Sultanahmet is widely considered the most touristy area of Istanbul, serving as the historic, walkable heart of the city where major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace are located. It is the primary destination for first-time visitors seeking easy access to landmarks.
Most of the tourists visiting Istanbul go to Taksim Square & İstiklal Avenue: The modern heart of the city, known for shopping, dining, and nightlife, Sultanahmet: The historic core, home to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
The best area in Istanbul depends on your priorities: Sultanahmet is perfect for first-timers wanting historic sights (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), while Beyoğlu (Galata, Taksim) offers vibrant nightlife, shopping, and modern eateries, and Karaköy blends hip cafes with history, ideal for foodies and transit. For a local, laid-back feel or food scene, try Kadiköy on the Asian side, or Beşiktaş for romance and refinement.
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.
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.
17 Best Places to Visit in Istanbul 2026 - Best Things to do in Istanbul Turkey
Which area in Istanbul is best for first time visitors?
For first-time visitors with a relatively short stay, we recommend the Sultanahmet area. It's close to most of Istanbul's famous historical sites, making it easier to see the main attractions without spending too much time on transportation.
In comparison to Sultanahmet, Taksim is the more modern and commercial side of Istanbul. There are not any major tourist attractions in Taksim. Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street) is a long pedestrianised street full of high street & local shops which connects Taksim to Galata.
Pierre Loti Hill. Pierre Loti Hill, located in the Eyüp Sultan district, is one of the hills where the Golden Horn view and the best view of Istanbul can be seen.
It's inevitable that you'll spend a lot of time in both areas (Sultanahmet or Beyoglu) and either one will be a suitable choice. Sultanahmet is the place with the most tourist attractions and by staying there you can save time on your daily commute. On the other hand, everything is more expensive and touristy.
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)
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.
In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. Female tourists wear their usual clothing. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques.
The best area in Istanbul depends on your priorities: Sultanahmet is perfect for first-timers wanting historic sights (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), while Beyoğlu (Galata, Taksim) offers vibrant nightlife, shopping, and modern eateries, and Karaköy blends hip cafes with history, ideal for foodies and transit. For a local, laid-back feel or food scene, try Kadiköy on the Asian side, or Beşiktaş for romance and refinement.
Are Beyoğlu and Taksim the same place? Not exactly, Taksim is a central square within Beyoğlu, but the district itself is much larger, encompassing areas like Galata, Karaköy, and Cihangir.
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.
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.
As of 2024, Istanbul's most expensive neighborhoods include Sariyer, Nisantasi, and Uskudar—renowned for their Bosphorus views, upscale lifestyle, and strategic location. These districts offer a blend of luxury, culture, and investment appeal, with property values consistently ranking among the highest in Turkey.
The European side is generally more popular among tourists and offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The neighborhoods of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu are particularly popular among tourists, with their proximity to major attractions and vibrant nightlife.
Istanbul is a safe city and Sultan Ahmed is one of the safest areas. Since this is a tourist district, you'll always see police around. Even special tourism police in their vehicle checking the streets. The only thing that might bother you are street sellers offering flowers and perfume.
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.
