Where To Stay in Istanbul, Turkey: For A First Timer
/I loved Istanbul but at the same time figuring out “where to stay” was incredibly hard!
I scoured through the web and some said stay in Sultanahmet for the sights! No wait, stay in Beyoğlu for the vibes! Have you considered the Asian side?? I ended up in a rabbit hole of Reddit threads and booking.com reviews at 1am, more confused than when I started.
So here's my guide on where you should stay if you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time.
I will be as real as it gets: Istanbul is one of those cities that is genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way. It sits across two continents, has 15 million people, and somehow makes you feel like you're walking through five different centuries at once.
The city is huuuge and it will eat your time if you're constantly crossing from one end to the other.
Short answer: If it is your first time, stay on the European side. Start in Sultanahmet, then move to Beyoğlu or Galata for the second half of your trip if you can. The Asian side is worth a day trip but isn't where you want to base yourself for a first visit.
Also read: 3 to 5 Days Istanbul Itinerary That’s Different From The Rest
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The Hotel I Recommend To Stay: Wonderful View of Blue Mosque
They have a cute patio, wonderful rooms and it is literally near the Blue Mosque. I highly recommend staying here and amazed by how comfy everything was
➡️ Book It Here
European Side vs Asian Side: Which One?
the european or asian side: where should you stay in istanbul?
The Bosphorus cuts Istanbul in half. European on the left, Asian on the right. Most of the big tourist sights like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar are on the European side.
This is also where the majority of hotels, hostels, and budget accommodation sit.
The Asian side (Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Moda) is genuinely wonderful, but it has a different energy. It is more local, more neighbourhood-y, less overwhelming.
the walking streets of istanbul in kadikoy
There are tea houses, arts scenes, fish wraps by the waterfront. I absolutely loved spending an afternoon in Üsküdar watching the sunset near the water, it was one of my favourite moments of the whole trip.
But here's the thing: getting between the two sides is either a ferry or a tram, and during peak evening hours the ferries get absolutely packed.
If you're based on the Asian side and want to do a full day of sightseeing in Sultanahmet, you will lose an hour or more just to transit. For a first timer who wants to see a lot, that adds up fast.
"I was confused at the beginning on where to stay — coming from the airport with your luggage and crossing from one side to the other can be really time-consuming."
My honest advice: base yourself on the European side first, and take a day trip to the Asian side or stay there in your later days.
My Recommended Hotels To Stay in Istanbul
Sultanahmet: For The Historic Person
Staying here means waking up steps from the Blue Mosque. The hotels range from guesthouses to one of the most iconic luxury hotels in all of Turkey.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet: Splurge
the four seasons hotel in istanbul, one of the best places to stay
A former 19th-century Ottoman prison turned five-star hotel.
The building is genuinely stunning, and the rooftop terrace with Hagia Sophia views on one side and the Marmara Sea are what makes this stay so special. If you're going to treat yourself anywhere in Istanbul, this is it. Breakfast here is also exceptional.
Why you should stay here?
5-star
Former Ottoman prison building
Rooftop terrace with Hagia Sophia views
Luxury spa on-site
➡️ Book It Here
2. Sultanhan Hotel: Luxury
The Sultanhan Hotel is also another really nice place for a family-friendly hotel if you want to splurge. It is well-rated (9.2 on Booking), with a full-service spa and a nice pool which is rarer in this area than you'd think.
It is at a central location, there is great breakfast, and staff who actually go the extra mile. I believe this is a genuinely good value option for Sultanahmet.
Why you should stay here?
Booking score: 9.2
Pool + spa
Walking distance to Blue Mosque
➡️ Book It Here
3. HaciBayram Hotel: Mid-Range
a good value for hotel in sultanhamet
The best value for your money kind of hotel. I love the location since it is steps away from Sultanahmet Square, five minutes on foot from the Blue Mosque, with views of Hagia Sophia from the terrace.
And the breakfast. It is generous homemade buffet spread. They also have lovely rooms. If you want Sultanahmet's location without Sultanahmet's prices, and you'd rather spend the savings on a hamam and dinner, then stay here
Why you should stay here?
Terrace with Hagia Sophia views
5 min walk to Blue Mosque
Airport transfers available
Comfy rooms
➡️ Book It Here
3. Garden House Hotel: Budget-friendly
nice lil balcony views from your room
A lovely family-run guesthouse tucked on a quiet side street just two minutes from the Blue Mosque. I also really like this place!
No pool or spa here, but what you get is genuine warmth, clean rooms, and a location that would cost you a lot more at bigger hotels. Ideal for travellers who want to be in the thick of it without paying through the nose.
Why you should stay here?
Family-run guesthouse
2 min walk to Blue Mosque
Quiet street
Great for solo travellers
➡️ Book It Here
Here’s a booking tip: If you're on a strict budget in Sultanahmet, look for smaller guesthouses off Akbıyık Caddesi rather than the main square — you'll pay noticeably less for basically the same location.
Beyoğlu & İstiklal: The Lively Side
The hotels here tend to be better value than Sultanahmet and you're right in the middle of Istanbul's best eating and nightlife. A great base if you want to explore beyond the tourist trail.
1. Pera Palace Hotel: Splurge
pera palace hotel — this is one of those places that you must stay for the ultimate turkish experience
One of the most famous hotels in all of Turkey — established in 1892, designed by French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury in neoclassical, art nouveau, and oriental styles.
