Are you wondering about the best places to stay in Istanbul, Turkey? I featured the top 5 destinations highly recommended by visitors in this blog.
Thanks to its many cultural attractions and unforgettable hospitality, Istanbul has become a prominent tourist destination. As a result, millions of tourists visit Istanbul every year, so it is not too hard to discover the best places to stay in Istanbul.
Where to stay on a budget?
If you plan a budget trip, don’t mind staying outside central Istanbul, and consider localities like Zeytinburnu or Sisli. These areas have (some) affordable accommodations and are close enough to public transit that you can visit tourist attractions without worrying about transportation costs.
Alternatively, there are plenty of reasonably priced options around Sultanahmet Square. These neighborhoods may not be as cheap as Zeytinburnu and Sisli, but they are just as safe.
Nişantaşi and Beyoğlu are worth visiting if you have a little more money to spend. Both are centrally located and very close to public transit. In addition, these neighborhoods are filled with exciting restaurants that offer food from around Turkey.
Another option for those who don’t mind staying outside central Istanbul is Bosporus. It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and has plenty of affordable accommodations, thanks in part because of its proximity (and access) by ferryboat.
Beyoğlu: where to stay?
In central Istanbul, Beyoğlu is a great place to start. It is close to Istanbul’s most remarkable landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. And the most famous locality in Beyoğlu is Galata.
Moreover, it is home to fantastic restaurants and cafes as well. There are a lot of great hotels and hostels in Beyoğlu, perfect for backpacking through.
Best places to stay in Istanbul near Taksim Square
There isn’t a better place for locals and tourists to meet than Taksim Square. It is the place to go shopping, dining, and having fun at night. So, it makes sense that accommodations around Taksim would be plentiful.
Unlike, if you want to stay in a neighborhood away from it all (but still close enough to walk or take public transportation), look into options like Sultanahmet or Eminonu.
Furthermore, Galata Backpackers hostel is located on a bustling street full of bars and restaurants 15 minutes from Taksim Square. It has spacious dorms with plenty of bed space and private rooms.
Sultanahmet & Hagia Sophia
The convenience of living near Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia ensures you are comfortable in these two attractive tourist destinations.
Furthermore, they are near many of Istanbul’s top attractions and beaches. There are a variety of residential and tourist spots around the city, so you can choose accommodations that match your inclinations.
For example, staying near these sites is ideal if you want great views of historical landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque.
Also Read: Cheap places to stay in Turkey
Is Istanbul safe for foreign tourists?
Most significant cities experience some level of crime, including Istanbul. Nevertheless, foreign tourists visiting for a few days or weeks need not be concerned about their safety.
Most importantly, tourists should always know their surroundings and exercise common sense while traveling in any cosmopolitan. So, Istanbul has extraordinary security arrangements, which means serious crimes are relatively rare.
Are the best places in Istanbul cheap?
To stay in the best places in Istanbul, you do not have to spend a lot of money. The prices of hotels and hostels can fluctuate greatly depending on how busy a particular area is or what type of place you need. A good way is to make your stay economical, consider accommodations that won’t be flooded with tourists.
Which is the best currency exchange in Istanbul?
If you need local currency during your Istanbul visit, withdraw it from an ATM or exchange money at a bank after opening a new account.
Otherwise, stick with major foreign currencies that are readily accepted around town. The Turkish lira is still used occasionally, but you’ll probably want to use credit cards (where available) or euros instead.
The euro is most widely accepted in Istanbul and other cities of Turkey. Thus, ATMs and firms that accept euros are easy to come by in central and western Istanbul.
Can tourists camp around Istanbul?
Yes, staying in a tent during a trip has many benefits. Besides being cheaper than hotels and apartments, it offers a different travel experience. Below are some of the city’s best campgrounds:
Yildiz Park
Yildiz Park offers diverse accommodations for all travelers. Consequently, families can enjoy private rooms and cabins that are comfortable as home.
For those traveling with their pets, there are even pet-friendly accommodations available. Activities and entertainment are also offered on-site, including live music on Friday night and soccer games on Saturday afternoon.
Kucukayasofya
A few attractions in the city are a little farther away from the camping Kucukayasofya. As a result, you will need transportation if you plan to visit any of these areas.
Despite not being central, it’s still a great place to camp when you’re considering nature while you’re on the road.
Kucuk Bostan
Istanbul’s Kucuk Bostan offers cozy accommodations with modern amenities. All the rooms have a balcony, a TV, and comfortable beds.
There is also an on-site restaurant that serves Turkish dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is located about 5 km from Taksim Square, and campers can take buses or even walk to explore city attractions.
FAQs
Above all, the map on your ticket will guide you step by step towards your destination. In addition, it will advise you which bus or ferry line to take. It also serves as a 24/7 subway pass if needed.
Unlike many other big cities, Istanbul has public transportation and private transportation services. Therefore, you can easily buy an Istanbul card online or at any kiosk on Taksim Square (ask for an Istanbul kart).
It is imperative to find transportation to one of these best places in Istanbul if you plan to stay for a long time. There are many forms of transportation, for example:
Metro,
Trams,
Ferries,
Public buses,
Car & Taxis.
There are three international airports in Istanbul.
Ataturk International Airport (IST),
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport,
Dalaman Airport.
The largest is Ataturk International Airport (IST), which has an extensive domestic and international flights selection. The second-largest airport is Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a hub for Turkish Airlines.
Finally, there’s Dalaman Airport (DLM), a smaller airport with limited service to other countries, which can serve as an alternative if one of IST or SAW is crowded or out of order.
Conclusion
It is highly recommendable that you plan a trip to explore more than these five best places to stay in Istanbul. The city has countless attractions to offer visitors. Its history, culture, food and nightlife, shopping, and travel opportunities are matchless.
In reality, Istanbul has beautiful architecture, and people are so welcoming. Although, be sure that you choose the best place to stay to make your visit to Istanbul economical and unforgettable.
