What is the most touristic area in Istanbul?

Sultanahmet is the most touristic area in Istanbul, acting as the historic heart of the city and containing top landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace within walking distance. Other major tourist hubs include Beyoğlu (Taksim/Istiklal Avenue) for nightlife and shopping, and the Bosphorus-side areas.

What is the most touristy part of Istanbul?

1. Sultanahmet. Sultanahmet is the historical heart of Istanbul, home to iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-recognised Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The narrow streets can be crowded with sightseers, but visitors who have only a short time in the city may want to stay where they'll play.

What is the main tourist street in Istanbul?

İstiklal Avenue. İstiklal Avenue (Turkish: İstiklal Caddesi, lit. 'Independence Avenue') is a 1.4 kilometre (0.87 mi) pedestrian street in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most famous avenues in the city.

Which side of Istanbul is better for tourists?

When people visit Istanbul, Türkiye (Turkey), they usually stick to the famous sites in Sultanahmet and the European side. However, the Asian side of this city should not be missed out on. The Asian / Anatolian side is far less touristy, filled with hidden gems and delicious cheap food. It is perfect for a relaxing.

Is it better to stay near Taksim or Sultanahmet?

If it's your first time here, don't think twice: sleep in Sultanahmet, undoubtedly the best area to stay in Istanbul. This neighborhood is the oldest part of the city, the former heart of Constantinople, and is the perfect base for exploring major historical wonders on foot.

17 Best Places to Visit in Istanbul 2026 - Best Things to do in Istanbul Turkey

Which side of Istanbul is expensive?

Accommodation: Hotel prices in the European side are typically 20% to 40% higher than those in the Asian side, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim. Dining: Restaurants in the European side, especially near landmarks, are more expensive.

Where is the nicest part of Istanbul?

Istanbul's coolest neighbourhoods are Cihangir, Curkucuma and Karaköy. Cihangir is also called the French Quarter, Curkucuma the Antique Quarter and Karaköy the former red-light district.

Why is Taksim Square so famous?

Taksim Square attracts attention not only for its vibrant social life but also for its cultural richness. It is home to many of the most important theaters, art galleries and museums in the city.

What's cheap to buy in Istanbul?

Compared with other cities in European countries, Istanbul can be significantly cheaper, but this depends on what you're looking for and where you make your purchases. Products like tea, leather, cotton, ceramics and spices are cheaper, since many of them are produced locally and make for practical souvenirs.

Which is the safest area to stay in Istanbul?

The best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Istanbul for tourists are: the historic Fatih (Sultanahmet, Eminönü) the hipster Beyoğlu (Cihangir, Pera, Taksim, İstiklal, Galata)

Where is the main centre of Istanbul?

Taksim Square (Turkish: Taksim Meydanı, IPA: [ˈtaksim ˈmejdanɯ]), situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network.

What is the posh area in Istanbul?

Sariyer. Sariyer is considered one of the most exclusive and expensive residential areas in Istanbul, located at the northernmost part of the European side. It offers a mix of stunning natural landscapes and spectacular views of the Bosphorus.

What is the number one thing to see in Istanbul?

Top Attractions in Istanbul

• Basilica Cistern. 4.5. (32,652) Historic Sites. ...
• Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. 4.6. (45,836) Historic Sites. ...
• Topkapı Palace. 4.5. (28,532) History Museums. ...
• Blue Mosque. 4.5. (35,667) ...
• Sultanahmet District. 4.7. (16,848) ...
• Dolmabahce Palace. 4.5. (8,342) ...
• Suleymaniye Mosque. 4.7. (12,780) ...
• Grand Bazaar. 4.0. (12,850)

Is it safe to walk around Taksim Square?

Taksim, while not inherently unsafe, is a vast and bustling area with many winding backstreets and a lively nightlife scene. Visitors should exercise caution, especially during evening hours.

Should I stay in Taksim or Sultanahmet?

Some people think that Sultanahmet, being the historic part of Istanbul, is much more atmospheric and authentic than Taksim. There are, of course, plenty of restaurants in Sultanahmet to enjoy. These are a little pricier than the restaurants on the Taksim side, but do offer a range of Turkish and international food.

What is the most popular area of Istanbul?

Taksim Square

Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is one of the city's main tourist attractions and cosmopolitan hubs. Here, you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters and shopping…

Where do celebrities live in Istanbul?

Istanbul's celebrities often frequent upscale neighborhoods like Bebek, Etiler, and Nisantasi.

Do you still pay 10 pounds to enter Turkey?

No, you no longer pay a £10 fee to enter Turkey; that practice ended years ago, with UK (and EU) passport holders generally able to visit for tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa or paying an entry fee, though you still need a valid passport. The old fee was for an arrival visa, which was replaced by an online e-visa system and then largely waived for many nationalities, but always check current GOV.UK requirements before travel.

Where do billionaires live in Turkey?

From the opulent villas of Bebek and Etiler in Istanbul, to the exclusive coastal retreats of Bodrum and Göcek, Turkey's elite know how to live in style. Whether it's sipping Turkish coffee with a Bosphorus view or sailing into a private bay, these neighborhoods are all about luxury, heritage, and high-end living.

What is the average cost of a dinner in Istanbul?

What are the average food prices in Istanbul? In Istanbul, the average cost for a meal at a restaurant is about 100 Turkish Lira. A budget meal can be around 40 Lira, while a nice dinner for two can cost around 250 Lira.

How much is a taxi from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet?

The fastest way to get from Taksim Square to Sultanahmet is to taxi which takes 9 min and costs 240 ₺ - 290 ₺.