The towns are close together, but they’re very different. Some have rooftop terraces right under the balloons, others are quiet villages, and a few have the best restaurants. Here are my recommendations for six towns and hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Towns in Cappadocia

• Göreme - best town for first-time visitors and balloon views
• Uçhisar - best town for luxury and panoramic views
• Ürgüp - best town for restaurants and town life
• Ortahisar - best town for peace and local life
• Avanos - best town for families and lower prices
• Mustafapaşa - best town for peace and quiet and old stone houses

Below, I’ll take you through the six towns one by one. For each town, you’ll get a map, the most important practical information and three hotels in different price ranges, so you can find the cave hotel that suits both your trip and your budget.

1. Göreme - best town for first-time visitors and balloon views

• Distance from Göreme: You’re staying right in the middle of Cappadocia’s most visited town, and the open-air museum is about 1.5 km outside the centre.
• Transport: Göreme has a bus station with minibuses to Nevşehir, Ürgüp and Avanos, and most tours and balloon flights pick you up at your hotel.
• Time from the airport: About 40 minutes by car from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and just over an hour from Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £65 to £330 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Göreme is a safe town. Watch out on the steep, uneven paths up to the rooftop terraces and viewpoints, especially in the dark in the morning.

Göreme is my first choice if it’s your first trip to Cappadocia. The town sits in the middle of the landscape that’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, and you can walk straight from your hotel out into the valleys full of fairy chimneys.

The big draw is the balloons. The launch sites are in the valleys right around the town, so on mornings with still weather, the balloons float low over the rooftops. Many cave hotels in Göreme have a rooftop terrace for exactly that sight, and this is where you’ll get the classic photos with rugs, cushions and balloons in the background.

See hotels in Göreme here.

If you’d like to go up yourself, you can book a sunrise balloon flight over Göreme here. The flights are cancelled when it’s too windy, so it’s a good idea to book for one of your first mornings and keep a couple of extra days in reserve.

Just outside the town is the Göreme Open-Air Museum with rock-cut churches and monasteries, where several of the churches have preserved frescoes from the Byzantine period. You can walk there in around 20 minutes, and next to it are hiking trails through the valleys, such as Love Valley and Rose Valley.

Most people fly to Cappadocia via Istanbul, and with Turkish Airlines, the flight to Nevşehir takes between one and one and a half hours. If you’re changing planes, I’ve written a guide to getting from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, and if you’d like a few nights in the city first, you can read about where to stay in Istanbul.

The downside of Göreme is that the town is built around tourism. The main street is full of travel agencies, souvenir shops and restaurants with menus in lots of languages, and the rooftop terraces can be crowded in the morning. On the other hand, you’ve got everything within walking distance, and it’s easy to book tours without a car.

Places to Stay in Göreme

Sultan Cave Suites - best cave hotel with the famous rooftop terrace

Sultan Cave Suites is in the Aydınlı neighbourhood on the slope west of the centre, and its rooftop terrace is one of the most photographed spots in town when the balloons are in the air. The hotel has cave suites, a restaurant, a hammam and a pool, and it was the most expensive of my three picks in Göreme. Some guests mention that the beds are hard and that the air conditioning doesn’t always work well enough.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The view from the rooftop terrace was absolutely outstanding.”

See photos and book Sultan Cave Suites here.

Panoramic Cave Hotel - best mid-range choice with a terrace view

Panoramic Cave Hotel is in the southern part of Göreme, with a terrace overlooking the town and the valleys, where you can see the balloons in the morning. There’s a sauna, a hot tub and free parking, and the hotel has a high guest rating. A few guests mention minor things that need maintenance.

One guest highlights the view on Booking.com: “A fantastic place with an incredible view from the terrace.”

See photos and book Panoramic Cave Hotel here.

Rustic Caves - cheapest pick with a rooftop terrace and pool

Rustic Caves is in the northern part of Göreme and was the cheapest of the three places when I searched. You get cave rooms, an outdoor pool in summer and a rooftop terrace where you can watch the balloons. Some guests mention that noise from other guests can carry through.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A super clean and comfortable room.”

See photos and book Rustic Caves here.

2. Uçhisar - best town for luxury and panoramic views

• Distance from Göreme: About 4 to 5 km by road to the southwest, and the journey takes under 10 minutes by car or taxi.
• Transport: The minibuses between Nevşehir and Göreme pass through, but a taxi or hire car makes it easier to get around in the evening.
• Time from the airport: About 40 minutes by car from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and just over an hour from Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £45 to £235 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Uçhisar is a quiet town. The steps and paths up to the castle are steep and can be slippery, so wear proper shoes.

Uçhisar sits high on a hill with a huge rock castle in the middle, and from the top of the castle, you can see out over large parts of Cappadocia. The town is smaller and quieter than Göreme, but it has several of the area’s most exclusive cave hotels, often with terraces and pools facing the valleys.

Because the town sits so high, you get a great overview of the balloons in the morning. They usually take off in the valleys between Uçhisar and Göreme, so from the terraces here, you’ll see them rise over the landscape rather than right above your head. In the evening, the castle is lit up, and it’s a popular place to watch the sunset.

See hotels in Uçhisar here.

From Uçhisar, a hiking trail runs down through Pigeon Valley to Göreme, where you can see the old dovecotes carved into the rock walls. The walk takes a couple of hours at a relaxed pace, and you can take a taxi back.

