There's a lot visitors like about Istanbul, especially its cafes and historical sites. Learn about the local heritage of Istanbul at top landmarks like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Popular sights like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar are sure to leave an impression.
Hostels in Istanbul
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Aug 21 - Aug 23In two weeks
Aug 28 - Aug 30In one month
Sep 11 - Sep 13In two months
Oct 9 - Oct 11Top 5 hotels in Istanbul at a glance
- Antique Hostel & Guesthouse — Located in Sultanahmet. Guest rating: 7.8/10 — Good.
- TAKSİM LİFE HOUSE — Located in Taksim. Guest rating: 9.6/10 — Exceptional.
- Galata Sea Suites — Located in Istanbul City Center. Guest rating: 10/10 — Exceptional.
- Seaway İstanbul — Located in Sultanahmet. Guest rating: 10/10 — Exceptional.
- Sanat Hostel Taksim — Located in Taksim. Guest rating: 7.6/10 — Good.
Hostels in Istanbul
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Aug 23 - Aug 24
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Sep 12 - Sep 13
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Aug 23 - Aug 24
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Aug 16 - Aug 17
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Aug 19 - Aug 20
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Aug 17 - Aug 18
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Aug 26 - Aug 27
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Sep 6 - Sep 7
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Aug 23 - Aug 24
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Sep 15 - Sep 16
Top neighborhoods in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.
Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu buzzes with creative energy around every cobblestone corner. Wander through the cultural heart of Istanbul, where the medieval Galata Tower watches over a neighborhood alive with history. Art lovers can lose track of time in the Pera Museum, while shoppers hunt for treasures along bustling İstiklal Avenue. The district pulses with street musicians, vintage trams, and the mingling aromas of Turkish coffee. Traditional meyhanes serve meze platters alongside rooftop restaurants with stunning Bosphorus views. Getting around is a breeze with metro stations at Sishane-Zemin, Tophane, and Karakoy Tünel. Stay in boutique hotels housed in restored Ottoman buildings for a truly authentic Istanbul experience.
Photo by Yasar Yagci
Photo by David M. Simpson
Kadıköy
Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.
Nişantaşı
Nişantaşı is Istanbul's posh playground where fashionable locals shop luxury brands on Abdi Ipekci Street. Art galleries showcase contemporary Turkish design while elegant 19th-century facades add European flair. The neighborhood balances upscale shopping with cultural spots like the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre. Stylish sidewalk cafés serve perfect Turkish coffee between shopping sprees. Getting around is simple with the nearby Maçka and Taşkışla cable car stations connecting you to greater Istanbul. Luxury boutique hotels and apartments dominate the accommodation scene, offering modern amenities with sophisticated Turkish design touches.
Şişli
Şişli combines business power with high-end indulgence in Istanbul's buzzing commercial heart. Wander between gleaming office towers and into Cevahir Mall's massive glass dome for a shopping spree. Culture lovers can explore the Atatürk Museum or admire St. Esprit Cathedral's Gothic architecture before hitting designer boutiques in Nişantaşı. The neighborhood serves up sophisticated dining with international cuisine and refined Turkish fare. Excellent metro connections via Şişli and Osmanbey stations make getting around a breeze, while upscale hotels cater perfectly to both business and luxury travelers.
Top landmarks in Istanbul
Taksim Square
8.8/10 (27,914 reviews)
Taksim Square is worth passing through for a few pics when in Taksim. Why not live the cultural experience and visit the churches, cathedral, and museums in the area— your sightseeing tour starts here. Istanbul has lots of other popular landmarks you might want to visit such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Blue Mosque
9.2/10 (29,179 reviews)
If you're planning a bit of sightseeing head to Blue Mosque— just one of the monuments in Sultanahmet. Why not live the cultural experience and visit the museums, cathedral, and art galleries in the area— your sightseeing tour starts here. Istanbul has lots of other important landmarks you might want to see such as Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia
9.4/10 (28,162 reviews)
If you're interested in local churches head to Sultanahmet— home to Hagia Sophia. Why not live the cultural experience and visit the cathedral, museums, and art galleries in the area— your sightseeing tour starts here. Istanbul has lots of other important landmarks you might want to see such as Blue Mosque.
Grand Bazaar
8.8/10 (29,955 reviews)
If you like haggling for the best price, you might want to head out to Grand Bazaar in Istanbul City Center for some quality bargains. Splash some more cash at Egyptian Bazaar, Kumkapi Fish Market, and Arasta Bazaar.
Galata Tower
9.2/10 (22,373 reviews)
If you're planning a bit of sightseeing head to Galata Tower— just one of the monuments in Istanbul City Center. Why not live the cultural experience and visit the cathedral, museums, and churches in the area— your sightseeing tour starts here. Istanbul has lots of other big landmarks you might want to visit such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Sultanahmet Square
9.2/10 (18,258 reviews)
Sultanahmet Square is worth passing through for a few pics when in Sultanahmet. Why not live the cultural experience and visit the cathedral, museums, and art galleries in the area— your sightseeing tour starts here. Istanbul has lots of other important landmarks you might want to visit such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Topkapi Palace
9.2/10 (20,904 reviews)
If museums are on your list of things to see, you might want to browse the collections at Topkapi Palace, a popular attraction in Istanbul City Center. Our travelers also like the art galleries, monuments, and cathedral in the area. If you want to see more of the museums in Istanbul, you can easily walk to Hagia Sophia or Hagia Irene.
Mall of Istanbul
8.8/10 (11,354 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Mall of Istanbul in Basaksehir. Our travelers also like the cathedral in the area— your cultural tour starts here. Splash some more cash at İstoç Ticaret Merkezi.
Istanbul and related destinations
Ancient empires collide in a city where Europe meets Asia across the Bosphorus. Marvel at Hagia Sophia's soaring dome before exploring the Blue Mosque's intricate tilework. Haggle for treasures in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where shopkeepers pour apple tea while displaying wares with theatrical flair. Topkapi Palace reveals Ottoman opulence through jewel-encrusted artifacts and harem quarters where sultans once ruled. Escape the bustle at a traditional hammam, where attendants scrub away your tourist status along with dead skin. For sunset views, catch a ferry crossing the strait – locals do this daily commute with enviable nonchalance. The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum showcases centuries of craftsmanship in a former palace setting.
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