Istanbul

Travel Guide

Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque

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
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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
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
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
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
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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
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

5 out of 5
Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6 Istanbul
The price is SAR 1,032 per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
SAR 1,032
SAR 1,156 total
15 Jan - 16 January 2026
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The hotel is overall great! The staff is incredible! The majority of the restaurants are 5 stars the Nobu restaurant is not anything close to the kind in Miami. It’s also without a doubt one of the worst sushi restaurants I have ever been to. It really needs to be replaced.

Reviewed on 18 December 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Dedeman Bostancı

Dedeman Bostancı

5 out of 5
Degirmen Yolu Caddesi, No:39B Istanbul Istanbul
The price is SAR 494 per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
SAR 494
SAR 553 total
6 Jan - 7 January 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 2 December 2025

Dedeman Bostancı
ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int'l Airport Istanbul Istanbul
The price is SAR 427 per night from Dec 31 to Jan 1
SAR 427
SAR 478 total
31 Dec - 1 January 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,663 reviews)
We be very impressed with the hotel the service be exceptional super friendly and very helpful the price of drinks and food be great not ridiculous expensive you here no noise from the plane’s and super clean

Reviewed on 18 December 2025

ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel - Special Class
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.
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul

Karayollari Mh. Abdi Ipekci Cad. No: 30 Istanbul Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (262 reviews)
Yes, and I thank them for that.

Reviewed on 3 December 2025

Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul

Radisson Residences Vadistanbul

Ayazaga Mah, Kemerburgaz St 6A No.7V/101 Sariyer Istanbul
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Taksim Square and Galata Tower are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
I didn't try breakfast at the hotel/residence I like the big rooms full with all amenities The staff was very responsive and friendly Would book again if coming with a group

Reviewed on 7 December 2025

Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
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. ...
5.4/10 (311 reviews)
It was good special thanks for Mr. Ahmad the Afghani guy and to the manager

Reviewed on 18 October 2025

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

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.