{"id":586,"date":"2026-08-25T19:42:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/?p=586"},"modified":"2026-08-25T19:43:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:43:16","slug":"where-to-stay-in-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-586\" data-postid=\"586\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-586 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-css_id=\"2420293\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_2420293 tb_first tf_w\">\n            <span  class=\"builder_row_cover tf_abs\" data-lazy=\"1\"><\/span>            <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_g791293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_o8qi293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_wny1293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-906\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/new_logo_white.png\" alt=\"Aleks blog\" width=\"107\" height=\"40\" \/><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_awbs293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ndxu293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_s20q293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Merhaba!<\/p>\n<p>If you opened this post hoping to find a hotel with a view of the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet &#8211; close it now. On my very first trips I also thought you had to stay right where all the major sights are, in the oldest and most famous part of town. I made that mistake myself in the beginning. I&#8217;ve been to Istanbul quite often since then, lived in different neighborhoods and districts, stayed in dozens of hotels, and long ago changed my mind.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s what I&#8217;ll cover:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>whether Fatih is worth it \u2014 the pros and cons of staying in the old part of the city;<br>where to stay in Istanbul once you&#8217;ve outgrown crowded tours and hotels with carpets straight out of the 90s;<\/li>\n<li>where to stay if you want to live next door to trans sex workers, or in a former prison, police headquarters, bank, or embassy building;<\/li>\n<li>what alternative to the popular areas will make you fall in love with this city all over again (useful if this isn&#8217;t your first time in Istanbul);<\/li>\n<li>why you shouldn&#8217;t stay on the Asian side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At the end, don&#8217;t miss the bonus \u2014 my selection of wow-worthy hotels in historic buildings for special trips.<\/p>\n<h2>A Quick Geography Lesson<\/h2>\n<p>Not the first time I&#8217;m showing off this masterpiece of mine, but you need at least a rough idea of what&#8217;s where in Istanbul.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_bfcp293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_middle tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_avil293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_g474293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-588\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_map.png\" alt=\"Istanbul map\" width=\"919\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_map.png 919w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_map-300x175.png 300w, https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_map-768x448.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px\" \/><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_bcdv293 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_mwco293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <ul>\n<li>Fatih \u2014 a huge district, but we only care about the part that&#8217;s the true historic center, anchored around Emin\u00f6n\u00fc. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque, the New Mosque, Topkap\u0131 \u2014 all the major landmarks.<\/li>\n<li>Beyo\u011flu \u2014 this is where Taksim Square, \u0130stiklal Street, and the Galata Tower are.<\/li>\n<li>Karak\u00f6y \u2014 the waterfront part of Beyo\u011flu, home to Galataport, the fish market, and the Museum of Modern Art.<\/li>\n<li>Be\u015fikta\u015f \u2014 the Ortak\u00f6y Mosque and Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace.<\/li>\n<li>\u00dcsk\u00fcdar \u2014 the Asian side. Nothing especially famous over there. But there is a neighborhood with colorful houses. It&#8217;s a district for everyday life, with beautiful views across the Bosphorus toward European Istanbul.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Istanbul Airport (IST, the new one) sits roughly above Beyo\u011flu; Sabiha G\u00f6k\u00e7en Airport (SAW) is below \u00dcsk\u00fcdar.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ovbt293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_q2i3293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_3yt5293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Beyo\u011flu vs. Fatih<\/h2>\n<p>Istanbul has hundreds of neighborhoods, but in practice tourists choose between two: Beyo\u011flu and Fatih. You can&#8217;t really say one is &#8220;worse&#8221; or &#8220;better&#8221; than the other \u2014 it depends on the point of your trip. If you want to see how the city actually lives \u2014 Beyo\u011flu. If you want to live inside a museum \u2014 Fatih. I don&#8217;t know how many days you&#8217;re planning for Istanbul, but for a first visit it&#8217;s ideal to spend two days in Fatih and the rest in Beyo\u011flu. Don&#8217;t spend your whole trip in Fatih.<\/p>\n<h2>Just Not the Asian Side<\/h2>\n<p>And I really don&#8217;t recommend the Asian side \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, because you&#8217;ll waste a huge amount of time commuting. There&#8217;s honestly not much to do there.<\/p>\n<p>Asia is great for a couple of hours on the ferry to feed the seagulls, grab a slice of cake at a caf\u00e9-bookshop, and stroll through Kuzguncuk \u2014 the neighborhood with the colorful houses. But waking up there every single day when all your plans are on the other side of the water? That&#8217;s basically logistical suicide.<\/p>\n<p>And don&#8217;t listen to those wannabe social-media bloggers \u2014 they just need 30 seconds of fresh content to film.<\/p>\n<p>Living on the Asian side is really more for the die-hard fans who&#8217;ve been to Istanbul ten times already and don&#8217;t need to see the Blue Mosque \u2014 or any mosque, for that matter.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hq7n293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Staying in Fatih<\/h2>\n<p>This is a good option if it&#8217;s your first time in Istanbul, you&#8217;re here for two or three days, and you&#8217;re an early-to-bed, early-to-rise type. Walk around during the day, have kebab for dinner at 6 pm for triple the normal price, get back to the hotel \u2014 brush your teeth, pajamas, lights out.