Where to Stay in Istanbul | Hotels by Price, Location and View

Where to stay in Istanbul for the best location, comfort, and views

Choosing the right hotel and location in Istanbul can make all the difference in your trip. Whether you’re looking for luxury by the Bosphorus, walking distance to major historical landmarks, or an ideal base in the lively city center, our carefully curated list covers the best-rated 5-star deluxe hotels across the city.

Luxury hotel with pool offering stunning views of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul — *Experience the best location, comfort, and views in Istanbul. Enjoy a luxury stay with a pool and breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia; Sura Hotel Hagia Sophia*

These selections are based on:

Proximity to iconic attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque (especially in the Old City – Sultanahmet area), Galata Tower, Bosphorus..
Ease of access, including closeness to tram, metro, or ferry lines and minimized uphill walks (a hidden challenge in many parts of the city),
Top guest satisfaction ratings on Booking.com and prestigious international travel awards.

Hotel balcony with Galata Tower view in Istanbul, perfect for a stay near iconic attractions — *Looking for the best place to stay in Istanbul? Enjoy stunning views of Galata Tower from your hotel balcony of World House Boutique Hotel.*

We’ve included practical details that typical hotel descriptions leave out — such as steep hills nearby, or how easy it is to reach the hotel with luggage.

💸 Rate / Price Key – What ₺ Means in Istanbul

₺ (Budget): up to €75 / night
Ideal for 3-star and small boutique hotels in the Old City or for budget-conscious travelers.

₺₺ (Standard): €75–150 / night
Typical for standard 4-star hotels in Sultanahmet, Taksim, and central areas.

₺₺₺ (Superior): €150–250 / night
Boutique-style 4-star or city-center 5-star hotels with refined services.

₺₺₺₺ (Luxury): €250–400 / night
Premium 5-star hotels, including Bosphorus view rooms or well-known chains.

₺₺₺₺₺ (Ultra Luxury): over €400 / night
Top-tier brands like The Peninsula, Four Seasons, and historic Bosphorus mansions.

Click on the hotel names to view images of the hotels.

Recommended Locations

The hotels we recommend below are located in and around the three most popular areas preferred by tourists in Istanbul:

Recommended Secure Hotel Areas in Istanbul

For your information, Istanbul is generally a secure city, with statistics having lower crime rates than European cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona. All the tourist locations, including the following, are considered safe for all visitors, including single women.

1. Old City (Sultanahmet, Cankurtaran, Sirkeci, Çemberlitaş)
If you stay in this area, you’ll be within a 1 to 20-minute walking distance of Istanbul’s most important historical landmarks, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar.
However, please note that in this district the quality and variety of restaurants and cafés are more limited, while prices tend to be higher. Also, there are few or no modern shopping malls or international brand stores in this area.

2. City Center (Taksim, Tepebaşı, Şişhane, Karaköy, Tophane, Harbiye, Nişantaşı, Osmanbey)
This is where you’ll find Taksim Square, the symbolic heart of the city, and Istiklal Street, a lively pedestrian avenue full of shops and entertainment. The area is rich in culture, dining, nightlife, and art.
The Galata Tower and the bohemian neighborhoods of Cihangir and Çukurcuma are also located here.
To reach the Old City from this area, you’ll typically need to use a funicular + tram or metro + tram connection, which takes about 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and walking speed.

3. Bosphorus Area (Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Fındıklı, Ortaköy, Bebek)
The Bosphorus region is home to some of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in Istanbul. The central district of Beşiktaş is especially popular, offering endless options for food, nightlife, and a vibrant young university crowd.
The Dolmabahçe Palace and the Naval Museum are also located in this broader area.
The main disadvantage of staying in this region is that some parts lack direct metro or tram access, making public transportation less convenient.

And now, you can choose the most suitable hotel for you from the carefully selected lists below, categorized by neighborhood :).

LUXURIOUS “5 STAR HOTELS” IN ISTANBUL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Below is our handpicked list of the best luxury 5-star hotels in Istanbul, organized by area for your convenience.

