When I first travelled to Istanbul, my head was buzzing: ‘Stay in Sultanahmet… you’re a fool if you don’t stay there!’. As much truth as there is in these words, there is also a dash of superficiality. Why?– you ask. Because Istanbul is one of the world’s largest cities and each area you’re found in could hold a special charm and make you smile for a different reason: there is nightlife and then there’s shopping and then there’s dining and then there are sweets. And then, there is history all around. So, stay flexible when exploring accommodation options in Istanbul. This is my suggestion, at least. And I also have a list. Here it is!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Hotel Miniature (from USD 153)
Reasonably priced hotel with attentive staff and excellent breakfast
Clean rooms with thoughtful details, such as pillow menu and fluffy bathrobes
Great central location, within walking distance of main attractions and local eateries
Delicious rooftop meals, including huge and tasty grilled chicken wraps
This beautiful boutique hotel is simply minutes away from the attractions that ravish Istanbul visitors the most: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Set in a 139-year-old building, the brickwork is the focal element, enchanting throughout the high-ceiling rooms, completed by the transparencies that separate the living area from the bathroom area. You can also enjoy a massage and/or the hot tub, plus you get complimentary water, tea, coffee, Turkish delight, and chocolate every day. Talking of freebies, you can sightsee Istanbul on a bicycle rented from the hotel, free of charge. Breakfast is served as a buffet and meals can be enjoyed on the terrace on the top floor, whenever the sun’s out.
Hotel Miniature - Ottoman Mansion
Address: Alemdar Mahallesi Molla Fenari Sokak No 22 Cagaloglu
1.74 km (1.1 mi) from Galata Tower
2. MySuite Istanbul (from USD 64)
Great value, centrally located, with affordable rates and free upgrades.
Spacious rooms with kitchen and balcony, good Wi-fi, helpful host available 24/7.
Wonderful location, 5 minutes from Taksim Square, close to shops, cafes, and major attractions.
Excellent local recommendations, vegan food nearby, complimentary welcome platter of fruit and Turkish coffee.
Über-charming, to say the least. You will not even know what to look at first - the balcony with the sea or city view that some apartments hold, the fine details in the rooms, the traditional tiling in the bathrooms, or the bright and beautiful colors. Just 5 minutes from Taksim Square – and you can get everywhere from here! You can prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen - although it is not likely that you would get tired of Turkish dishes - and enjoy an individual hammam experience in some of these apartments. And that’s not all: honoring innate Turkish hospitality, you will receive a fruit plate, milk, Turkish delight, tea and coffee, a transportation card, and a mobile phone with a local number. Try beating that.
Tip from tour guide
A 20-minute drive from this accommodation will allow you to explore the magnificence of The Walls of Constantinople. These walls, now within the borders of Istanbul, were built during the Eastern Roman period. When you're in Istanbul, consider walking along these walls and looking at them through the eyes of the soldiers who came to conquer them. You'll also get the opportunity to see them through the eyes of the soldiers who guarded them. The city walls were featured in Netflix's "Rise of Empires: Ottoman" documentary, so you'll have something to brag about to your friends back home.
Check out a video of the attraction here: https://youtube.com/shorts/brlH7Kt6qzE?feature=share
MySuite Istanbul Cihangir
Address: Firuzaga Mah. Turkgucu Caddesi No:74/A Cihangir
892 meters (0.6 ft) from Galata Tower
3. Walnut Shell Hotel (from USD 107)
Apart from the creative name that it holds, this hotel comes with the advantage of being located merely 350 meters (1,148 feet) from the Blue Mosque. The terrace is beautiful, as Istanbul’s skyline boldly unveils. The rooms are attentively decorated and give away a certain local feel. The breakfast served is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, so all those sharing my culinary thoughts, views, and directions should feel happy! Moreover, I’ve heard that the staff is incredible. Could you really ask for more when you’ve got location, great service, and friendliness? Probably not.
Walnut Shell Hotel Sultanahmet
Address: Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Aksakal Sok. No:22 Sultanahmet
2.54 km (1.6 mi) from Galata Tower
4. Sultanahmet Apartment with Sea View (from 111 USD)
Would you choose to wake up and glance at the sea if you had the chance? Of course you would! Water is always pure magic to look at and the color of the Marmara is surprising each and every time. The tones and decorations of the rooms are almost ludic, but go perfectly with the vibe that one should display from head to toe while traveling! With all major attractions within 5 minutes by foot and a supermarket 2 minutes away, staying in this place in the Sultanahmet area will make you understand why you’re not the fool in the leading paragraph for not having chosen a different district.
