When planning a trip to this incredibly interesting historical city, every traveler faces a challenging choice: where is the best place to stay in Istanbul, which neighborhood to choose. The choice of the area to stay in Istanbul depends on your expectations: do you want to be closer to historical landmarks, enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus, or immerse yourself in the nightlife? In this article, we will explore five popular neighborhoods in Istanbul for tourists, each of which has its unique advantages.
1. Sultanahmet — The Heart of Historical Istanbul
Advantages:
- Proximity to major attractions: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern.
- An ideal area for those visiting Istanbul for the first time or who want to focus on cultural and historical sites.
Sultanahmet is perhaps the most popular area in the very center of the city, where the main historical landmarks are concentrated. Choosing a hotel in Sultanahmet means you will be just steps away from the most famous tourist sites. There are many cozy boutique hotels and restaurants, as well as authentic Turkish cafes. However, due to the large number of tourists, prices may be higher than in other areas.
How to get to the main historical attractions:
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern: These historical sites are located just a few minutes’ walk from each other within Sultanahmet.
- Grand Bazaar: From Sultanahmet, you can walk to the Grand Bazaar in 15-20 minutes or take tram T1 (stop Beyazit-Kapalıçarşı).