<\/p>\n<p>If you do decide to stay in the historic part of Istanbul, I strongly recommend hotels closer to Emin\u00f6n\u00fc \/ Sirkeci rather than Sultanahmet. Closer to the water, more life around you. And better transport options too \u2014 tram, buses, and ferries are all nearby.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_kqfd293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_es39293 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_wg7k293\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_gu5p293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vqxy293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All the major sights right on your doorstep.<\/li>\n<li>You can head out at sunrise and get photos without the crowds.<\/li>\n<li>The muezzin&#8217;s call echoing from every mosque in the district at 4 am. Not sure if that&#8217;s a pro or a con.<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_hcn5293 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hwr6293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>After 9 pm, Sultanahmet turns into a ghost town. The empty night streets do make for interesting photos, but it&#8217;s dark.<\/li>\n<li>Life only really exists in overpriced tourist restaurants. If you want a simple glass of tea, you&#8217;ll have to head to the other side of the city.<\/li>\n<li>Value for money isn&#8217;t always great, since this is the most historic part of the city, with pricing to match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_olxb293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_95st293 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_b0kr293\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_x7hj293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_tqk3293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Which Hotel to Choose in Fatih<\/h2>\n<p>Here are some solid 3\u20134* hotels with a good location \u2014 transport nearby, Topkap\u0131 and other sights within walking distance, fair prices, and comfortable rooms: <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/V51gJYhJlU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barbera Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/d0uOjPtNf_\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lalahan Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/Nyuzac88n6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Neorion Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/g-Dk8O2-0j\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regie Ottoman<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/1z11eWGU4F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/ZSBV5hDN3o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Emilion Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/s_UUoStD8g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marius Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/yfpE4U5Suz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mest Hotel Sirkeci<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The serious luxury (5*) picks come at the very end.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_uief293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ctc7293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_805i293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15736 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/istanbul-2015-33.jpg\" alt=\"the view from the Galata Tower\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">That&#8217;s the view from the Galata Tower, looking toward that side of the city.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_wrq7293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_0yf6293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_e04i293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Staying in Beyo\u011flu<\/h2>\n<p>Short version: it&#8217;s more comfortable and more alive here. A bigger choice of hotels, more good and varied caf\u00e9s. Excellent transport links to other districts and interesting spots around Istanbul. Everything you need for quick, comfortable trips around the city \u2014 buses, ferries, funiculars, trams.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ww3d293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_d0bk293 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_7oqj293\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_lx2w293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_19nb293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excellent logistics: metro, funicular, buses to anywhere in the city, and direct airport shuttles.<\/li>\n<li>A huge choice of caf\u00e9s and restaurants \u2014 from chains to local spots. Prices for every budget. One restaurant will charge you 600 lira for adana kebab, the one right next door 300, and just around the corner there&#8217;s street food with tavuk d\u00fcr\u00fcm for 100 lira, ayran included.<\/li>\n<li>Life goes on 24\/7. Seriously \u2014 you can shop on \u0130stiklal until midnight, restaurants stay open until 2\u20133 am, and small caf\u00e9s and shops run around the clock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_p1ql293 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_4lb6293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You&#8217;ll have to travel to reach the sights in Fatih. Though to be fair, Sultanahmet is only about 20 minutes away by bus. And are you really planning to visit the same mosques every single day? Two days max in the Old City is plenty.<\/li>\n<li>Very hilly terrain. Pick the wrong hotel and you&#8217;ll spend 10\u201315 minutes climbing a steep hill every day.<\/li>\n<li>If you stay near \u0130stiklal, the bars run late and it can get noisy. Depends entirely on the hotel.<\/li>\n<li>Pick a really wrong hotel and you&#8217;ll get a mini version of Pattaya \u2014 sex workers of every stripe hanging around right under your window. Honestly, I love that kind of authentic seedy atmosphere. But maybe don&#8217;t put your mom there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_v658293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_nyof293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_efyg293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Which Hotel to Choose in Beyo\u011flu<\/h2>\n<p>I recently spent a week at <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/b65DTHo9Z2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garlon Residence<\/a>, in the Tarlaba\u015f\u0131 area. Anyone who knows Istanbul just flinched. Yes, this really is the most notorious district in Beyo\u011flu, with sex workers and all the rest. But! As long as you don&#8217;t wander into the deepest back alleys or walk between Tarlaba\u015f\u0131 and \u0130stiklal at night, it&#8217;s a genuinely great location and completely safe. I mean it \u2014 I&#8217;d 100% put my mom up there. This is definitely not &#8220;rock bottom Istanbul.