Where To Stay In Istanbul For First Timers? Here Are The Best Hotel Suggestions
BY Sibashree Feb 4, 2026
Istanbul is massive, and for a first-timer, overwhelming. Also, it’s a city that spans across Europe and Asia. The European areas have their own vibe. and the Asian counterparts nurture distinct cultures. Also, there is a more subtle divide between the historical landmarks and a more local experience. Each side has its pros and cons. So, a struggle to find the perfect accommodation can be a challenge. Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about where to stay in Istanbul. I have enlisted the budget-friendly, mid-range, and luxury hotel options in this largest city in Turkey. Also, if you want to explore nature-based tourism in Turkey, you can read my guide on Pamukkale, a place rich in historical heritage and natural beauty. Map Of Istanbul As a first-timer, the Sultanahmet Area will be the best place to stay in Istanbul for you. However, I want you to be familiar with the map of Istanbul so that you can explore more localities. In other words, if you are visiting Istanbul for the first time, you must explore the following localities. 1. Sultanahmet Sultanahmet is on the European side of Istanbul. As the heart of the Old City, it offers access to all the important historical landmarks. However, Sultanahmet is touristy and expensive. So, as a first-timer, it may be difficult for you to connect to the city’s true vibe. Still, it is at a walkable distance of major attractions such as the Süleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and Spice Bazaar. 2. Galata Galata is close to the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn. It is a trendy neighborhood. So, you will find many cozy cafes here. However, the hotel options here are a little less because it is a hilly region. The places to stay in Galata are Karaköy, Istiklal Avenue, and Galata Tower. Also, don’t miss a stroll across the Galata Bridge. 3. Taksim On the European side of the city, Taksim is located on Galata’s north. Here, hotel options are diverse, and it has a vibrant nightlife. Furthermore, it is a shopper’s delight! However, with so many shops, hotels, and restaurants around and a vibrant nightlife, this locality can get crowded and noisy. Nevertheless, from Taksim, you can enjoy a stroll on Istiklal Avenue, visit the Republic Monument, and the Taksim Mosque. In addition, it is the best place in Istanbul to try local street food and enjoy a ride in vintage red trams. 4. Kadıköy and Üsküdar Across the Bosphorus, Kadıköy and Üsküdar have the soul of Istanbul. Also, food and accommodation in this Asian part of the city are much cheaper than in other regions. However, it is quite far away from the city center, and the hotel options here are limited. Nevertheless, the places to see near Kadıköy and Üsküdar are Kadıköy Market, the promenade’s waterfront, and Çamlıca Mosque. From here, you can also take a ferry to explore the European parts of the city. Where To Stay In Istanbul? Know The Localities And Hotel Options Do you want to stay near the European part of the city? Or, do the Asian parts of the city attract you more? Let’s start with checking the accommodations at Sultanahmet. 1. Places To Stay In Sultanahmet I have the following recommendations regarding the best places to stay in Sultanahmet. Luxury Accommodation • Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul• White House Hotel Istanbul• Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul SultanahmetMid-Range• Kate Hotel Special Class & SPA• Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel• Hotel PoemBudget Hotel • Sultan Hamit Hotel• Cheers Hostel • Luxury Accommodation In Sultanahmet The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, White House Hotel Istanbul, and Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet are the best luxury accommodations in Sultanahmet. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul It was previously an Ottoman prison. Now, it functions as a five-star hotel near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The best things about this hotel are the courtyard and the roof. Furthermore, you can enjoy fine dining and a full-service spa experience here. White House Hotel Istanbul If you want to have breakfast and enjoy the skyscape of Istanbul, the White House Hotel is the best place to be. Furthermore, its Ottoman-style decor is impressive. Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet Enjoy the best panoramic views of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque from the Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet. It is, in fact, one of the most popular places to stay in Istanbul if you are looking for proximity to the historic center. • Mid-Range Accommodation In Sultanahmet These mid-range accommodations are the best for average travelers, offering the comfort you need but at a reasonable price. Kate Hotel Special Class & SPA For a comfortable hammam and on-site wellness experience, the Kate Hotel Special Class & SPA will be the perfect mid-range hotel option. Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel It is a neighbor of Hagia Sophia, and it has an outdoor pool for the ultimate rejuvenating experience. Furthermore, despite being a mid-range hotel, it has various Michelin-awarded dining options. Hotel Poem It is a boutique hotel, and it’s very close to Hagia Sophia. You will love the view from the rooftop terrace of this mid-range accommodation in Istanbul. • Budget Accommodation In Sultanahmet Sultanahmet also has some budget-friendly options for solo and budget-friendly travelers. Sultan Hamit Hotel You have to take a walk for a few minutes from the Blue Mosque to find the Sultan Hamit Hotel. Cheers Hostel Cheers Hostel is ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. It has bunk beds and private accommodations. Furthermore, don’t forget to enjoy the views of the Bosphorus from the rooftop of the hostel. 2. Places To Stay In Galata Enjoy the cozy vibes of Galata and the quaint charm of the cobblestone streets in Galata. Also, if you want to stay here, choose any of the following accommodations. Luxury Accommodation • Hotel De Reve Galata• The Bank Hotel IstanbulMid-Range• Novus Pera Hotel• The Hotels, GalataBudget Hotel • eraNox Boutique Hotel• Hotel Des Arts Galata • Luxury Hotel Suggestions In Galata Enjoy the luxury of staying in a high-end hotel in a central yet quiet area of Istanbul. Hotel De Reve Galata You can take a short walk from the Galata Tower to reach Hotel De Reve Galata. Choose a room with a balcony or a spa for the ultimate luxury. The Bank Hotel Istanbul The Bank Hotel Istanbul stands out because of the Golden Horn views. It has a rooftop bar, and you can even relax in the spa. • Mid-Range Hotel Suggestions In Galata Galata is the best locality if you are looking for mid-range hotels. I have tworecommendations for you. Novus Pera Hotel Enjoy the views from the rooms with private balconies and the rooftop terrace of the Novus Pera Hotel. You will also love its minimalist design. The Hotels, Galata Despite being a mid-range accommodation, it has amenities such as fitness centers, sauna, indoor pool, and rooftop restaurant. You will also get some budget options at this hotel. • Budget Hotel Suggestions In Galata EraNox Boutique Hotel and Hotel Des Arts Galata are two budget-friendly hotels in Galata. eraNox Boutique Hotel The eraNox Boutique Hotel is also very close to the Galata Tower. Some of the rooms in this hotel also offer amazing city views. Hotel Des Arts Galata Hotel Des Arts Galata is on one of the most Instagrammable streets in Galata. Some of these rooms have balconies, and you can see the Galata Tower from the room windows. 3. Places To Stay In Taksim Taksim is a modern area, and it is also one of the busiest localities in Istanbul. Check out the best accommodation options here. Luxury Accommodation• The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul• CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel IstanbulMid-Range• Gezi Hotel Bosphorus• Mukarnas Taksim HotelBudget Hotel• Ardilas Residence• Santa Rio Taxim Luxury Accommodations In Taksim The Ritz-Carlton in Istanbul is just at a distance of 10 minutes (walking distance) from Taksim Square. It offers amazing views of the Bosphorus. Another luxury accommodation is the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, which takes around 5-6 minutes to reach on foot. You can enjoy a Turkish bath in the large indoor pool of this hotel. Mid-Range Accommodations In Taksim Gezi Hotel Bosphorus and Mukarnas Taksim Hotel are two mid-range hotels in Taksim. It is close to the Istiklal Avenue, and it has amenities such as a fitness center and a sauna. Budget-Friendly Accommodations In Taksim The Ardilas Residence and Santa Rio Taxim are the two budget-friendly hotels in Taksim. It has apartment-style rooms and kitchenettes. On the other hand, Santa Rio Taxim is a good family-friendly accommodation at an affordable price. 4. Places To Stay In Kadıköy And Üsküdar Kadıköy and Üsküdar are the places to enjoy the local vibe of Istanbul, and they have cheaper accommodation options. Luxury Hotel SuggestionsWyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina HotelMid-Range Hotel SuggestionsDoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul ModaBudget Hotel SuggestionsYOLO Hostel Kadıköy Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is on the waterfront. Furthermore, DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Moda offers amazing views of the Bosphorus. Moreover, YOLO Hostel Kadıköy is very close to the ferry terminal.








