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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

Where to Stay in Istanbul – Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet

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.

Picture of Sultanahmet seen from Beyoğlu, Istanbul.
Sultanahmet seen from Beyoğlu, Istanbul. – © Photo by Sonic Knight

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.

Picture of the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn.
Galata Bridge. © Juraj Patekar

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

Picture of Nevizade in the Beyoğlu area.
Nevizade. © Jorge Franganillo

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.

Further Recommended Reading

  1. Hotels in Istanbul: Expectations and Facilities
  2. When to Visit Istanbul for a City Trip or Holiday?
  3. Visa Requirements and Procedures for Istanbul, Turkey

Filed Under: Accommodation, Before You Book, Plan Your Trip Tagged With: Accommodation, Beyoğlu, Sultanahmet, Where To Stay

Comments

  1. Farah says

    October 7, 2022 at 5:41 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      October 8, 2022 at 6:32 pm

      Yes, it’s ok.

      Reply
  2. Beth says

    September 1, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 1, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      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.

      Reply
  3. M says

    June 6, 2022 at 9:27 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 7, 2022 at 10:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Debby Williams says

    August 13, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      August 14, 2019 at 8:28 am

      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.

      Reply
  5. Ms. D says

    July 12, 2019 at 3:57 am

    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.

    Reply
  6. Irfan says

    June 19, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    thank you, very useful for planning my trip in October.

    Reply

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