Istanbul is two cities in one: Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus. Where you stay decides how your trip feels – shopping and nightlife in Taksim, Ottoman history in Sultanahmet, waterside cafés in Beşiktaş, or quieter family neighbourhoods on the Asian side. This guide explains each area, how to get around and when to book, with our Istanbul apartments, suites and hotel rooms listed below.
Best areas to stay in Istanbul
- Taksim & Beyoğlu: the lively centre. İstiklal Avenue, Galata Tower, Pera’s cafés and galleries, and late-night restaurants. Best for friends and couples who want to be in the middle of everything.
- Nişantaşı & Şişli: Istanbul’s upmarket shopping district, with designer boutiques, smart cafés and big malls nearby. A calmer, polished base just north of Taksim.
- Sultanahmet & the Old City: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are all within walking distance. Ideal for first-time visitors.
- Beşiktaş & the Bosphorus: the European shore by Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy, with waterside cafés and ferries across to Asia.
- The Asian side: Üsküdar, Ataşehir and Ümraniye are quieter and more residential, with larger family suites, pools and easy parking. Çamlıca Mosque, the largest in Turkey, is in Üsküdar.
Getting in from the airport
Istanbul has two airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side serves most international flights, including Qatar Airways from Doha; allow 45–75 minutes to Taksim or Sultanahmet by car depending on traffic, or take the Havaist airport bus or the M11 metro. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is convenient for Üsküdar, Ataşehir and Ümraniye. We can arrange airport transfers for most of our stays on request.
Getting around
- Istanbulkart: one rechargeable card for metro, tram, Marmaray rail, buses and ferries.
- T1 tram: links Kabataş with Eminönü, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar area.
- Ferries and Marmaray: the quickest way between Europe and Asia – and a Bosphorus ferry is one of the best views in the city.
- Taxis: plentiful, but traffic is heavy at rush hour; allow extra time.
Halal food, mosques and family travel
Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, so halal food is the norm in restaurants and markets, and mosques are on almost every street. Istanbul is very family-friendly, with parks, malls, the Bosphorus waterfront and family suites with two or three bedrooms.
When to visit Istanbul
- April and May: spring flowers and the April tulip festival – one of the most pleasant times to visit.
- June to August: the busiest season, with school holidays from the Gulf and Europe. Book early for the best rooms and prices.
- September and October: warm days and slightly calmer streets.
- November to March: cooler and wetter, with the lowest prices of the year.
Easy day trips
Take a Bosphorus cruise or a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, or drive to Bursa, Uludağ mountain and the lakes and green valleys of Sapanca for a cooler day out. For a full summer escape on the Black Sea, see our Trabzon & Uzungöl guide.
Book your Istanbul stay
Our Istanbul stays are listed below, priced per night in US dollars for 2 guests. Visa rules depend on your passport, so check Turkey’s official e-Visa guidance before you book flights. Send your dates and number of guests on WhatsApp for availability and today’s price, or browse all Istanbul stays.
