool Area | Budget | Food | History | FAQs

If you’re thinking of visiting Istanbul, or of staying longer as a digital nomad, don’t wait a second longer; take this as your sign to book and go. This is my favorite city in the whole world, and no matter how many times I visit, I’m not sure it could ever be enough. However, knowing where to stay in Istanbul is important because get it wrong, and you’re going to be stuck in that famous Istanbul traffic for half your vacation.

There are so many places to visit in Turkey, but I can’t even count how many times I’ve traveled to and stayed in Istanbul. Several times I’ve stayed for more than a month at once and really felt like a local. It’s a city that’s drenched in history, and is completely absorbing – you could call the entire city an outdoor museum of sorts, there are so many things to do. And the food; oh my life, the food!

That being said, I can’t deny that understanding this huge urban sprawl can be complicated for a first-time visitor. Within this post, I’m going to help you choose the best area to stay in Istanbul, Turkey so you have a strong foundation on where to begin your exploration. I love this city so much that I’m already excited about your trip too!

SEE ALSO: Best Time to Visit Istanbul (Weather and Costs)

Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul

Quick Look: Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul

• Sultanahmet: First Time Visitor
• Taksim/Beyoğlu: For Nightlife
• Galata: Trendiest/Coolest Area
• Üsküdar: With Family
• Beşiktaş: On a Budget
• Beşiktaş: For Foodies
• Sultanahmet/Fatih: For History

Sultanahmet: The Best Place To Stay in Istanbul for Your First Time

If you want to know where to stay in Istanbul for the first time, I’d highly recommend Sultanahmet. While this isn’t the perfect neighborhood entirely (where is?), it is home to the majority of Istanbul’s top historic spots, and you’ll be able to get a snapshot of the city as a whole by basing yourself here.

This is where you’ll find the Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapı Palace. There are also countless hotels in this part of the city, as well as a million and one (I didn’t count) cafes and restaurants.

Pros of Staying in Sultanahmet

• You’re close to the must-visit attractions for a first-time visitor
• One of the best places in Istanbul for iconic photo opportunities
• Fairly quiet after midnight, so it’s great for getting a good night’s sleep
• It’s easy to get around from here by tram and bus
• Very multicultural and most people in this area speak English

Cons of Staying in Sultanahmet

• The food isn’t the best and is quite overpriced – you’ll be told it’s traditional, but it’s touristic-traditional
• If you’re looking for where to stay in Istanbul for shopping, this isn’t it – you’ll only find souvenirs
• If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, you won’t find it here

Best Places to Stay in Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet has countless accommodation options, including some very impressive hotels:

1. Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahme