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 Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, 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.
Fatih
Explore historic libraries and diverse cuisines in this area, home to Istanbul University and the Orthodox Christian Patriarchate. Visit iconic sights like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, and discover what's nearby via the tramway from Sirkeci to Aksaray.
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
Great place to spend the night while waiting for a flight! Highly recommended!
Reviewed on Nov 7, 2025
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
Everything excellent. Clean room, friendly staff. Only small issue was that the restaurant area got very busy in the evening so could be difficult to find somewhere to sit.
Reviewed on Nov 6, 2025
Nenessa Airport Hotel
Hospitality was great
Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025
Element Suites
It was good special thanks for Mr. Ahmad the Afghani guy and to the manager
Reviewed on Oct 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
Radisson Residences Vadistanbul
Staff was incredibly helpful, the apartment is very convenient and comfortable
Reviewed on Nov 6, 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.
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.
Galata Tower
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
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
Istanbul: Unlimited Turkey Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul: Topkapi, Harem Small Group Guided Tour & Historian
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment
