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Where to Stay in Istanbul: Best Areas and Airport Transfers

Istanbul is huge, and where you stay shapes your trip. Here are the six areas most visitors choose, who each one suits, and what the airport transfer costs.

Updated: 2026-10-28

Sultanahmet: for first-time visitors

The Old City puts Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace on your doorstep. Quiet in the evening, with many small boutique hotels. From Istanbul Airport: €46 per car.

Taksim and Beyoğlu: for nightlife and city life

İstiklal Avenue, restaurants, bars and the best transport links in the city. Busy and lively until late. From Istanbul Airport: €42.

Karaköy and Galata: for design hotels and cafés

Between the Old City and Taksim, with Galata Tower, the Istanbul Modern and the Galataport cruise terminal. From Istanbul Airport: €44.

Beşiktaş and Ortaköy: for the Bosphorus

Luxury waterfront hotels, Dolmabahçe Palace and seaside cafés. Great views, more traffic on weekday evenings. From Istanbul Airport: €44.

Şişli and Nişantaşı: for shopping and business

Designer streets, malls and business hotels, close to the motorway to the airport. From Istanbul Airport: €42.

Kadıköy: for the Asian side and local life

Markets, cafés and the Moda seafront, with ferries to the European side. Closer to Sabiha Gökçen: €45.

Which airport is closer?

For the European side, Istanbul Airport (IST) is usually closer; for the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Every price is on our price list.

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