Choosing a hotel and accommodation is one of the most important decisions to make on any trip and has a direct impact on your travel experience. That is why we decided to prepare a complete article on which area of ​​Istanbul to book a hotel in. Unlike many Iranian cities such as Tehran, Mashhad and Shiraz, the city of Istanbul does not have a clear economic north and south, and each region has its own conditions and characteristics. In this article, we will examine each part of Istanbul and introduce the suitable and unsuitable streets of each region.

The most important points for choosing a hotel in Istanbul

Before introducing the different areas of Istanbul to book a hotel, it is better to get acquainted with a few key points to experience a successful and enjoyable trip.

Close to entertainment centers: The city of Istanbul is about four times the size of Tehran. So, be sure to make a list of the shopping and entertainment centers you plan to visit before traveling and book your desired hotel near them. Note that not all shopping and entertainment centers in Istanbul are close to each other; For example, Cevahir Shopping Center in Sisli and Forum Istanbul Shopping Center are located between the center and the west of the city.

Proximity to the metro: Istanbul’s public transportation system is one of the strongest in Turkey and the region. Since taxis are very expensive in Istanbul, the first option for many travelers is to use public transportation. With the Istanbul Card, you can use all means of transportation such as metro, bus, tram and sea bus. Istanbul’s rail transportation is a premium option that takes you to many important areas without traffic and with precise timing. Therefore, the proximity of the hotel to the metro station is a big advantage.

Quiet or noisy area: Some areas of Istanbul, which are mainly tourist or entertainment centers of citizens, are noisy both at night and during the day. For example, Taksim, Istiklal Street and some areas of Kadikoy are lively even at night. This makes these areas lively and may be annoying for people who need a good night’s rest.

Choosing a hotel in Istanbul according to the purpose of the trip: Not all trips are for leisure. Some may be short business trips to register a company, open a bank account or do visa work. For this reason, it is better to choose a hotel near the place where you are going to have a lot of traffic.

Exploring different areas of Istanbul to get a hotel

Sultan Ahmed district: One of the areas that many European tourists choose to get a hotel is the Sultan Ahmed district. This part of Istanbul has a more historical texture and its public space is somewhat religious. If you plan to be near the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia and have a trip to the traditional part of Istanbul, this area is suitable for you. The features of this area include its quiet nights, but there is no large shopping mall and you have to use trams and buses to get to shopping centers. The best streets in this area include Divan Yolu, Sultanahmet Meydanı and Alemdar.

Taksim District: Probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Istanbul is Taksim Square. It can be said that the most touristic old district of Istanbul is Taksim. The crowding, constant noise and insecurity of some alleys of Istiklal Street are the most important disadvantages of this area, but if this is your first time traveling to Istanbul, this area will be very attractive to you. The advantages of this area include the presence of a large number of hotels and the M2 metro line station in Taksim Square and the end of Istiklal Street. Most of the sellers in this area speak English well. If you plan to book a hotel in the Taksim area, make sure it is close to the main street.

Sisli District: The economic heart of Istanbul is the Sisli district. One of the most important advantages of this area is easy access to all of Istanbul. Two metro lines M2 and M7, many city bus lines and also the Metrobus have stations in Sisli. The presence of famous shopping malls such as Cevahir Passage, Grand Canyon and Nişantaşı in this area has made it easy for those who book hotels in this area to reach all their shopping. But the hustle and bustle and traffic are always annoying and the cost of hotels in this area is somewhat more expensive than in other areas. The most important street of Istanbul, Büyükdere, passes through this area.

Kadıköy area: One of the most important areas of the Asian side of Istanbul is the Kadıköy area. The most important and luxurious street of Istanbul, Baghdad Road, is located in this area. Also, Moda, Bahariye and Rasulpaşa streets are famous and good streets in this area. Kadıköy is far from the city center and to reach the Sisli or Taksim areas, you must use the Marmaray metro or sea buses. In terms of shopping and entertainment centers, Kadıköy is no less than Sisli, but its disadvantages are more difficult access to Istanbul Airport and the high prices of restaurants.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Region

If this is your first time visiting Turkey and you want to have a good memory of Istanbul, a hotel in Taksim or Sultanahmet is the best option. If you are traveling to Istanbul for shopping, Sisli and Nisantasi are more suitable as they will take less time to reach the shopping malls. If your travel plan includes exploring the city and using various entertainment centers, Kadikoy, Besiktas and Florya are recommended, which are also close to many of Istanbul’s seasonal festivals.

For fingerprinting at the Canadian Embassy, ​​the Levent area is the best option, and for going to the US Embassy, ​​the Sariyer area is the best option.