🏙️ Best Luxury Hotels in the Old City (Sultanahmet)

🏆 Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – ₺₺₺₺₺

Award-winning hotel: Named World’s Best Hotel 2023 by Travel + Leisure magazine.
Steps away from Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia — unbeatable location for history lovers.
Charming neoclassical architecture with a tranquil garden courtyard in the heart of Sultanahmet.

Luxury bar at Four Seasons Hotel with Hagia Sophia view in Istanbul — *Enjoy a luxurious stay at Four Seasons Sultanahmet’s bar, with a stunning Hagia Sophia view*

Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul – ₺₺₺

Luxurious Hilton Curio Collection
Ottoman-inspired design with underground cistern
Flat walking area

🏛 Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul – ₺₺₺₺

Restored Ottoman-era building with rich history and elegant interiors.
Walking distance to Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, and Sultanahmet landmarks.
Flat access – no steep hills nearby, ideal for guests with limited mobility.

Why Choose a Licensed Tourist Guide in Istanbul and Turkey?
For a deeper and more authentic cultural experience, we highly recommend exploring Istanbul and other regions of Turkey with a licensed tourist guide. Licensed guides are professionally trained, government-certified, and authorized to provide accurate historical and cultural information at museums and archaeological sites. They can also help you skip long queues at major attractions. 👉 Learn more about our licensed guide services here.

🌊 Top 5-Star De-lux Hotels on the Bosphorus

🕌 Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul – ₺₺₺₺₺

Historic Ottoman palace turned into a 5-star resort on the waterfront.
Infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus — a guest favorite.
Private pier and garden — peaceful and luxurious, though mild incline at entrance.

Best and most expensive hotel in Istanbul; Çırağan Palace Kempinski Bosphorus — *In Kempinski Hotel stay in a real Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus*

🕌 Four Seasons Bosphorus – ₺₺₺₺₺

Located on the Bosphorus, the hotel occupies a former Ottoman palace, offering a blend of royal architecture and modern luxury.
Within walking distance to Beşiktaş, a vibrant district known for its nightlife, dining, and youthful atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy spectacular Bosphorus views while experiencing world-class amenities, including a spa and fine dining.

🌸 Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul – ₺₺₺₺₺

Ultra-modern spa and fine dining combined with scenic sea views.
Close to Ortaköy and upscale nightlife yet in a quiet location.
Flat terrain – no hills, making it accessible and stroller-friendly.

🏙️ Best 5-Star Luxurious Hotels in the City Center (Taksim)

🌟 The Peninsula Hotel Istanbul – ₺₺₺₺₺

Opened in 2023, already a flagship of luxury on the Bosphorus.
Centrally located between the Old City and modern downtown — ideal for both sightseeing and shopping.
Seaside promenade location with no steep hills — easy luggage access.

Most luxurious and secure hotel in the downtown Istanbul — The Peninsula – Istanbul’s newest luxury hotel, boasting a unique location in the city center and a private shoreline.

🌇 Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus – ₺₺₺₺

One of Istanbul’s most iconic hotels, with panoramic Bosphorus views.
Spacious gardens and large rooms, rare in the city center.
Near Osmanbey Metro & Nişantaşı shopping area, easy to reach without hills.

🏙️ InterContinental Istanbul – ₺₺₺₺

Directly next to Taksim Square, perfect for public transport and nightlife.
Sky bar with panoramic city and Bosphorus views.
Easy walking access, though mild incline from tram or metro stations.

STANDARD “5 STAR HOTELS” IN ISTANBUL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏙️ Best Standard 5-Star Hotels in the Old City (Sultanahmet)

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel – ₺₺₺

Just a 2-minute walk to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
Ottoman-style rooms with a large garden and pool
Tram station nearby, flat access – no steep hills

Legacy Ottoman Hotel – ₺₺₺

Elegant Ottoman Architecture – Set in a historic early 20th-century building that reflects classic Ottoman design.
Central Location in Sirkeci – Within walking distance to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Spice Bazaar.
Wellness & Relaxation – Features a spa center, Turkish bath, sauna, and indoor swimming pool for guest comfort.