The town is also on the road towards Nevşehir and the underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, which are part of the UNESCO site. If you’ve hired a car, Uçhisar is therefore a practical base for trips to the south, and the hotels are happy to help arrange tours and balloon flights.

I’d choose Uçhisar for a honeymoon or a special occasion, when you want to spend a bit extra on the hotel. The downside is that there are fewer restaurants and not much going on in the evening, so you’ll often end up eating at the hotel or taking a taxi to Göreme.

Places to Stay in Uçhisar

Millstone Cave Suites Hotel - best luxury hotel with terraces and views

Millstone Cave Suites is in Uçhisar close to the castle and has cave suites, a restaurant and terraces where you can watch the balloons in the morning. It was the most expensive of my three picks in the town and has a very high guest rating. A few guests feel the lighting in the rooms could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The view is absolutely amazing.”

See photos and book Millstone Cave Suites Hotel here.

Zafora Cave Suites Hotel Cappadocia - best mid-range hotel with a heated pool

Zafora is in the northern part of Uçhisar and has a heated outdoor pool with a view that’s open all year round. It has one of the highest guest ratings in the whole guide, and you can see the balloons from the terrace. Some guests mention that it can be hard to control the temperature in the room.

One guest is full of praise on Booking.com: “The view, the staff, the rooms: definitely 10/10!”

See photos and book Zafora Cave Suites Hotel Cappadocia here.

Kemal Stone House Hotel - cheapest pick with a pool and balloon views

Kemal Stone House is a small guesthouse in the western part of Uçhisar and was the cheapest of the three places when I searched. There’s a pool with a view, free parking and a terrace where you can watch the balloons. A few guests mention hard beds and a smell from the bathroom.

One guest highlights the hosts on Booking.com: “The hosts were lovely.”

See photos and book Kemal Stone House Hotel here.

3. Ürgüp - best town for restaurants and town life

• Distance from Göreme: Ürgüp is east of Göreme, and the journey takes around a quarter of an hour by car.
• Transport: Ürgüp has its own bus station with minibuses to Göreme and Nevşehir, and there are taxis waiting on the main square.
• Time from the airport: About 50 minutes by car from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and around an hour from Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £70 to £355 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Ürgüp is a safe town. Keep an eye on the traffic in the centre, where the streets are narrow and the pavements disappear in several places.

Ürgüp is the largest of the towns in this guide and feels more like a proper town than a holiday resort. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ürgüp is one of the most important centres in Cappadocia, and the town has old Greek houses from the time before the population exchange in 1923.

Here, you’ll find more good restaurants, wine bars and shops than in Göreme, and in the evening, there are locals out on the streets and not just tourists. The town is known for its wine, and you can taste wines from the area in several places. Walk up Temenni Hill in the middle of town, where there’s a view over both the new and the old neighbourhoods.

See hotels in Ürgüp here.

Many of the best cave hotels in Ürgüp are in the old neighbourhoods on the slope above the centre, where the houses are built into the rock. Just outside the town stand the three fairy chimneys known as the Three Beauties, and they make a good stop on the way to or from Göreme.

The balloons mainly take off in the valleys near Göreme, so from Ürgüp, you’ll usually see them further away, depending on the wind. If you want the big sight up close, you can join a tour that drives you out to the balloons at sunrise, or you can book a balloon flight with hotel pickup.

I’d choose Ürgüp for a longer stay, when the food and the evenings matter more than seeing the balloons from your bed. The town is also close to Mustafapaşa and the road towards Kayseri, so it’s a good base if you’ve got a hire car. The downside is that you’ll need to drive or take a minibus to most of the hikes in the valleys.

Places to Stay in Ürgüp

Sacred House - best adults-only luxury hotel

Sacred House is an adults-only hotel in the centre of Ürgüp with cave suites, a spa, a hammam and an indoor pool. It was the most expensive of my three picks in the town and suits couples who want a special hotel with good service. There’s no rooftop terrace with balloon views, and some guests mention that the air conditioning is weak in a few rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It’s the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in.”

See photos and book Sacred House here.

MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia - best mid-range hotel with a heated pool

MDC Cave Hotel is on the slope southwest of the centre and has cave rooms, a restaurant and a heated outdoor pool with a view that’s open all year round. You can’t see the balloons from the hotel, but according to Booking.com, the hotel offers a free ride out to a viewpoint. A few guests have had problems with tours they booked through the hotel.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A beautiful place to stay for a few nights while you explore the area.”

See photos and book MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia here.

Cappadocia Pegas Cave Suites - cheapest pick with a much-praised breakfast

Pegas Cave Suites is in the southern part of the centre and was the cheapest of the three places when I searched. You get a small cave hotel with free parking and a high guest rating, and the breakfast in particular gets a lot of praise. There’s no balloon view, and one guest has complained about a smell from the drain.

One guest highlights the breakfast on Booking.com: “Everything was incredible. The breakfast was among the best hotel breakfasts.”

See photos and book Cappadocia Pegas Cave Suites here.

4. Ortahisar - best town for peace and local life

• Distance from Göreme: About 6 km to the southeast, and the journey takes around 10 minutes by car.
• Transport: Ortahisar is a little way off the main road between Göreme and Ürgüp, so you’ll have the most freedom with a hire car or taxi.
• Time from the airport: About 45 minutes by car from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and just over an hour from Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £70 to £210 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Ortahisar is a very quiet town. Be careful on the castle’s steep steps and ladders if you’re not comfortable with heights.

Ortahisar lies between Göreme and Ürgüp and is built around a tall rock castle full of tunnels and viewpoints. It’s a place where people still live and work outside tourism, so you’ll see locals on the square and in the small shops. That makes Ortahisar a good choice if you’d like to experience Cappadocia at a slower pace.

From the top of the castle, there’s a view over the valleys and the cave houses, but there are lots of steep steps and narrow passages on the way up. In the morning, you can see the balloons from many of the hotel terraces, but they’re further away than in Göreme, and how close they come depends on the wind.

See hotels in Ortahisar here.

The hotels in Ortahisar are often smaller and more personal, and several of them are in restored stone houses around the castle. Prices are lower than in Uçhisar, and you’ll often get more space for your money. In the evening, there are a couple of restaurants around the square, but if you want more to choose from, it’s not far to Ürgüp.

According to the Turkish tourist board Go Türkiye, sleeping in a cave is part of any visit to Cappadocia, and you can do that in Ortahisar for a lower price than in the better-known towns. Many hotels here also help with booking balloon flights and tours with pickup.

I’d choose Ortahisar for couples and travellers who’ve been to Cappadocia before, or who simply want peace and quiet in the evening. The downside is that you’ll need a car or taxi for most of the sights, and there’s not much to do in the town after dark.

Places to Stay in Ortahisar

Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton - best luxury hotel with a spa and pool

Elika Cave Suites is in the northern part of Ortahisar and belongs to Hilton’s Curio Collection. You get cave suites, a spa, a hammam, a gym and an outdoor pool in summer, and it was the most expensive of my three picks in the town. The guest rating is a little lower than the others in the guide, and some guests mention dust in the cave rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was lovely, and the staff were so sweet and friendly.”

See photos and book Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton here.

Cappadocia Acer Cave Hotel - best mid-range hotel close to the castle

Acer Cave Hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the castle and has a lift, a bar and free parking. It has a high guest rating, and guests particularly praise the decor and the staff. A few guests mention that some rooms have a poor view, so ask for a room with a view when you book.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was fantastic. Lovely decor, and the staff were very helpful.”

See photos and book Cappadocia Acer Cave Hotel here.

Cappadocia St. Nino’s Garden - cheapest pick with a garden and terrace

St. Nino’s Garden is a small bed and breakfast in Ortahisar with a garden, a terrace and free parking. It was the cheapest of the three places when I searched and has one of the highest guest ratings in the guide. Some guests feel the lighting in the bedroom is too dim.

One guest sums it up briefly on Booking.com: “A truly special place.”

See photos and book Cappadocia St. Nino’s Garden here.

5. Avanos - best town for families and lower prices

• Distance from Göreme: About 10 km to the north, and the journey takes around a quarter of an hour by car.
• Transport: Minibuses run between Avanos, Göreme and Nevşehir, but a hire car makes it much easier to get around with children.
• Time from the airport: About 35 minutes by car from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, which is the shortest journey in the guide, and just over an hour from Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £45 to £135 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Avanos is a safe town. Keep children close by the river, where the bank isn’t fenced off in several places.

Avanos sits on the Kızılırmak, the Red River, in the northern part of Cappadocia. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the town’s pottery tradition goes all the way back to the Hittites, and the clay comes from the river’s red silt. Today, there are still lots of pottery workshops, where you can watch the potters at work and try throwing a bowl yourself.

The town is less touristy than Göreme, and prices are lower. Along the river, there’s a promenade with cafés, and in the Old Town, you’ll find cobbled streets with old stone houses. It’s a good town if you’re travelling with children and want a bit of space and a slower pace.

See hotels in Avanos here.

From Avanos, it’s not far to the open-air museum at Zelve and the fairy chimneys at Paşabağ, which are on the road towards Göreme. The balloons also fly over the area north of Göreme, and from several of the hotels in Avanos, you can see them in the distance in the morning.

In Avanos, you’ll find both larger hotels with pools and small guesthouses and apartments, often with a kitchen. That makes the town practical for families who want something to do between trips while keeping the cost down on a longer holiday.

The downside is that Avanos doesn’t have the classic cave hotels with fairy chimneys outside the window. The town is more ordinary to look at, and if you’re dreaming of a rooftop terrace full of balloons, you should choose Göreme or Uçhisar instead, at least for a couple of nights.

Places to Stay in Avanos

Suhan Cappadocia Hotel & Spa - best family hotel with indoor and outdoor pools

Suhan is a large five-star hotel by the river with an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, a hammam and a gym. It was the most expensive of my three picks in Avanos and suits families who want everything in one place. The guest rating is lower than the others in the guide, and some guests mention that the service is inconsistent.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was perfect. I enjoyed my stay at the hotel.”

See photos and book Suhan Cappadocia Hotel & Spa here.

Hikmet’s House - best mid-range choice with balloon views

Hikmet’s House is a small guesthouse in the northern part of Avanos with a very high guest rating and a terrace where you can watch the balloons. There’s free parking but no pool, so it suits couples and smaller families who spend their days on trips best.

One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “An exceptional stay! The whole team was incredibly professional, friendly and attentive.”

See photos and book Hikmet’s House here.

