Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities in the world. With a history spanning thousands of years, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for tourists. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and unique blend of European and Asian influences, Istanbul offers a truly unforgettable travel experience.
However as the largest city in Europe, it can be overwhelming to determine the best neighborhood to stay in on your trip to Istanbul. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul in 2023 and wondering where to stay, keep on reading. In this blog post, I’ll share the best districts in Istanbul to stay in, based on my experience living and traveling through Istanbul for over a year. I’ll also share my top hotel picks for each district.
#1: Galata
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul is Galata. Galata is a popular district located on the European side of Istanbul. The neighborhood is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. Galata is home to the Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, which offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. Galata also has a rich cultural heritage, with its narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
The neighborhood has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues, making it a great place to experience Istanbul’s nightlife scene. Galata is also easily accessible by public transportation (M2 Metro line) and is a safe neighborhood to stay in. I always recommend travelers to stay in Galata because it truly has it all! It’s close to touristy sites without compromising on the local charming vibe. It’s situated near public transportation and is a great starting point to get around to the rest of the city.
#2: Sultanahmet
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to be close to all the action, Sultanahmet is the perfect district for you. Located in Old Istanbul, the neighborhood is home to the city’s famed Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace. Sultanahmet is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul for tourists, and it’s not hard to see why.
If you’re interested in exploring Istanbul’s rich history and culture, Sultanahmet is the perfect district to stay in. The neighborhood is safe, and it’s easy to get around by public transportation via the above-ground tram. Keep in mind that this area is more touristy and busy, so if you prefer a more local and authentic travel experience, you may prefer staying in a different district. Because of the touristy nature, you’ll notice elevated prices at restaurants and street vendors in this area.
#3: Moda
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and trendy vibe, Moda is the district for you. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadikoy, Moda is known for its trendy cafes, vintage shops, and art galleries. There’s no shortage of international resaurants and nightlife in this district. The neighborhood has a very relaxed and creative atmosphere, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in Istanbul’s arts and culture scene. Moda is also very safe, and it’s easy to get around by public transportation. There are bus, metro, and metrobus options throughout the district, and it’s close to the ferry port as well.
Moda is much quieter than Galata or Sultanahmet, as it’s more of a local district. However there are fewer tourist attractions in this district, so keep in mind that you’ll likely need to spend more time and money using public transportation to get around than you would in other areas.
#4: Karakoy
Karakoy is another trendy and up-and-coming district located on the European side of Istanbul. The neighborhood is known for its hip cafes, bars, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in Istanbul’s modern and contemporary culture.
The recently-developed Galataport is located in Karakoy, which is a high-end outlet mall with seaside restaurants and cafes. Karakoy is also very close to some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, including the Galata Tower and the Istiklal Avenue. The neighborhood is very safe, and it’s easy to get around by public transportation via the above-ground tram or M2 metro line.
#5: Nisantasi
Next up is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Istanbul: Nisantasi. It’s one of the most upscale and exclusive districts in Istanbul, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a luxurious and sophisticated stay. The district is located on the European side of the city, and it’s known for its high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and chic cafes. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’ll love Nisantasi, as it’s home to some of the most famous designer brands in the world. It’s actually considered the fashion district in Istanbul, so you can do lots of shopping here.
Nisantasi is a very safe neighborhood with a low crime rate. It’s a bit tucked away from the touristy areas yet still easily accessible by public transportation via the M2 metro line. Keep in mind since it’s an upscale district, hotels here are a bit more expensive than in other areas.
#6: Uskudar
Uskudar is another great district to stay in if you’re interested in exploring the Asian side of Istanbul. The neighborhood is located on the banks of the Bosphorus, and it’s known for its stunning views of the water and the city’s iconic skyline. Uskudar is a very historic neighborhood, and it’s home to some of Istanbul’s oldest mosques and churches. The neighborhood has a very authentic and traditional vibe, and it’s a great place to experience Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
Uskudar is a great option for travelers who like to stay away from the busyness of touristy areas. The district is very residential and safe, making it a great option for families. It’s a bit far from the major tourist attractions, so keep in mind you’ll likely need to spend more time and money on public transportation. However many public transportation stops are located throughout the district, and you won’t have a difficult time getting around.
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