European Part Travel Guide

In the city of Istanbul, a variety of hotel options are available and it’ll depend on what’s most important for you. Whether it’s for location, price, restaurants or culture, this quick guide can help you with tips on planning your future trip to one of the greatest cities in the world. As first time visitors, staying near the main sites can be a rewarding decision. The vicinity of Sultanahmet is a suitable choice, with some very affordable hostels to upscale and chic hotels and a perfect place for sightseeing. Many places of tourist interest are concentrated here and most accommodations are 5 mins from the main sites of the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and The underground cisterns.  If you're looking for a small Ottoman-style inn, a cozy family pension or a backpackers' hostel, even luxury options are here as well. Hippodrome is the very center of Sultanahmet, with the Blue Mosque on its southeast side, the hotels here are as close as you can possibly get to the major historical sights on the peninsula of Old Istanbul. Ahead, you will find Divan Yolu, the ancient road to Rome which extends from Sultanahmet Square and the Hippodrome westward to Beyazit Square. On its north side are several hotels within a 3 minute walk of the Hippodrome in an area of narrow streets crowded with restaurants. At Cankurtaran, a warren of streets are lined with hotels of all shapes, sizes and degrees of comfort and price, from backpackers' hostels to the elegant 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul. All are within a few minutes walk up a gradual hill. Sirkeci neighborhood has two dozen hotels in all price ranges, as well as a dozen restaurants to choose from budget to fancy. It’s conveniently located where a 10-minute walk or a short tram ride can take you uphill to Sultanahmet, or north to Sirkeci Station, the Eminonu ferry docks, and Galata Bridge. If you’re looking for a peace and quiet neighborhood to rest your head, Piyer Loti Caddesi  is a great choice, with 3 to 4 star hotels along the streets in a comfortable surrounding. In addition, Bindirdirek, facing the park and on neighboring Klodfarer Caddesi are several fine hotels with outstanding views and moderate prices. Staying at non-touristy areas like Kadirga, you will find a variety of lodgings on narrow streets in a real Istanbul-Turkish neighborhood. Every district is within walking distance or a short transportation ride away.