Agatha Christie reportedly wrote Murder on the Orient Express here. Even if you're not staying, it's worth walking in for a drink. But if you can afford it, the rooms are dripping with historic glamour.
I would save this spot for a really special occasion!
Why you should stay here?
5-star
Museum hotel since 1892
Art nouveau architecture
Legendary Orient Bar on-site
➡️ Book It Here
2. The Marmara Pera: Mid-range
A reliably good mid-range pick in Beyoğlu.
I really like how well-located the room is with good-sized rooms, and one of the better rooftop bars in the area. They also have solid reviews, friendly staff, easy tram access. It honestly ticks all the practical boxes without the hefty price tag.
Why you should stay here?
4-star
Beyoğlu central
Rooftop bar with city views
Close to İstiklal tram stop
➡️ Book It Here
3. World House Boutique Hotel Galata: Budget/ Mid-range
Housed in a meticulously restored 1893 building, just steps from the Galata Tower, this is my second top pick if I were to stay in Istanbul again!
The rooms are so chic with brick walls, high ceilings, vintage furniture — all the atmosphere you want for a fraction of what the bigger boutique hotels charge.
Rooms are generous for the price, there's a lovely little bar, and breakfast is served at a nearby partner café.
Why you should stay here?
Building dates to 1893
2-min walk to Galata Tower
Spacious rooms
➡️ Book It Here
Galata & Karaköy
The Design District: This is where the boutique hotels really shine. Restored Ottoman and European buildings, rooftop bars with Bosphorus views, cobblestoned streets below — it's very hard to have a bad time staying here.
1. The Peninsula Istanbul: Splurge
If you want to go full luxury in Karaköy, The Peninsula is the one.
Stunning property right next to the Karaköy ferry station, high-tech rooms (control everything from anywhere in the room), hammam, outdoor pool, impeccable service.
This is also another reason if you want to stay for a special anniversary or a birthday trip!
Why you should stay here?
5-star
Next to Karaköy ferry
Outdoor pool + hammam
High-tech room controls
➡️ Book It Here
2. 10 Karaköy: Mid-range
A seriously stylish option in the heart of Karaköy — modern, high-ceilinged rooms with city views, a proper gym, and right in the trendy thick of it all.
A 10-minute walk to both Galata Tower and İstiklal Street. The rooftop bar here is a known spot for a reason. Great for solo travellers and design-inclined couples who want easy access to everything without the tourist-trap prices of Sultanahmet.
Why you should stay here?
4-star
Karaköy central
Gym on-site
10-min walk to İstiklal
➡️ Book It Here
3. Walton Hotels Galata: Mid-range
A 27-room boutique hotel 200 metres from the Galata Tower — intimate, artsy, and genuinely characterful.
Each room has an original oil painting commissioned from a local artist, which sounds like a gimmick but actually works beautifully. It is also close to concept stores, art galleries, and rooftop bars which is really great. A solid pick for anyone who wants the Galata experience without the Peninsula price tag.
Boutique
27 rooms
200m from Galata Tower
Local artist paintings in every room
➡️ Book It Here
My tip: Karaköy hotels tend to book out faster than Sultanahmet during shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct). If you're visiting in spring or autumn, I’ll recommend sorting this area early.
Balat: For the Off-the-Beaten-Path Traveller
Options here are fewer and leaning more guesthouse than hotel, which is half the charm. Accommodation in Balat tends to be cheaper, more characterful, and a lot more interesting than anything you'll find in a generic four-star.
1. Hotel Troya Balat: Mid-range
Set in a 19th-century building with hand-painted fresco-style panels, Rococo chandeliers, and antique furniture — including a vintage radio and dial phone which is exactly the kind of quirky detail I love.
The Suite with Balcony is the room to book: a delicate wrought-iron terrace perfect for watching the evening light do its thing over the neighbourhood. Free buffet breakfast included daily.
19th-century building
13 rooms
Booking score: 9.0
Free buffet breakfast
➡️ Book It Here
2. Elele Boutique Aparts: Budget-friendly
I love, love this hotel! It is scream Wes Anderson!
Turquoise walls, a red door, hand-painted signs, hanging lanterns, painted beds, poufs, beanbags - it is quirky, colourful, and right in the heart of Balat.
Room types include family flats, romantic terrace suites, and solo-traveller-sized nooks. If you're travelling alone or with someone who appreciates a bit of character over polish, this one's for you.
Boutique aparthotel ·
Various room types
Heart of Balat
Instagram-worthy exterior
Solo + couple friendly
➡️ Book It Here
3. Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn: Mid-range
If you want something that feels more like a proper hotel rather than a guesthouse but still want to be in Balat, this is your option.
Full concierge service, multilingual staff, fitness centre, a hammam, and some rooms with Golden Horn views.
Over 3,000 reviews with a 9.0 rating — unusually reliable for this area. Worth it if you want comfort plus neighbourhood character rather than having to choose between them.
Full-service hotel
Hammam on-site
Booking score: 9.0
Some rooms with Golden Horn views
➡️ Book It Here
Also read my other Turkey posts:
3 to 5 Days Istanbul Itinerary That’s Different From The Rest
Dreamiest Cappadocia Itinerary in 2, 3 or 5 Days: From Caves to Hikes
Hiking The Lycian Way (1 Week): A Guide To This Gorgeous Trail in Turkey
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