&#8221; Transport runs around the clock, plenty of people around, a lively spot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Living on Tarlaba\u015f\u0131 Boulevard and living deep inside Tarlaba\u015f\u0131 are two completely different worlds.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The building itself is a solid five out of five. A freshly renovated aparthotel. 24-hour security at the entrance, CCTV, key-card access everywhere. Quiet, no street noise. Huge apartments with everything you need, in various room configurations.<\/p>\n<p>We had a unit with a bedroom, a very large kitchen-living room, and a big bathroom. For 50 euros a night. They&#8217;re usually fully booked, so keep checking. Also note \u2014 they take a cash or card deposit at check-in, refunded at check-out.<\/p>\n<p>Ten minutes on foot to Taksim, with a Havaist stop (airport buses) within walking distance. There&#8217;s a bus stop right outside the hotel entrance. A direct bus to Emin\u00f6n\u00fc takes 15 minutes. Shops, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants all nearby.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s actually a whole row of buildings there: Garlon Residence, Lagirio Residence \u2014 pick either one. You&#8217;ll definitely like it. (Note to self: I really should start charging them for this advertising.)<\/p>\n<p>Oh, and one more thing! In 2024, a <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/E_9pH_ZAhg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canopy by Hilton<\/a> opened in the building right next to Garlon. That tells you how fresh the area is \u2014 Hilton isn&#8217;t going to put a premium brand in some back alley.<\/p>\n<p>Other options nearby, if there&#8217;s no availability or the neighborhood isn&#8217;t your thing: <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/jW8wbXu36O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vardar Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/_16eMwkkEz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nippon Hotel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/M0Aw06UwTX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moxy<\/a> \u2014 also stayed there this year, a great option, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/8fwFsNPWEG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CVK Taksim<\/a>.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_yglp293 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_29dw293 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_zyam293   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15711 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/istanbul-2015-87.jpg\" alt=\"\u0421\u0442\u0430\u043c\u0431\u0443\u043b\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\"><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_6jgn292 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_wwlr292 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_7frd292   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Alternative: Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 \/ Karak\u00f6y<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to see Istanbul but the whole local flavor just isn&#8217;t your thing, then <del>you&#8217;re a snob \u2014 suitcase, station, next stop Paris<\/del> I&#8217;ve got a great alternative for you \u2014 Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131.<\/p>\n<p>This is Istanbul&#8217;s Upper East Side. Minimal mass-market, just Prada and Louis Vuitton, the city&#8217;s best private clinics, manicured parks, and people walking pedigree cats dogs. You can have breakfast at the city&#8217;s best pastry shops and feel like you&#8217;re in Europe.<\/p>\n<h3>Hotels in Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/xsbMHzfbV5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Glens Palas Nisantasi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/EvMks1SZ5R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi<\/a> \u2014 pretty much the top pick in the area, Tzl Suites \u2014 if you need apartments.<\/p>\n<h3>Hotels in Karak\u00f6y<\/h3>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a hipster or tech type, check out Karak\u00f6y \u2014 blocks right by the water, old warehouses converted into trendy caf\u00e9s for the young crowd, gastro-bars, streets lined with umbrellas, creative spaces, a waterfront promenade, and Galataport. An 8-euro americano \u2014 I will never forget that one.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/S4qZK_agbS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ferman Port Hotel<\/a> \u2014 I recommend it, stayed there last year! Nice design, rooftop breakfast with a Bosphorus view. Transport within walking distance. <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/xvMmUT7rn-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Root Karakoy<\/a> (but not economy room) \u2014 an art hotel with a fantastic location. On a quiet street, but plenty of caf\u00e9s nearby, plus Galataport. The T1 tram stop is 10 minutes away and gets you straight to Emin\u00f6n\u00fc. <a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/5AcYQyzrhq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Peninsula Istanbul<\/a> \u2014 currently the most expensive hotel in the area.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_hmae292 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_nkqf292 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_o2n9292   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15727 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/istanbul-2015-60.jpg\" alt=\"\u0421\u0442\u0430\u043c\u0431\u0443\u043b\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\"><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_x9jr292 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_0vvh292 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hz37292   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>The Most Wow-Worthy Hotels in Historic Istanbul Buildings<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_cnd8292 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_gf0d292 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_kk4j292   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/b8KfqWNcES\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pera Palace Hotel (Beyo\u011flu)<\/a> \u2014 an Istanbul legend. Opened in 1892 specifically for passengers of the Orient Express. European aristocracy, writers, and diplomats all stayed here. Legend has it Agatha Christie wrote &#8220;Murder on the Orient Express&#8221; in one of the rooms. That&#8217;s not actually true, of course, but it sounds nice. The historic interiors are still intact \u2014 an antique elevator, marble staircases, rooms styled after the 19th century. Expensive, but this is real, tangible history!