Hurray transparency! This post contains affiliate links. For more information see our disclosure. I understand your struggle - there are SO many different areas in Istanbul to choose from that it can be a little overwhelming for visitors, especially if you are visiting this mega-city for the first time.
And we are here to help! This guide covers 6 districts and over 15 different neighbourhoods and will give you a really good idea of where to stay in Istanbul, including what to expect from each area.
There's also a useful map at the start of the article so you can see where the different areas are in relation to the main tourist attractions. What does this mean for you? Most people often just assume that the best place to stay in Istanbul is near the major Istanbul tourist attractions in Sultanahmet. Is food more your thang and do you want to spend time exploring the best restaurants and cafes in the city?
Do you want to drink and dance till you drop and just see Istanbul in the very early hours of the morning? How many days do you have to spend in the city? Have you got all the time in the world or is this just a weekend break? Answering these questions will hopefully help you to narrow down what you want to get out of your trip and make it easier for you to decide where to stay in Istanbul Turkey.
If you are in a rush, check out our top recommendations for the best area to stay in Istanbul and the top hotels:. Galata in Beyoglu District: Galata with its cool cafes, charming cobbled streets, neoclassical buildings and superb location is one of the best areas in Istanbul for people visiting the city for the first time.
