Should I look for a hotel in Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu? That’s a question people often ask me while they’re planning their trip to Istanbul. The problem is that there is no straightforward answer to it. It’s merely a matter of preference. Let me explain the pros and cons of both locations.
Golden Horn
Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu are almost neighboring areas, if it wasn’t for the Golden Horn (Haliç). The Golden Horn is a flooded river valley, connecting with the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. This historical natural harbor is now a main departure point for ferries, both going up the Bosphorus and heading for the Asian side.
The Golden Horn actually separates the old heart of Istanbul (Sultanahmet, Eminönü and Fatih) from the modern part of Istanbul (Taksim, Şişli, Beşiktaş, etc.).
There are two bridges crossing the Golden Horn: the Unkapanı or Atatürk Bridge, and the Galata Bridge. Especially the latter is of interest to tourists because it is the shortest way between Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu.
On the upper deck you’ll pass by a seemingly eternal line of fisherman while witnessing the bustling activity on the Golden Horn. A visit to the lower deck will provide you with a ringside seat in one of the many cheap cafés to watch boats come and go.
Sultanahmet
The biggest incentive to book a hotel in Sultanahmet is obviously its proximity to major sightseeing spots such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, etc. They are all within walking distance of most hotels located in this area. The flip side is unfortunately that Sultanahmet turns into a pretty dead neighborhood once the sun sets. After dark the streets are empty and good night entertainment is scarce.
Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu is home to Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata area with its famous tower, Istiklal Caddesi, etc. But the area is mostly known for its cozy neighborhoods (i.e. Cihangir, Galata), wide array of restaurants and cafés, and famous Istanbul night life. Beyoğlu is basically open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But no need to worry, hotels are located in quieter areas, still within walking distance of all the action. Nişantaşı is next door so to speak, and shopping centers are only a metro ride away.
My Advice
The truth is that it’s inevitable to spend time in both areas. So you’ll always have to travel between the two, being it by public transportation or by taxi. I stayed in hotels in both areas on numerous occasions, and always felt I had the best time staying in the Beyoğlu area. I love to arrive at my hotel after a full day of sightseeing, freshen up for a nice dinner, enjoy the nightlife and being able to walk back home surrounded by people whenever I feel it’s time to recharge the batteries.
Rey ILagan says
Hello Friend,
I’m disembarking from a cruise ship and will spend 3 days in Istanbul in July.
I will be staying in a Sultanamet hotel. Any suggestions how we can maximize
our trip to Istanbul?
Your articles are very helpful.
Thank you very much.
Erlend says
Hi,
I can’t make a three day itinerary for you, but a good place to start is this post on the top 15 things to do in Istanbul. To win time, I would skip the trip outside Istanbul, the Archaeology Museum (massive renovation going on), and the Bosphorus cruise (if you’ve been at sea too much already). Since the arrival of one or more cruise ships always means a sudden influx of thousands of tourists, I strongly urge you to buy skip the line (with or without a guide) tickets online from trusted sources such as Get Your Guide.Alternatively, if you plan to visit most of the landmarks, have a look at my review of the Istanbul ePass. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.
Farid Shaikh says
Hi Erlend, I am travelling to Turkey with my family (2 year old kid and then 2 more kids 14 and 11 years old) this month, I will be staying in Sultanahmet area for 4 days, then will goto Cappadocia and Konya for 3 days. Will again come back to Istanbul for another 3-4 days. Please let me know where should I be staying in Istanbul when I come back from Cappadocia. Want to experience some good shopping at local rates, plus good food as I am also travelling with children. Any insight will be really helpful
Erlend says
Hi,
I suggest to stay in the Galata or Taksim area since you’ll have spent 4 days in Sultanahmet already. Maybe time to focus on some other close by sightseeing spots and venues, such as the Galata tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, etc. Or you could book a hotel at the Asian side to have spent the night on both continents. I have a list of Istanbul hotels which I like, and as for food, I can highly recommend this food tour. Once you’ve experienced that, you’ll know a wide range of Turkish food and know some excellent restaurants to visit.
Deb Fenton says
Hello! We are beginning a cruise from Istanbul this Sept so I booked the Novetel in Beyoğlu because I believe it is a decent hotel and in walking distance to the pier?
Is it reasonable to consider walking across the Bosphorus Bridge to get to the Cistern?
Any restaurant recommendations near our hotel?
Your site is very informative and helpful! Thank you so much. It can be a challenge to navigate such a large city in a short time. 😊
Best to you!
Deb
Erlend says
Hi Deb,
I haven’t been to that hotel, but reviews are nice and it certainly is within walking distance.
To reach the Basilica Cistern, you’re not crossing the Bosphorous Bridge (which is prohibited on foot anyway) but the Galata bridge. You can walk to the cistern, but it’s uphill. Alternatively, take the T1 tram (buy the Istanbul Kart at a vending machine at a tram stop) to Sultanahmet to the cistern, and maybe walk on the way back?