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Important note:<\/strong> Istanbul has plenty of hotels with &#8220;Pera&#8221; (meaning &#8220;pear&#8221;) in the name. Don&#8217;t mix them up \u2014 the one you want is specifically the Palace \u2014 Pera Palace.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/mmidoLR5KR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grand Hotel de Londres<\/a> (Beyo\u011flu) \u2014 you could call it the &#8220;little brother&#8221; of the Pera Palace, also opened in 1892. Full 19th-century atmosphere \u2014 vintage furniture, an old-fashioned elevator, antique details throughout. It&#8217;s less grand, more worn-in simpler than the Pera Palace. To me it actually feels more authentic \u2014 not luxury, but more like visiting a wealthy, very old Istanbul grandmother. Rooms are significantly cheaper too.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/5weidgqPa3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00c7\u0131ra\u011fan Palace Kempinski<\/a> (Be\u015fikta\u015f) \u2014 an actual Ottoman palace right on the Bosphorus. Built in the 19th century for Sultan Abd\u00fclaziz. Most of the interiors were restored after a fire, but a night here is about as close as you can get to a sultan&#8217;s life in modern Istanbul. It&#8217;s also on yet another list of the world&#8217;s best design hotels. Expensive, but oh so luxurious.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/kUjw1J415e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hagia Sofia Mansions<\/a> (Fatih, Sultanahmet) \u2014 fairly interesting buildings, unremarkable from the outside, but these are restored old Ottoman mansions right next to Hagia Sophia. A good option if you want to live right among the history.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/k9eBRN6w-Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hotel DeCamondo<\/a> (Beyo\u011flu) \u2014 set in a historic 1881 building that belonged to the famous Camondo banking family. The hotel sits right next to the Camondo Stairs in Galata, where everyone takes photos. Just a genuinely excellent hotel. Price-quality-location ratio: 10\/10.<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_key0292 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_t0cg292   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/xmXNw2roGT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet<\/a> (Fatih) \u2014 housed in a unique neoclassical building that served as a prison in the early 20th century. Today the only reminders of its past are inmates&#8217; carvings on the courtyard columns, now transformed into a luxurious garden. Expensive. Extremely expensive, on another planet, proper luxury.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/NlzHvTuBHW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soho House Istanbul<\/a> (Beyo\u011flu) \u2014 housed in a palace, Palazzo Corpi, built in 1873 by a wealthy Genoese merchant. Later it served as the US Embassy for about 100 years. Today Soho House combines a chain boutique hotel with a private members&#8217; club, inside a historic building. Frescoes, marble, vintage touches, modern design.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/QmI13cdvhy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Bank Hotel<\/a> (Beyo\u011flu, Karak\u00f6y) \u2014 this building, constructed in the 1870s, once served as the headquarters of several banks, including the Ottoman Credit General. An interesting design-forward boutique hotel with compact, modern rooms.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/E7jkQitktv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Galata Hotel Istanbul MGallery<\/a> \u2014 housed in the former Banque de Constantinople building. Both this hotel and The Bank Hotel sit on Bankalar Caddesi, once the main financial street of the Ottoman Empire.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/booking.stay22.com\/privateperson\/UdH8l7CysE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanasaryan Han<\/a> (Fatih, Sultanahmet) \u2014 a new hotel in a building with an extraordinary history. Built in 1895 with funds from Armenian philanthropist Mkrtich Sanasaryan. The original purpose was a noble one \u2014 rental income was meant to fund Armenian schools. But everything changed in the 1940s, when the building became a police headquarters. Sanasaryan Han became synonymous with fear. It housed the infamous &#8220;coffin cells&#8221; \u2014 concrete niches just 60 cm wide, where a person could neither sit down nor turn around. Since 2024, it&#8217;s a luxury hotel. Wild, right?<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_76n3350 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_bx7r350 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_dp64350   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>More about Turkey and Istanbul:<\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module post -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post tb_92lr350 \">\n        <div  class=\"builder-posts-wrap loops-wrapper grid4 masonry boxed tf_rel tf_clear tf_clearfix\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <article id=\"post-596\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-596 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-places tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-unusual-spots-in-the-grand-bazaar\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul26-91-1024x768.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar\" alt=\"Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-unusual-spots-in-the-grand-bazaar\/\">Istanbul: 10 Unusual Spots in the Grand Bazaar<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-594\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-594 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-countries tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbuls-fener-balat-colorful-houses\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul_2018-27-1024x682.