Where is it better to stay in Istanbul for the first time for a few days or for a long period? Let's consider the best offers of inexpensive hotels and private accommodation for tourists with a focus on rest in good conditions and for visiting excursions.
The city is a huge metropolis, divided into many areas. If the traveler is interested in the question of where to stay in Istanbul, the answer will be one - closer to the main attractions. This will save time on the road, will help not to overcome huge distances by transport or on foot along tourist routes.
The peculiarity of the city is its location. The fact is that it is divided into two parts: European and Asian, divided among themselves by the Bosphorus. Crossing from one side to the other is as simple as walking across a bridge, using a ferry, or taking the metro through a tunnel.
Where is the best place to stay in Istanbul?
- The city is divided into two parts: Asian and European:
Accommodation in Istanbul on the Asian side
This is not a tourist area, you can stay here for a few days of work or rent a house for a long period. Nearby is the Sabiha Gokce airport, a beautiful promenade and many shops. Kadikoy and Uskudar are the main districts, here are such attractions: parks, Maiden Tower, Beylerbey Palace.
The best hotel rates can be found on RoomGuru, private offers from hosts can be found on Booking.com. The options below are found on these sites.
- Find hotels in Uskudar region →
- Find hotels in Kadikoy region →
Hotels economy class in this part of the city are represented by:
- Harem Hotel is a 3-star hotel with excellent sea views, comfortable rooms, price for accommodation from 2,700 thousand rubles per day, accommodation is possible with pets.
- Elit palas apartments is a three-star hotel, the price is from 1800 thousand rubles.
Hotels average price category:
- Ramada Istanbul Asia Luxury Hotel - the price will be from 4000 thousand rubles.
- Agaoglu My City Hotel Atasehir - 3,500 rubles.
- Balsamo Hotel & Suites - from 5000 thousand rubles.
Prices are for daily accommodation, all hotels have a fairly developed infrastructure, comfortable rooms, equipped with everything you need.
Luxury 4 and 5 star hotels:
- Crowne Plaza Istanbul Oryapark is a five-star hotel, the price is about 10,000 thousand rubles.
- Volley Hotel Istanbul is a four-star hotel, the cost is from 6,500 thousand rubles.
- Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalams Marina Hotel is a five-star option for accommodation, from 8,000 rubles.
The European side of Istanbul for relaxation
If you are looking for places to stay in Istanbul for excursions, then the European part of the city will come in handy. It is divided into parts: Golden Horn Bay, Fatih and Beyoglu districts. It is here that all the main attractions of the city are concentrated.
Where is the best place to stay? Of course, in the districts of Fatih, Laleli, Bayazit, Sultanahmet, as well as the Sirkeci quarter.
- Find hotels in Fatih region →
- Find hotels in Beyoglu area →
Each area is somewhat unique and preferable in its own way, because this is the very heart of Istanbul. And in order for the rest to bring the maximum positive impressions, it is necessary, based on personal preferences, to choose the most suitable option for yourself.
Fatih area for excursions
Presented by 57 quarters. Here is the Ataturk airport, a convenient transport interchange. The following attractions are located in the area:
- The Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar - the most visited in Istanbul, will help you immerse yourself in the local flavor and taste real Turkish goods;
- Topkapi Palace - the main attraction of Turkey, the residence of the padishahs;
- The Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque - one of the most beautiful mosques, got its name from blue murals, historical events of the Ottoman Empire are associated with it, was built in honor of Sultan Ahmet 1;
- Hagia Sophia or Saint - this is an Orthodox church, is under the protection of UNESCO, was built during the Roman Empire. One of the brightest sights of Turkey;
- The Basilica Cistern, or underground palace, is located in the heart of the city. This is a unique structure from the time of Justinian.
In addition, it is here that the most popular tourist areas are located, which are convenient for living. are as close as possible to all attractions and the very center of the city.
The following are the areas of Istanbul where it is better to stay:
- Laleli;
- Shishli;
- Bayazit;
- Galata.