Adanos Konuk Evi - cheapest pick with one of the guide’s highest ratings

Adanos Konuk Evi is a guesthouse in the northern part of the town and was the cheapest of the three places when I searched. It has a very high guest rating from several hundred reviews, a garden, a shared kitchen and apartments with a terrace. You’re staying a little way from the river, and there’s no pool.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything. You can see balloons from the terrace by your apartment.”

See photos and book Adanos Konuk Evi here.

6. Mustafapaşa - best town for peace and quiet and old stone houses

• Distance from Göreme: About 15 km to the south via Ürgüp, and the journey takes around 20 minutes by car.
• Transport: You’ll need a car or taxi. There are minibuses to Ürgüp, but they don’t run very often.
• Time from the airport: About an hour by car from both Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Airport.
• Price range: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £55 to £205 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Mustafapaşa is a very quiet village. The streets are uneven and poorly lit in the evening, so bring a torch.

Mustafapaşa is around 5 km south of Ürgüp and used to be called Sinasos. According to the town’s municipality, most of the inhabitants were Greek Orthodox until the population exchange in the 1920s, and the village still has old stone houses and almost 30 churches and chapels.

What you get here is peace and quiet and architecture. The houses have carved facades in pale stone, and several of the old mansions are now hotels. In the evening, you can sit on a terrace without tour buses and souvenir shops, and in the morning, you can see the balloons in the distance when the wind carries them south.

See hotels in Mustafapaşa here.

The village is a good base if you want to see the less visited places in the southern part of Cappadocia. The Soğanlı Valley with its rock-cut churches is further south, and it’s also part of the UNESCO site. From here, it’s also closer to the underground cities than from Avanos.

There are only a handful of restaurants and cafés around the square, so many people eat at their hotel or drive to Ürgüp in the evening. The hotels are small, and several are in restored houses with courtyards, so book well ahead if you want one of the most popular ones.

I’d choose Mustafapaşa for couples who have a car and want a few quiet days away from the busy towns. The downside is that you’ll have to drive to almost everything, and you won’t get the balloons up close from your hotel. For a first trip, I’d combine a couple of nights here with a couple of nights in Göreme.

Places to Stay in Mustafapaşa

Seraphim Cave Suites & SPA - best luxury hotel with a spa and indoor pool

Seraphim Cave Suites is on the southern edge of Mustafapaşa and is a five-star hotel with cave suites, a spa, a hammam and a heated indoor pool. It was the most expensive of my three picks in the village, and you can see the balloons from the terrace. The hotel has a very high guest rating but not many reviews yet.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The place is incredibly beautiful and clean.”

See photos and book Seraphim Cave Suites & SPA here.

Gemosa Cappadocia Hotel - best mid-range choice with a garden

Gemosa is in the northern part of Mustafapaşa and is a small hotel with a restaurant, a garden, a terrace and free parking. It has a high guest rating, and guests particularly praise the breakfast and the staff. There’s no pool or spa, so it suits couples who spend their days on trips best.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A very beautiful place with very hospitable staff and a lovely breakfast.”

See photos and book Gemosa Cappadocia Hotel here.

Demisos Cave Hotel - cheapest pick in a cave hotel

Demisos Cave Hotel is in the southern part of the village and was the cheapest of the three places when I searched. You get cave rooms, a restaurant, a terrace and a shared kitchen at a low price. The staff don’t speak much English, and one guest has complained that the staff smoke in the shared areas.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were friendly, and even though their English was a little limited, we got everything we needed sorted.”

See photos and book Demisos Cave Hotel here.

Where should you avoid staying in Cappadocia?

I wouldn’t stay in Nevşehir itself, even though it’s the provincial capital and close to the airport. It’s a modern town with few cave hotels, and you’re a long way from the valleys and the balloons in the morning.

Be careful with hotels along the main roads outside the towns, too. They’re often cheap, but you can’t walk anywhere, and the view is usually of a road or a car park rather than fairy chimneys.

Finally, check what a cave room actually is before you book. Some of the cheapest cave rooms only have small windows or are in the basement, and if you want a balloon view, make sure the hotel has a terrace that faces the valleys.

If it’s your first trip to Cappadocia, I’d stay in Göreme, because you’ve got the balloons, the hiking trails and the restaurants right outside the door. Uçhisar is the best choice for a luxury trip with a view, Ürgüp suits you if you want good restaurants and town life, and Ortahisar and Mustafapaşa are for a quiet stay. Avanos is the most practical town for families who want a pool and lower prices.

Many people combine Cappadocia with a few days in Istanbul, and then you can use my guide to things to do in Istanbul. If you’d like to end your trip by the Mediterranean, I’ve also written about where to stay in Antalya.

The post Where to Stay in Cappadocia? The 6 Best Towns & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The distances are greater than many people expect, so the area you choose decides both what kind of holiday you’ll have and how much time you’ll spend in a car. Here are my recommendations for six good areas, with hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Areas in Antalya

• Kaleiçi - best area for first-time visitors
• Konyaaltı - best area for beach and city on the same trip
• Lara - best area for all-inclusive close to the airport
• Belek - best area for luxury resorts and golf
• Side - best area for ancient ruins and beaches
• Kemer - best area for mountains, nature and the marina

Below, I’ll take you through the areas one by one, from the city’s historic centre to the resort coast. For each area, I suggest three hotels, so you can choose between luxury, mid-range and a cheaper stay.