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems\" alt=\"Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbuls-fener-balat-colorful-houses\/\">Istanbul\u2019s Fener and Balat: Colorful Houses, Crumbling Staircases, Hidden Gems<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-592\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-592 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-places tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-find-colorful-houses-in-istanbul\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kuzgundjuk-1024x768.jpg\" title=\"Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul\" alt=\"Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-find-colorful-houses-in-istanbul\/\">Where to Find Colorful Houses in Istanbul<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n<article id=\"post-589\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-589 type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-travel-tips tag-turkey has-post-title no-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t    \n\t                <figure class=\"post-image tf_clearfix\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-how-to-get-from-the-airport\/\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-59-1024x682.jpg\" title=\"Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport\" alt=\"Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport\">                                                                    <\/a>\n                                                                <\/figure>\n                    \t<div class=\"post-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"post-content-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-title entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/istanbul-how-to-get-from-the-airport\/\">Istanbul: How to Get from the Airport<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t        <div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n        \n        <\/div><!-- \/.entry-content -->\n        \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- \/.post-content-inner -->\n\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/.post-content -->\n\t\n<\/article>\n<!-- \/.post -->\n    <\/div><!-- .builder-posts-wrap -->\n                <\/div>\n<!-- \/module post -->\n    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_igg4350 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/tag\/turkey\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx orange\" >\n                                                All About #Turkey                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_as0o350   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><script async src=\"https:\/\/tpwdgt.com\/content?trs=131991&#038;shmarker=85813.ablogen&#038;tour=415437%2C593344%2C21283&#038;items=3&#038;locale=en-US&#038;powered_by=false&#038;campaign_id=108&#038;promo_id=4039\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where to Stay in Istanbul If You Want to Stay in a Former Police Station, Bank, Prison, or Embassy, or Next Door to Drag Queens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[23],"class_list":["post-586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review","tag-turkey","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AleksBlog.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1100\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"733\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"alexs\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"alexs\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"alexs\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420\"},\"headline\":\"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2364,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Turkey\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Review\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/\",\"name\":\"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420\"},\"description\":\"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg\",\"width\":1100,\"height\":733,\"caption\":\"Istanbul\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"\u0413\u043b\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0446\u0430\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"AleksBlog.com\",\"description\":\"Travel and photo blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/aleksblog.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420\",\"name\":\"alexs\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"alexs\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com","description":"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com","og_description":"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!","og_url":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/","og_site_name":"AleksBlog.com","article_published_time":"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1100,"height":733,"url":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"alexs","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"alexs","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/"},"author":{"name":"alexs","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420"},"headline":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia","datePublished":"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/"},"wordCount":2364,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg","keywords":["Turkey"],"articleSection":["Review"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/","url":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/","name":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia - AleksBlog.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg","datePublished":"2026-08-25T16:42:17+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-25T16:43:16+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420"},"description":"From Snobbish Ni\u015fanta\u015f\u0131 to \u201cDangerous\u201d Tarlaba\u015f\u0131, with Hotels for \u20ac50. Why You Shouldn\u2019t Stay on the Asian Side, Where to Find Luxury in a Former Prison, and How to Avoid Choosing a Hotel with \u201c\u201990s Carpets.\u201d Read an Expert\u2019s Tips!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istanbul-2015-89.jpg","width":1100,"height":733,"caption":"Istanbul"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/where-to-stay-in-istanbul\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"\u0413\u043b\u0430\u0432\u043d\u0430\u044f \u0441\u0442\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0438\u0446\u0430","item":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Where to Stay in Istanbul: History, Buzz, or Bohemia"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/","name":"AleksBlog.com","description":"Travel and photo blog","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/149a512c126ad910b6dc27afd546f420","name":"alexs","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e6f7bec621024f37a00c2ee0eb0a623b5bc5878039e88c1ebd93b4be824c149c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"alexs"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=586"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aleksblog.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}