Hotels in Istanbul

Staying in Istanbul

Sultanahmet, at the tip of the old city, is where the main sights stand within walking distance of each other: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapı palace and the cistern. The covered bazaar and the spice market are a walk uphill and down toward the Golden Horn. Across the Galata Bridge, the streets climb to Galata Tower and on to the pedestrian avenue of İstiklal and Taksim Square. North of Taksim lie the business districts along the Bosphorus, and ferries cross to Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian shore. Istanbul Airport is on the European side, north-west of the city near the Black Sea coast. The drive in passes through the outer suburbs before reaching the centre, and arrivals usually book a private transfer or take a taxi; the page lists the transfer routes and the airport services available on arrival. Choose the side of the water before the hotel. Sultanahmet puts the sights on foot but empties in the evening. Beyoğlu and the streets around Galata have the life after dark and good links by tram and funicular to the old city. The Bosphorus districts suit business and a quieter stay with water views. The Asian side is for people who have been before.