1. Kaleiçi - best area for first-time visitors 🏛️

• 📍 Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying in Antalya’s historic centre, with Hadrian’s Gate and the old harbour within walking distance.
• 🚶 Transport: Kaleiçi is best explored on foot. For the beaches and the airport, take a taxi or public transport from the main roads around the area.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Around 20 minutes by car from the airport to the centre.
• 💰 Price range: €€ to €€€. Lots of small hotels in old houses and a few more expensive boutique hotels with pools.
• 👮 Safety: Generally safe. Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds by the harbour, and politely say no thanks to pushy sellers.

Kaleiçi is my top choice for a first trip to Antalya, especially if you want to experience the city and not just lie by the pool. The area is Antalya’s Old Town, with narrow cobbled streets, old Ottoman houses and remains of the city walls, and you enter through the Roman Hadrian’s Gate from the main street, Atatürk Caddesi.

Down at the old harbour, you’ll find the boats for trips along the coast, and in the evening the restaurants fill their terraces above the water. During the day, the streets are full of small shops and cafés, and it’s easy to spend a whole day wandering around without a fixed plan. The airport is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre according to Antalya Airport, so Kaleiçi also works well for a long weekend or for the first few nights before you move on to a beach town.

See hotels in Kaleiçi here.

The downside is the beach. Kaleiçi sits on the cliffs above the sea, and the long beach in Konyaaltı starts just under three kilometres to the west. You can easily take a taxi out there, but if you want to swim every day without planning it, Konyaaltı or Lara is a better fit.

The hotels here are often small and built into old houses. That gives them charm, but also steep stairs, smaller rooms and music from the bars in the evening. Choose a hotel on a side street if you’re a light sleeper, and check whether there’s parking if you’re arriving in a hire car.

If you’re combining Antalya with a few days in the big city, you can read my guide to where to stay in Istanbul. Kaleiçi has some of the same historic atmosphere on a smaller scale, but with the sea right below the city walls.

Places to Stay in Kaleiçi

Tuvana Hotel - boutique hotel in a historic building with a pool

Tuvana is my luxury pick in Kaleiçi. The hotel is in a historic building with Ottoman decor and wooden furniture, around 250 metres from Hadrian’s Gate, and it has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and a garden.

I’d choose it for a couple who want the atmosphere of the old streets and a quiet pool to come back to. The breakfast buffet is included, and there are standard, superior and deluxe rooms. Guests do mention music from the nearby venues in the evening, though, so ask for a quiet room.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The atmosphere and style of the hotel were really good.”

See photos and book Tuvana Hotel here.

Bacchus Pension - Ottoman-style guesthouse with a small pool

Bacchus Pension is an Ottoman-style guesthouse in the western part of Kaleiçi, around 400 metres from the old harbour. There’s a small pool that’s open in season, as well as a garden and a terrace, and breakfast is included.

It’s my mid-range suggestion if you want a personal place to stay close to both the harbour and the restaurants. There are double, twin and triple rooms, so it also works for three people. A few guests feel the cleaning could be more thorough.

Here’s what one guest highlights on Booking.com: “Everything was fantastic, including the breakfast and the friendly host and kitchen staff.”

See photos and book Bacchus Pension here.

Pruva Inn Hotel - budget choice in a central spot by Hadrian’s Gate

Pruva Inn is around 200 metres from Hadrian’s Gate in the northern part of Kaleiçi. It’s a modern bed and breakfast with air conditioning and private bathrooms in the rooms, and breakfast is included in the price.

I’d choose it if you’d rather spend your budget on restaurants and excursions than on hotel facilities. There’s no pool, and guests mention that some rooms get very little daylight. On the other hand, the hotel has one of the highest guest ratings in the area, and it’s only a short walk to the main street.

One guest describes their stay on Booking.com: “The staff were very friendly and helpful, the breakfast was excellent, and the hotel is really well located.”

See photos and book Pruva Inn Hotel here.

2. Konyaaltı - best area for beach and city on the same trip 🏖️

• 📍 Distance from the centre: The eastern end of the beach is just under 3 km from Kaleiçi, and most hotels are 4 to 5 km from the Old Town.
• 🚕 Transport: Taxi or city bus into Kaleiçi. The promenade along the beach is good for walks.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on the traffic.
• 💰 Price range: €€ to €€€€. From apartment hotels on the back streets to five-star hotels by the beach.
• 👮 Safety: Quiet and family-friendly. Watch out for the waves, and walk carefully on the stones at the water’s edge.

Konyaaltı is my pick if you want the beach every day and still want to be able to head into the city in the evening. The beach stretches several kilometres west from the city’s cliffs, and behind it rise the Taurus Mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful city beaches on the Mediterranean.

The beach is mostly small pebbles rather than sand. That keeps the water clear, but water shoes are a good idea, especially for children. A park and promenade with cafés and restaurants runs along the beach, and in the evening lots of local families are out for a stroll.

See hotels in Konyaaltı here.

Antalya Museum is at the eastern end. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a large part of the sculpture collection comes from the ancient city of Perge, and the museum is a good place to spend a hot afternoon.

The hotels are mostly in the neighbourhoods behind the beach road, often in newer buildings and apartment hotels. That makes Konyaaltı good for families who want more space and perhaps a kitchen. On the other hand, don’t expect the historic atmosphere of Kaleiçi. Not all apartment hotels have a pool, so check the facilities before you book.

