Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul

Where to stay in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Ihlamur Pavilion, or Ihlamur Kasri, a former imperial Ottoman summer pavilion constructed during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I, located in Nisantasi Ihlamur Yolu street, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Şişli

4/5(454 area reviews)

Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.

Şişli
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali

5 out of 5
Inonu Cad. No 22 Istanbul
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Elite World Grand Istanbul Kucukyali
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy

4 out of 5
MEHMET AKIF ERSOY MAH GORELE SK N Arnavutköy
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6 Istanbul
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elits Suits

Elits Suits

3 Osmanli Bulvari Istanbul pendik
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Viaport Outlet Shopping and Turkish-Hungarian Friendship ...
Elits Suits
G Tower Residences

G Tower Residences

Mimar Sinan Cd 35 Istanbul Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
G Tower Residences
Element Suites

Element Suites

Sehit Muhtar Mah Turan Cad Cevza Sok 2 Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
Element Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Istanbul

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3131
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
1378
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
236
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
47
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
55
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Taxi drivers are very aggressive and arrogant towards tourists

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Istanbul is a very vibrant city. It's an interest mix of cultures and played a key role throughout many points in history. We spent a week here after a week in Athens. 1 week was enough to enjoy our time and see the highlights in Istanbul.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was not our first trip to Istanbul. We had visited many of the places before and were only there for a day and a half this trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Melissa

Beautiful, clean city especially suited to couples or individual travelers. I would imagine it difficult to keep children interested in historical sites although plenty of outdoor walking. A multicultural destination where we felt welcome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful city we really enjoy our stay We definitely come back in the future..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The new airport is very far from town. Don't arrange a shuttle. They couldn't find us. Take a bus or a taxi if you are four people. They plan to have the metro connect to the airport next year.

Cities near Istanbul