The Laleli area is also known as "semi-Russian". Tourists from Russian-speaking countries prefer to stay here. This is where the most inexpensive all-inclusive hotels are located right in the center of Istanbul. Convenient transport interchange, metro station, main attractions within walking distance, many shops.
Where to stay in the Laleli area?
Since the prices are quite democratic 5 star hotels here you can buy in the price range from 3000 thousand rubles per day. There are such options:
- DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul - Old Town, rating 9, price - from 3000 thousand rubles.
- Wyndham Istanbul Old City, rating 8, price from 3500 thousand rubles.
4-star hotels, middle category:
- Darkhill Hotel, rating 8.8, price from 2200 thousand rubles.
- Hotel Zurich Istanbul, rating 7.8, price from 2,000 rubles.
- Bekdas Hotel Deluxe, rating 8, price from 2300 thousand rubles.
Economy hotels class, 3 stars:
- Barin Hotel, price from 1600 thousand rubles.
- Hotel Buyuk Keban, price from 1800 thousand rubles.
- Corner Hotel, price from 2,000 rubles.
Hotels in the Laleli area are represented by hostels and rented private housing, apartments and houses, so to speak, without stars, the price of which will depend on the area and interior. We recommend this area to independent tourists who come to Istanbul for shopping with a stop for a few days of rest.
Districts Beyazit, Sirkeci recommended for accommodation of those tourists who came to Turkey for the first time. They are distinguished by convenient and simple transport interchange, which allows you to get to any place in Istanbul without unnecessary confusion. These are quite quiet and peaceful areas, with many parks and attractions.
District Sultanahmet Is the historical center of Istanbul, represented by the Marble Embankment.
Besiktas is the most respectable, it is here that expensive hotels, spa salons, hammams, etc. are concentrated. Tourists come here, whose purpose is not only sightseeing, but relaxation in comfortable conditions. For an excursion in this area, you can choose the Dolmahache Palace. This majestic architectural structure, which replaced the famous Topkapi Palace, was the residence of Turkish padishahs and has historical significance.
District Shishli - a modern business center with a very developed infrastructure, shopping malls. Ideal for tourists who like shopping. Beylog.
Also in the European part of Istanbul there are districts Karakoy, Galata.
Galata is the most populous area, famous for its fun and noise, it is here that the city's nightlife is in full swing, here are the best bars, restaurants, nightclubs. There is also Istiklal Street - the longest pedestrian street where you can taste real Turkish cuisine and Taksim Square.
And also a local landmark - the Galata Tower, built in the 5th century, rising 61 meters and allowing you to see Istanbul from this height.
The Karakoy area is very quiet and calm, its location allows you to easily get to all the sights of Istanbul, there is also a pier, from where you can visit any sea excursion.
The Golden Horn is the best and harbor in the world, of natural origin, is itself a landmark of the city. But it became famous not only in our days, it was from here that the military and merchant ships of the Ottoman Empire, and earlier the Byzantines, came out.
Now, this is one of the most popular places for recreation in the city, many people come here to fish with a rod, directly from the Galata Bridge, you can also admire a beautiful view of the city, watch the sunset. This is the border between the two parts of Istanbul - Asian and European.
How to get to the city?
How to get to Istanbul inexpensively? For any independent traveler, saving is a priority. Cheap flights to Istanbul can be bought through the online search system on Aviasales, the search engine even searches among low-cost airlines, which will not only be a convenient way to get there, but will also allow you to find a ticket at a low price.
- How to get from Sabiha Gokce and Ataturk airports to Istanbul ⇒
- A transport card will help you get to attractions and hotels:
- You can get to some of the sights of Istanbul by metro:
Map of main attractions
Many tourists do not know where to stay closer to the sights. Firstly, a map of tourist places will make it possible to imagine in which direction you will need to look for housing, and secondly, the services for booking accommodation, which will be discussed below, have a map of the location of real estate, therefore, finding a hotel or a private version of an apartment will not be difficult ...
Istanbul hotels map
The full section will tell you where to go to Turkey cheaply and help you plan your trip yourself.