There’s no entrance fee for the beach itself. You can rent a sunbed and parasol at the beach bars or just lie down on a towel, and in the evening the promenade is a good place for a walk while the sun sets over the mountains.

For evening trips into the Old Town, a taxi is the easiest option. The further west your hotel is, the longer the journey, so look at the map if you’d like to head into the city several times.

Places to Stay in Konyaaltı

Hotel SU & Aqualand - five-star hotel with a water park and its own beach area

Hotel SU is the luxury pick in Konyaaltı and an obvious choice for families. The hotel has its own beach area, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with a hammam, a kids’ club and the Aqualand water park.

It’s in the eastern part of the area, just under 4 km from Kaleiçi, so it’s a short trip into the city. Rooms come with sea views or land views, family rooms included, so choose your category carefully if the view matters to you.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel is fantastic, very clean and has an excellent location.”

See photos and book Hotel SU & Aqualand here.

voco Antalya Konyaalti - modern hotel with a spa and a year-round pool

voco is part of the IHG chain and is in the Arapsuyu neighbourhood, less than a kilometre from the beach. There’s a year-round outdoor pool, a spa with a sauna, steam room and hammam, and a gym, and breakfast is included.

I’d choose it for a couple or a small family who want a modern hotel without all-inclusive. You can choose between standard rooms and suites with a separate bedroom. A few guests don’t find the neighbourhood particularly attractive, so think of it as a practical place to stay rather than a beach address.

Here’s what one guest highlights on Booking.com: “Cleanliness and excellent staff.”

See photos and book voco Antalya Konyaalti here.

Oli Hotel and Suites - apartments with one of the highest guest ratings in the area

Oli Hotel and Suites has both double rooms and apartments in several sizes and is in a residential neighbourhood around 700 metres from the beach. There’s free parking, a lift and a small garden.

It’s my budget pick in Konyaaltı because you get lots of space for your money, and the apartments make it easy to have breakfast at home. There’s no pool, and breakfast isn’t included in the price, so you’ll use the beach and the cafés on the promenade.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “The best hotel we’ve ever stayed at, and we’d love to come back!”

See photos and book Oli Hotel and Suites here.

3. Lara - best area for all-inclusive close to the airport 🌴

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Around 10 to 16 km east of Kaleiçi as the crow flies, depending on where along the coast you stay.
• 🚕 Transport: Taxi or city bus into the city. The resorts are built for you to stay put most of the time.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Often just 15 to 25 minutes by car, because the airport is close to the area.
• 💰 Price range: €€ to €€€€. All-inclusive is the most common, but there are also smaller hotels with breakfast.
• 👮 Safety: A safe resort area. Follow the flags and the lifeguards on the beach, especially with children.

Lara is the place if you want a sandy beach and a big all-inclusive hotel close to the airport. The coast east of the city is long and flat, and many of Antalya’s biggest resorts are lined up here with their own beaches, pools and water slides.

The short transfer is a real advantage with children. You can land in the afternoon and be in the pool before the sun goes down, instead of sitting on a bus for an hour or more to Side or Kemer.

See hotels in Lara here.

Lara isn’t one single place, though. Old Lara to the west sits on the cliffs close to the city, and this is where the Lower Düden Waterfall plunges straight into the sea. Further east, around Kundu, are the big resorts on the sandy beach, and those are what most people mean when they say Lara.

Outside the hotels, there isn’t much to walk around in the evening, so Lara suits you best if you want to relax on site. If you’d like to see a bit more, the ancient city of Perge is around 18 km east of Antalya according to UNESCO, and it’s easy to combine with a day in Kaleiçi.

The beach itself is sand, and at the public section closest to the city there are cafés and sunbeds. Large parts of the coast further east are divided up between the hotels’ own beach areas, though, so here it’s the hotel that decides where you lie.

My advice is to choose Lara for the hotel and the beach and then add a couple of excursions to your week. That way, you get both the easy beach holiday and a bit of the area’s history.

Places to Stay in Lara

Concorde De Luxe Resort - ultra all-inclusive right on the beach

Concorde De Luxe is one of the highest-rated big resorts in Lara, with a score above 9 from several thousand reviews. It’s right on the beach and has ultra all-inclusive, several pools, a spa, a kids’ club, a water park, tennis and bowling.

I’d choose it for a family or a couple who want everything in one place and don’t plan to leave the hotel much. Some guests feel the rooms don’t quite live up to the rest of the resort, so compare the room types and views carefully before you book.

One guest praises the pool area on Booking.com: “Good pools and always plenty of sunbeds.”

See photos and book Concorde De Luxe Resort here.

Corendon Grand Park Lara - all-inclusive with water slides at a lower price

Corendon Grand Park Lara is in the same part of Lara as Concorde, but the price is often quite a bit lower. There’s ultra all-inclusive, pools with water slides, a kids’ club and a spa, and the hotel’s beach area is around 200 metres from the hotel itself.

I’d choose it for a family with children who want lots of activities without paying for the most expensive resort. Guests mention that the main restaurant can get crowded, so expect a bit of a wait at the busiest times.

Here’s how one guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Everything about the hotel was just fantastic!”

See photos and book Corendon Grand Park Lara here.

