Best Hotels to Stay in Istanbul
Experience luxury and comfort at Istanbul's finest accommodations. Here are our top 5 recommended hotels for an unforgettable stay:
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
-
Prime waterfront location with stunning Bosphorus views
-
32,300-square-foot luxury spa facilities
-
Elegant rooms with private balconies
-
Personal butler service available
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
-
Historic 19th-century Ottoman palace
-
Spectacular waterfront setting
-
World-class dining options
-
Infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus
Rixos Pera Istanbul
-
Located in vibrant Beyoglu district near Taksim Square
-
Elegant rooms with contemporary Turkish design
-
Luxury spa with traditional hammam experience
-
Rooftop restaurant with Golden Horn views
Crowne Plaza Istanbul Harbiye
-
Central location near Istanbul Congress Centre
-
Modern rooms with city views
-
Full-service wellness centre and indoor pool
-
Walking distance to Taksim Square and shopping areas
Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet
-
Perfect location in the historic district
-
Walking distance to major attractions
-
Intimate boutique atmosphere
-
Rooftop lounge with Hagia Sophia views
Top Attractions in Istanbul
There are numerous exciting things to do in Istanbul. Here are the must-visit attractions:
Historical Landmarks:
-
Hagia Sophia - An architectural marvel showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman influences
-
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) - Famous for its stunning blue tile interior
-
Topkapi Palace - Former residence of Ottoman sultans with impressive collections
-
Basilica Cistern - Ancient underground water storage system with remarkable architecture
Cultural Sites:
-
Galata Tower - Offering panoramic views of the city
-
Golden Horn - Natural harbour dividing European Istanbul
-
Suleymaniye Mosque - Ottoman imperial mosque with breath-taking views
-
Istanbul Archaeology Museums - Three museums showcasing ancient artifacts
Waterfront Attractions:
-
Maiden's Tower - Historic tower on a small islet
-
Dolmabahce Palace - 19th-century Ottoman palace along the Bosphorus
-
Ortakoy Mosque - Baroque-style mosque by the Bosphorus
-
Cruise on the Bosphorus - For spectacular city views
Shopping in Istanbul
Istanbul offers diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls:
Traditional Markets:
-
Grand Bazaar - One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets
-
Spice Bazaar - For traditional spices, Turkish delight and freshest seafood
-
Arasta Bazaar - Known for traditional Turkish crafts
-
Jennifer's Hamam - Famous for authentic Turkish towels and textiles
Modern Shopping Centres:
-
Forum Istanbul - Large modern mall with international brands
-
Mall of Istanbul - Entertainment and shopping complex
-
City's Nisantasi Shopping Centre - Luxury shopping district
-
Zorlu Centre - High-end shopping and dining
Eating out in Istanbul
The city's vibrant nightlife and rich culinary scene offer something for every palate:
Fine Dining:
-
Mikla - Contemporary Turkish cuisine with stunning views
-
Istanbul 1924 - Classic Turkish dishes in elegant setting
-
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant - Traditional Ottoman recipes
Local Favourites:
-
Sirvan Sofrasi Restaurant - Authentic Turkish home cooking
-
Erhan Restaurant - Famous for kebabs and mezze
-
Sans Restaurant - Mediterranean fusion cuisine
-
Constantine's Ark - Seafood specialties
-
No 19 Dining - Modern Turkish cuisine
Best time to visit Istanbul
The best times to visit Istanbul are between April to May and September to November. These periods offer:
-
Pleasant spring weather with temperatures in the 60s and 70s
-
Beautiful spring blooms or autumn colours
-
Manageable tourist crowds
-
Better hotel rates compared to peak summer season
-
Perfect conditions for outdoor sightseeing and Bosphorus cruises
Make your bookings well in advance during these peak tourist seasons to secure the best deals and availability.
Best Deals and Offers on Hotels and Resorts in Istanbul, Turkey
At Away Holidays we have a range of special offers to Istanbul, Turkey to explore. From exclusive offers, family holidays and last-minute deals, there is sure to be an incredible deal that takes your fancy. Check them out now and book your Turkey holidays for 2025/2026 today.