Sultanahmet Apartment with Sea View
Price: from 111 USD
Access: 5 minutes by foot to the Blue Mosque
Istanbul Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Dilek Orubegarcia
My name is Dilek, a national-licensed tour guide. I am 40 years old and have been guiding for 12 years. My husband is from Mexico as a Mexican Turkish family and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoying Istanbul as much as we can. We go out, try to discover new restaurants, new museums, art galleries, children's acti... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Safiye Kaban
Hi there, this is Safiye from istanbul. I am a professional licensed tour guide and travel expert over 12 years. I have guided thousands of travellers from all around the world. I love meeting with new people, making new friends and building bridges. I orgnize cultural, historical, shopping and food tours to small groups, I mostly guide to private tours. I am also a foodie, I love discovering n... Read more
5. Sapphire (from USD 63)
The city where high ceilings are the norm. This is Istanbul! Beams certainly linger in the air, literally, as does the sapphire of the Golden Horn panoramas. All the utilities are right under your nose, so that you feel at ease and enjoy the city, first of all through its Beyoğlu, full of bars and restaurants that steal your glances and seduce your palates.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the apartment is stunningit comes with a washing machine iron and all kinds of useful amenitiesthe apartment is amazing with a breathtaking viewthe apartment has an amazing view at all times of the day that doesn't get boringthe room has great view with windows to view the sea and sofia is standing face to faceCleanliness:
the apartment and everything about it were spotlessly cleanyou can relax in a clean room and a large spacegreat view and location very clean apartment easy communication helpful tipsHost:
hatice is the perfect hosthatice was the perfect hosthatice was an perfect hosthatice is a wonderful hosthatice is such a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
easy walking distance from taksim sq and metro stationswell located apartment with everything you need nearby an easy walk from sishane stationthis is the perfect locationthe location is wonderful - tucked away but at the same time right in the heart of everythingit is also close to public transport which is awesome
Superhost
6. Bunk Taksim (from USD 19)
Recognized as one of the most popular hostels in Istanbul, rightfully, this is an oasis of good taste and classic colors, perfectly matched. And of course, great food, freshly made. All of this is in a fully renovated historic building. Vibrantly connected to the Bohemian streets of Galata, Beyoğlu, and Çukurcuma, you are only steps away from restaurants, cafés and shops! What a treat!
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul
Address: Inonu Mah. Papa Roncalli Sokak No:34, Elmadag
2.2 km (1.4 mi) from Galata Tower
7. Ada Hotel (from USD 54)
Here you are 150 meters (492 feet) from the Blue Mosque. And I could stop there. But no, there is so much more in store! Bright and colorful rooms, traditional carpets and tablecloths, and attention to detail all across the property. How about Turkish breakfast served on the superb terrace overlooking the beauty of Istanbul? It doesn’t get much better than that.
Ada Hotel Istanbul
Address: Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu Sok No:32 Sultanahmet
2.29 km (1.5 mi) from Galata Tower
8. Peradays (from USD 94)
Brick walls strike again! This time, they get the support of pillow corners, layers and layers of furnishings, old-style vinyls, and delicate balconies. Obviously, the structure’s charm resides in the 19th-century building set in the Beyoğlu District. Breakfast is claimed to be exceptional and can be enjoyed under the rays of the sun, when the latter’s out and about, but most days in Istanbul, it is.
Peradays
Address: Kamer Hatun Mah. Hamalbasi Cad. 32, Beyoglu
1.08 km (0.7 mi) from Galata Tower
9. Hotel Amira (from USD 122)
This luxury hotel is located in the Sultanahmet District and, as advertised, provides a superb breakfast, with homemade cakes and cookies. And a killer view over the Sea of Marmara, I might add. Other items on offer: a Finnish sauna, a wood-panelled hot tub, and a well-equipped gym. Plus, a rich library, catering to all tastes.
Hotel Amira Istanbul
Address: Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Mustafa Pasa Sok. No: 43 Sultanahmet
2.52 km (1.6 mi) from Galata Tower
10. No:11 Apartments (from USD 79)
A true mix of classic, modern, and traditional – a little bit like Turkey itself – these beautiful apartments include high ceilings and a simple kitchenette and are situated 1 km (0.6 mi) from Taksim Square, in the historic Pera District. Asmalimescit neighborhood, with its many bars and taverns, is just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.
No11 Hotel & Apartments
Address: Balyoz Sok. No:11 Asmali Mescit Mah. Beyoglu
592 meters (0.4 ft) from Galata Tower
Here's to your next visit!
I hope that you enjoy your stay in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities on our planet! And at the same time, one of my personal favorites.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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