Peramis Hotel & Spa - smaller hotel with a spa in Old Lara

Peramis is in Old Lara, just under 2 km from the Lower Düden Waterfall and closer to the city than the big resorts. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool, a spa with a hammam and sauna, and a gym, and breakfast is included.

It’s my budget pick if you’d rather stay at a smaller hotel and choose for yourself where to eat. There are family rooms, but a few guests mention that the apartments are in a separate building. It isn’t a beach hotel, so expect to travel a little way to swim.

One guest sums it up briefly on Booking.com: “Everything was excellent!”

See photos and book Peramis Hotel & Spa here.

4. Belek - best area for luxury resorts and golf ⛳

• 📍 Distance from the centre: A good 30 km east of Kaleiçi. Belek has its own small centre, and the resorts are along the coast south of the town.
• 🚕 Transport: Car, taxi or transfer. The resorts are spread out, so most guests stay at the hotel.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 30 to 40 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price range: €€€ to €€€€€. Some of the area’s most expensive resorts are here, but there are also apartments in the town.
• 👮 Safety: A very safe and quiet resort setting. Take care in the sun, and follow the lifeguards’ flags on the beach.

Belek is Antalya’s luxury and golf area. Along a long sandy beach, big resorts sit among pine trees and golf courses, and many of them are almost small towns with restaurants, spas, kids’ clubs and their own beaches.

It’s the right choice for a holiday where the hotel is a big part of the experience. You don’t come here to stroll the streets in the evening, because Belek itself is a small town, and the distances between the resorts are long. In return, you get peace and quiet, big gardens and a hotel that takes care of most things.

See hotels in Belek here.

Golfers have several courses close to the hotels, so you can play in the morning and be by the pool in the afternoon. If you have children with you, The Land of Legends theme park and water park is a little west of Belek, and it’s easy to reach by taxi.

If you’re staying in the town itself and not at a resort, the public beach in Belek is a good alternative. There are showers, changing rooms, a café and parking right by the beach, so you can easily make it your regular place to swim all week.

If you want to see something historic, the ancient city of Aspendos isn’t far away. UNESCO describes the theatre at Aspendos as the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world, and it’s one of the best half-day trips from the coast.

The downsides are the price and the distances. A stay at the best resorts costs far more than in Lara, and without a car you’re dependent on taxis for everything outside the hotel. Check your dates in good time, too, if you’re travelling outside the summer season, because the choice can be smaller.

Places to Stay in Belek

Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort - suites, villas and top-class golf

Maxx Royal is the most expensive hotel in this guide and has a guest rating of 9.5. The resort is by the sea with a private beach area, several pools, a spa, a kids’ club and a golf course nearby, and you stay in suites or villas, some with their own pool.

I’d choose it for a special occasion when everything has to be just right from morning to evening, and the food is part of the experience. The price is far above most other resorts in the area, and a few guests mention wear and tear in some parts of the resort.

One guest singles out the staff on Booking.com: “Very friendly and helpful staff, nothing was too much for them.”

See photos and book Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort here.

Limak Arcadia Sport Resort Belek - beach resort with lots of activities

Limak Arcadia is right on the beach, around 1.2 km from Belek’s centre. The hotel has five pools, one of them with water slides, four tennis courts, a kids’ club and a gym, and there are golf courses close by.

It’s my mid-range suggestion in Belek because you get the big resort facilities at a much lower price than at the most exclusive hotels. It suits active families and couples who want to play tennis or golf on holiday.

Here’s what one guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was clean, good food and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Limak Arcadia Sport Resort Belek here.

Assos Apart Belek - apartments with kitchens in the middle of town

Assos Apart is in Belek’s small centre. The apartments have two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, and there’s a pool, a garden and a playground.

I’d choose it for a family who want to stay in Belek without paying resort prices. On the other hand, it isn’t by the water, and it’s just under 3 km to the public beach, so expect a taxi or a long walk. A few guests mention smoke from other guests in the shared areas.

One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “The office staff in particular did everything they could to help with the questions we had.”

See photos and book Assos Apart Belek here.

5. Side - best area for ancient ruins and beaches 🏺

• 📍 Distance from the centre: A good 60 km east of Kaleiçi. Side has its own centre in the ancient city on the peninsula.
• 🚶 Transport: Walk around Side, and use a taxi or minibus to the hotels along the coast and to Manavgat.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around an hour or a little more by car.
• 💰 Price range: €€ to €€€€. Small hotels close to the ruins and big all-inclusive resorts along the beaches.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. The streets are busy in the evening in high season, so keep track of your bag and watch your step on the uneven stones between the ruins.

Side is the area I’d choose if the beach and ancient ruins matter equally. Side’s Old Town is on a small peninsula where restaurants and shops sit side by side with Roman columns, and by the water stands the Temple of Apollo, Side’s best-known sight.

It’s a lovely place to walk around in the evening once the heat has eased. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the town’s museum is in a Roman bathhouse from the 2nd century and displays statues, sarcophagi and coins, among other things.

See hotels in Side here.

Many of the ruins are right between the houses and restaurants, so you see a lot just by walking around. The museum and the fenced-off areas have their own opening hours, so check them before you go. In the evening, the harbour by the Temple of Apollo is the obvious place to watch the sunset. If you’ve hired a car, Side is also a good base for a trip to the theatre at Aspendos.

The beaches are on both sides of the peninsula. To the east, there’s a long beach with lots of hotels, and to the west, the coast continues towards Kumköy, where several of the big resorts are.

