Where to Stay

Best places to stay in Istanbul

The most 'tourist' part of Istanbul is not especially large, and any of the hotels near the historic center is likely to leave you satisfied. If you have the opportunity, for us, the best place to stay in Istanbul is Sultanahmet Square (where you can find the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The hotels in this area are quite small (20 rooms or so), and many have a warm, familial atmosphere.

Other good places to stay in Istanbul would be close to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar - both of these areas are close to Sultanahmet Square and have a great atmosphere.

Another common option for tourists when choosing where to stay in Istanbul is to stay in the new town. Taksim Square is where the large hotels and main chains can be found.

Istanbul Hotels

Although the prices of hotels in Istanbul have risen in recent years, this doesn't mean they are especially expensive; they have simply caught up with the prices in the rest of Europe. You can find double rooms in central hotels for € 50 (US$ 53.60) per night, and if your budget stretches a little further, you can find luxurious hotels.

Recommended Hotels

Lots of you have asked us which are our favorite hotels: with a budget of € 90 (US$ 96.50) per night, we recommend the following:

• Rast Hotel - an enviable location and fantastic views of the Hagia Sophia.
• Maywood Hotel - Built in 2009, this is considered one of the best in the city.
• Darussaade Istanbul Hotel is an Ottoman house from the 19th century converted into a hotel, just around the corner from the Blue Mosque.

Or, if you want to feel like a modern-day Sultan during your stay in Istanbul, here are some options in the € 150 (US$ 160.90) to € 200 (US$ 214.50) range.

• Witt Istanbul Suites - Chosen by the Sunday Times as one of the best hotels in the world, it boasts huge rooms and majestic views. Found in the new town.
• Tomtom Suites - This one has 20 suites with jacuzzis and is found on Istiklal Caddesi, the liveliest area of the city.
• Hotel Sapphire - Although it's not as charming as the others on this list, it's situated in the historic center.

You can search for hotels with a minimum-price guarantee at this link.

Apartments in Istanbul

Tourist apartments are more popular by the day, and many people prefer to stay in an apartment in Istanbul instead of at a hotel. At this link, you'll find vacation apartments around the world with a guaranteed minimum price.

Hostels in Istanbul

Prices of hotels in Istanbul begin at € 10 (US$ 10.70) a bed. If you're traveling in a group, you'll find great quality hostels throughout the city.