Istanbul was highly rated for history by 1,807 guests from the United States!Istanbul Travel Guide
Explore Istanbul: Top Hotel Districts
Whether in the Asian or European parts of the city, you’ll find a district that suits your mood. From the tranquil Kadikoy to the hip and happening Galata, the city is yours!
The city of Istanbul offers a trip unlike any other, encompassing Asian and European cultures to create a heady mix of art, music and food. The amazing Old Town and the Sultanahmet are home to iconic Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. More history is hidden in the Topkapi Palace, where you can glimpse the splendor and opulence of Turkey’s Ottoman heritage.
Take a stroll through the historic center or the busy Taksim Square before watching the sun set behind countless mosques and minarets. Local fish markets and numerous restaurants lining the bridge to Galata offer the Golden Horn’s daily catch.
If you prefer the fine art of bargaining to fine art, lose yourself in the Grand Bazar and maybe you’ll emerge with a hookah, some Turkish coffee, or even a carpet. The Spice Bazar further immerses you in the sights, smells, and tastes of Turkish culture.
Getting to Istanbul is an easy trip from Ataturk International Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Whether you want a luxury hotel on the Asian side or a budget hostel in Taksim Square, Booking.com has over 1,000 great accommodations for a vacation in Istanbul.
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What Guests Said About Istanbul:
sharee
Australia
10
Exceptional
reviews
Istanbul was fantastic.
Istanbul was fantastic. We didn't know what to expect. There were many shop owners wishing you to come in to their shop, come buy a carpet, come try our food but not overalls pushy. We politely declined and walked on.
We felt very safe in the city and walking around the local areas. Everyone was friendly.
The sites are amazing.
A great tip would be go to The Seven Hills. It's a fancy hotel that lets people go up to the top of their roof terrace if you buy a drink. The views from up there are amazing. Paying around £5 for a beer or wine but it's well worth it. A must.
Patricia
New Zealand
10
Exceptional
reviews
Absolutely outstanding place to explore.
Absolutely outstanding place to explore. Such a depth of differences. Amazing history and archaeological sites. Everything I thought I knew about Turkey amounted to very little until I explored Istanbul. Planning a return trip.
Joanne
United States of America
10
Exceptional
reviews
I've always liked this city.
I've always liked this city. It's a fascinating blend of east and west. The history is really mind boggling and the architectural designs of the famous buildings are amazing.
It's easy to walk the city and it's a paradise for photographers. Do take in the main attractions but make sure you give yourself time to just wander. I like staying on the Galata side which is not near the main tourist area because it's quieter and less expensive. It is a longer walk across the bridge but that also makes it more fun. Taxis are readily available if you are not a walker.
Hint: After touring take a break and visit The Istanbul Modern art museum. If you're too tired for the exhibits then head to the restaurant for a drink/food and enjoy the view of the Bosporus with the busy waterway and view of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque on the other side. The restaurant has a separate entrance from the museum.
Not7lad
United States of America
10
Exceptional
reviews
At that time of year (beginning of June) the weather was...
At that time of year (beginning of June) the weather was great and there were no tourist crowds in the main spots we visited (Topkapi palace, Museum of Archeology, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar). The boat tour on the Bosphorus (#20) from Eminonu was really cheap, only $5 for 2 hours, and just wonderful. The boat makes a few stops and it gave us a good view of both sides of Istanbul. We went for shopping and eat in the Beyoglu area, near Taksim Square. It is full of hotels, restaurants and shops, with quaint houses, cafes, narrow streets. We returned again the last day before leaving.
It is a great city and we plan to return one day.
Amaria724
United States of America
10
Exceptional
reviews
Beautiful city with so much to see.
Beautiful city with so much to see. Lots of options to try traditional food, and countless historical attractions to visit. I suggested getting a hotel within walking distance to the things you are interested in. My partner and I I were in Sultanahmet and walked the entire time. As Muslim travelers during Ramadan this is the perfect destination. Late night eats and walks near the park between sophia hagia & the blue mosque were our favorite.
Anonymous
United States of America
6.0
Review score
reviews
Too many people trying to scam you here.
Too many people trying to scam you here. I had multiple scams tried on me while in Istanbul from taxi drivers trying to rip me off, to getting a bill for 400$ at a bar for 3 beers, to being targeted by the let's have a drink scam multiple times. Shop and restaurant owners are insane and pressure too much. I had a shop keeper grab my wrist really hard and try to keep me in the store after I said I didn't want to buy something we were negotiating on. I had to throw an elbow to his face and throw him to the ground and run out to get away. Unless your in a group of people with big strong dominant males , stay away.
“The sea view from the 6th floor room terrace was just incredible!!! Hotel is located in a nice, quite and cozy area in historical part of Istanbul. A lot of historical attractions are in 5-15 minutes walk from it. Hotel staff was great! Thank you for all the help with airport shuttle, touristic bus etc!”
“The hotel has one of the best locations you will find in european side of istanbul, very convenient to reach at malls, taksim, sultanahmet, bebek or sariyer, from/to Ataturk airport. It is clean and comfortable. I think each room has a view of bosphorus strait; at least we had in our room at 6th floor. Plus personnel is very kind.”
“The hotel is in a very nice location, only 5 minutes from Istiklal Street and even closer to the Asmalimescit area. The room was very clean and breakfast was satisfactory. The staff was very helpful. Even though the hotel is located in the centre of Taksim, it was very quiet which was another plus for us. Definitely will choose this hotel again when we travel to Istanbul.”
“They allowed us a very early check in as our plan reached istanbul at 7 am and the hotel is clean and new and thier free ride to taksim is very effecient and many thanks to mostafa”
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