Sedaf says
Thank you it’s really helping me to plan my trip I am planning for next month to istanbul I got my reservation one of hotel in sultanahmet for 2 nights afterwards plan for Antalya for 2 days then will comeback to Istanbul and stay for other 2 nights for which I am confused where to stay so what do you suggest in beyoglu or I am thinking to stay at Asian site and explore that end is it worth staying at Asian side and is that more economical?
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Sedaf,
The Asian side is not more or less economical than the European part, but it’s certainly worth a visit. However, if these are your first 3-4 days in this city, you’ll find yourself spending most of your time on the Eupropean side since it has most of the must-see landmarks.
Adnaan says
Hi, I am planning to visit Istanbul in May with my wife. We are planning to stay at Side Hotel in Fatih. Is this a good location and is it safe to walk around in the evening for dinner? I would love to stay at the hotels you have recommended but they are out of my budget unfortunately.
Erlend says
Hi,
Yes, nothing to worry about. Just be vigilant for people wanting you to sell things. Do please go over my popular tourist scams post, because just like any other world city, Istanbul has a few, too.
Have a nice holiday.
Patrick Nason says
My wife and I, in our 80’s plan a three day, April visit to Istanbul. With a slim budget can you recommend an area of the city for a hotel, restaurants, sight seeing, etc. Many thanks for any suggestions. Are sightseeing tours a good way of seeing the city without too much walking, queueing, etc?
Erlend says
Hi, given you age, I would suggest a hotel in Sultanahmet, since a lot of sightseeing spots are in that area. To have a nice overview of the city you could indeed take one of those hop-on hop-of tours, but to really visit the sightseeing spots you must of course walk. To reduce queuing time to a minimum, I suggest you buy your tickets online. Guided tours often have a shortcut, too. You can have a look at Get Your Guide, or you can consider using a multi-day Istanbul e-pass. I hope this helps.
Sam says
Thank you for the valuable information. I am travelling with an infant and will be using a stroller.
Are the streets, side walks, pavements stroller friendly? Or, it will depend on the area?
Also, if I will use public transportation, is it ok to take the stroller with me?
Thank you.
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
It really depends, but in the city center it’s ok to walk with a stroller. Your biggest chances of struggles are transitions from street to pavement, and when (old small) streets become really crowded. On public transportation, be prepared to have to fold the stroller and carry the infant if it’s really crowded. On the positive side, you’ll notice that Turks are very fond of children.
Farah says
Hi, Your site is very informative. Thanks for sharing the tips on Istanbul.
We are planning a trip in end October. Is Beyazit a good place to stay? We are thinking of Raddison President.
Erlend says
Yes, it’s ok.
Beth says
Hi! We are headed to Istanbul on October 8 with two small children (5 and 2 years old) and trying to decide how long to stay and in what area. We want to be able to easily see the sights and get around and don’t care about nightlife, though we will want to eat dinner out most nights. Thanks!
Erlend says
Hi,
In your case, I would suggest Sultanahmet I guess, since at least one of your children will be in a stroller I’m guessing. How long you should stay really depends on which sightseeing spots you definitely want to see. Obviously, your attractions per day will be lower than that of a childless couple.
M says
Hi! Thank you for this very clear explanation of the two. I have seen a hotel in Eyup. What is the nightlife like in this area? I will have 2 small children travelling with me.
Erlend says
Hi,
The nightlife is close to zero in Eyüp, and if you plan to do sightseeing with two kids, I don’t think Eyüp is the best area to stay.
Debby Williams says
I would like to visit Turkey. When should I get my visa? My passport is current. I’m traveling alone (woman) how much cash can I carry with me .
What kind of clothes is exceptable .
Can I easily get a motel on arrival?
Erlend says
Hi Debby,
Passport holders of most countries can buy their visa online. I wouldn’t carry too much cash on you, for safety reasons and because paying by credit card is very common in Istanbul. Any clothing you would wear in a major city at your country is fine, just remember to bring something to cover you hair and bare shoulders in case you plan to visit a mosque. If I were you, I would make motel or hotel reservations before arriving in Istanbul.
Hope this helps.
Ms. D says
You make me want to return to Turkiye for another trip. I LOVED traveling there before Erdogan’s reign. Now I worry whether it is safe for Americans during the Trump dominion. Istanbul and its people are lovely. Pemukkale/ Aphrodisias was an amazing diversion, and Ephesus was perfection for the tourist with a degree in Classical Civilization (Greece, Rome, and Egypt). The people and the hospitality were delightful! I highly suggest setting up a few host families to truly learn Turkish culture. 2 weeks was not nearly long enough. We missed everything east of Antalya.
Irfan says
thank you, very useful for planning my trip in October.