European Side
Travel Guide
Visit European Side
Where to stay in European Side
Sultanahmet
Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.
Taksim
Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.
Beşiktaş
Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
Şişli
Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.
Beyoğlu
Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
A young lady at the front desk, Ms Zeynep, was an absolute pleasure to coordinate my trip with. When I arrived, I was feeling sick from sinus congestion. She understood my condition, allowed me to find a room a bit earlier than usual, and gave me clear instructions for the nearest pharmacy. She consistently ...
Reviewed on Nov 29, 2025
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
Couldn’t get to it cuz it’s inside terminal and I needed a boarding pass to cross but they wouldn’t give me one 24 hours prior to my flight. This should be described in the reservation so no one gets to sleep on the floors of the airport
Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025
Nenessa Airport Hotel
This is my go to stop over hotel. Staff is always friendly, welcoming and helpful. Rooms are spacious and clean. Comfy beds. Nice modern bathroom. Breakfast comes to your door at the time you request, usually a plain omelet with bread & condiments. Walking distance to Turkish food or order in to ...
Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
“The hotel was excellent. The room was spacious, and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The location was great—very close to Vadistanbul Mall. The area is modern and full of restaurants and coffee shops. Overall, my stay was very pleasant.”
Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025
Radisson Residences Avrupa TEM Istanbul
Staff was very accommodating and friendly! Solved every problem and accommodated every request! Very clean. Very quiet. One simple issue was the cleaning staff do not obey well to demands; but front desk solves issues quickly and respectfully.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025
Meroddi Beyoğlu Residence
Room was clean, comfortable, washing machine was a bonus. Staff very friendly
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2025
Popular places to visit
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
Blue Mosque
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
Hagia Sophia
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
Grand Bazaar
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
Topkapi Palace
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
Things to do
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul
Flexible Combo: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Basilica, Blue Mosque
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide
