Where to stay in Istanbul – best hotel area for first-time visitors
Are you wondering where to stay in Istanbul? Picking the right location can be challenging. In this article, I will focus on first-time visitors and show the best area to stay in Istanbul, so you can fully enjoy your time in this incredible city.
Best area to stay in Istanbul: Karaköy
In my opinion, for first-time visitors, Karaköy is the best area to stay in Istanbul. I will explain why by focusing on four categories:
1. Location
2. Public transportation
3. Offerings of Karaköy itself
4. Hotel categories in Karaköy
Then I’ll share five hotel recommendations in the Karaköy neighbourhood – with options to suit every budget.
- 5a. Good budget-friendly option
- 5b. Great value for money
- 5c. Fairly newly built hotel
- 5d. Upper-price range
- 5e. Absolute luxury
1) Location
Lets start with location. On this map, you can see the main touristic sights in Istanbul.
Karaköy is perfectly located in the middle between the historical peninsula and Beyoğlu.
2) Public transportation
Historical sights in Fatih are easily accessible via tram.
Galata Tower and Istiklal street are connected by two funicular lines, so you don’t have to walk uphill. From there, you can catch the M2 metro line and connect further to the Istanbul Airport metro.
In addition, Karaköy has a major ferry port. There are very frequent ferry connections to Kadıköy and Üsküdar.
3) Offerings of Karaköy itself
Now, let’s focus on what Karaköy itself has to offer. Karaköy is a vibrant area with two lively spots, namely Galataport and Mumhane street.
- Galataport is a cruise ship terminal with an amazing promenade and great restaurants and cafes. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Karaköy. It is perfect for relaxing, especially in the evenings.
- Then, Mumhane street is bustling with restaurants and cafés. These are mostly frequented by tourists. It is another great place to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Karaköy.
4) Hotel categories in Karaköy
Let us now have a closer look at hotel categories in the Karaköy area. (Also check the map)
- Lets start with boutique hotels. In the inner parts of Karaköy, you’ll find many hotels of this kind. They typically have smaller rooms.
- Next, are midsized hotels in Karaköy. These hotels are mostly located along Kemeraltı street and Meclis-i Mebusan street. Many of them have been opened or renovated in recent years.
- If you are looking for luxury hotels in Istanbul, Karaköy has several luxury hotels with stunning Bosphorus views.These are mostly located along Kemankeş street.
5) Overview hotel recommendations in Karaköy
Next, I’ll share five hotel recommendations in the Karaköy neighbourhood. I’ve grouped my hotel recommendations into these categories:
1. Good budget-friendly option
2. Great value for money
3. Fairly newly built hotel
4. Upper-price range
5. Absolute luxury
(You can find a map with the hotel locations at the end of this article.)
5a) Good budget-friendly option: Opale Hotel
For a good budget-friendly option, consider the Opale Hotel. Built in 2019, it boasts an excellent location near the Karaköy tram station, Galataport, and Mumhane Street. While its Expedia customer rating is a 8.0 (‘very good’), do note that most rooms are quite compact.
Check more photos, reviews and prices here:
5b) Great value for money: Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Offering great value for money, the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus is perfectly situated near Galataport and Mumhane Street. It opened in 2016. Some upper-floor rooms may offer captivating Bosphorus views. The hotel is conveniently located on a street with other luxury hotels (JW Marriott Bosphorus Istanbul and Peninsula Istanbul). Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus holds an Expedia customer rating of 8.6 (‘Excellent’).
Check more photos, reviews and prices here:
5c) Fairly newly built hotel: Burdock Hotel Istanbul
As a fairly newly built option, the Burdock Hotel Istanbul opened in 2022 and still feels very fresh. It is conveniently located near Tophane tram station, Mumhane Street, and Galataport. Note it is situated on a main street (Kemeralti Street). Expedia guests rate it highly with 9.2 (‘Wonderful’).
Check more photos, reviews and prices here:
5d) Upper-price range: JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
For the upper-price range, the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, which opened in 2019, boasts an exceptional location adjacent to Mumhane Street and Galataport. Many upper-floor rooms provide stunning Bosphorus views. It is located on the same small street as The Peninsula Istanbul. JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus boasts a 9.2 (‘Wonderful’) Expedia customer rating.
Check more photos, reviews and prices here:
5e) Absolute luxury: The Peninsula Istanbul
For absolute luxury, check the The Peninsula Istanbul. Opened in 2023, it is one of Istanbul’s most opulent hotels, making it ideal for truly special occasions. This property showcases incredible architecture across four distinctive buildings. It even features a private yacht dock. Many of its rooms offer unparalleled views of both the Bosphorus and the historical peninsula. Not surprisingly, it commands an ‘Exceptional’ 9.6 Expedia customer rating.
Check more photos, reviews and prices here:
Location of hotels
Here’s a map showing the hotel locations mentioned in this article:
A. Opale Hotel (good budget-friendly option)
B. Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus (great value for money)
C. Burdock Hotel Istanbul (fairly newly built)
Disclaimer
Please note that if you book a hotel through the links provided in this article, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my content creation efforts.”
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