The downside is the distance to the airport. The journey usually takes around an hour, so Side makes the most sense for a holiday of a week or more and not for a long weekend.

Many hotels in and around Side are adults-only or have an age limit, so check the rules if you’re travelling with children. Of my three suggestions, only Barut Hemera is built for families with children, while the other two suit couples best.

Places to Stay in Side

Barut Hemera - family-friendly luxury resort on the beach in Kumköy

Barut Hemera is right on the beach in Kumköy, around 2.5 km from the ruins in Side. The hotel has ultra all-inclusive, several restaurants, a spa, an indoor pool, a tennis court, a kids’ club and a water park.

I’d choose it for a family or a couple who want a complete resort and still want to be able to take a taxi into Side in the evening. The distance does mean, though, that you can’t just stroll into the Old Town after dinner.

One guest is full of praise on Booking.com: “I give 10/10 for all the service and the hotel’s design!”

See photos and book Barut Hemera here.

Vox Maris Resort - all-inclusive for adults and teenagers over 16

Vox Maris is in the eastern part of Side, around 1.3 km from the ruins. There’s ultra all-inclusive, a year-round outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a spa with a sauna and hammam, and a gym.

Guests must be at least 16, so it’s a choice for couples and groups of adults. The hotel’s beach area is around 700 metres away, and there’s a shuttle out there. It’s a good choice if you want all-inclusive close to the town, but not if you want the beach right outside the door.

Here’s what one guest highlights on Booking.com: “The staff were really friendly, good service and super good food.”

See photos and book Vox Maris Resort here.

Blue Serenity Hotel - small adults-only hotel on the beach

Blue Serenity is a smaller adults-only hotel that faces the beach on Side’s eastern coast. There’s an outdoor pool, a sun terrace and its own beach area, and a continental breakfast buffet is served.

I’d choose it for a couple who want a quiet base and like to eat out in Side in the evening. It’s around 1.5 km to the ruins, so you can walk along the coast or take a short taxi ride. Guests mention that the breakfast is fairly simple.

Here’s how one guest describes the hotel on Booking.com: “A very cosy and quiet hotel with the sweetest staff ever.”

See photos and book Blue Serenity Hotel here.

6. Kemer - best area for mountains, nature and the marina ⛰️

• 📍 Distance from the centre: A good 30 km southwest of Kaleiçi. Kemer has its own centre around the marina.
• 🚌 Transport: Walk around the town. Minibuses connect Kemer with Antalya, and a car or boat is best for the bays along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around an hour by car, because the route goes around Antalya.
• 💰 Price range: € to €€€€. Simple hotels in the town and big all-inclusive resorts along the coast.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. In summer, there can be loud music from the beach bars, so choose a side street if you want to get to sleep early.

Kemer is where the Taurus Mountains run all the way down to the sea, which gives it a completely different backdrop from the flat coast at Lara and Belek. The town is built around a marina with restaurants, and right next to it is Moonlight Beach.

It’s a good choice if you want to combine the beach with nature. Boat trips head out along the coast from the marina, and the ancient port city of Phaselis is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre according to Kemer Municipality. The city had no fewer than three harbours, and the ruins make a good half-day trip.

See hotels in Kemer here.

Moonlight Beach is the town’s best-known beach and is just south of the marina. The beaches here are mostly small pebbles, though, so if you want a soft sandy beach, Lara or Side is a better choice. On the other hand, you get clear water and the mountains as a backdrop when you’re lying by the sea.

In the evening, life centres on the marina and the streets behind it, where there are restaurants, shops and bars. If you’re staying in the town itself, most things are within walking distance, so you’ll manage fine without a car until you want to head out along the coast.

The downside is the journey from the airport, which goes west around Antalya and takes longer than the trip to Lara and Belek. For a week’s holiday it matters less, but for a short trip I’d choose an area closer to the airport.

Many big resorts with Kemer in their address are in the neighbouring towns along the coast, such as Beldibi, Göynük and Tekirova. Check the map if you’d like to be able to walk to the marina and the town’s restaurants.

Places to Stay in Kemer

Akra Kemer - ultra all-inclusive close to the town

Akra Kemer has a guest rating of 9.0 and is on the coast in the northern part of Kemer, less than a kilometre from the centre. There’s ultra all-inclusive, its own beach area, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a kids’ club and a water park.

I’d choose it if you want a luxury resort and still want to be able to walk to the marina in the evening. The rooms range from superior rooms with land views to penthouse suites. Guests mention that the sunbeds on the beach are quickly taken in the morning.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The food is fantastic, varied and really delicious.”

See photos and book Akra Kemer here.

Truemar Hotels & Suites - duplex apartments with a pool

Truemar has duplex apartments with a kitchenette and a washing machine, some with a balcony or jacuzzi, and there’s an outdoor pool and free parking. It’s in the southern part of Kemer, just over a kilometre from the marina.

I’d choose it for a family or two couples who want space and the freedom to cook for themselves. It isn’t a beach hotel, and guests mention that some of the furnishings are worn, so read the latest reviews before you book.

Here’s what one guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “Everything you could wish for, and I’d book again.”

See photos and book Truemar Hotels & Suites here.

Elijah Hotel - simple hotel close to Moonlight Beach

Elijah is a three-star hotel around 500 metres from Moonlight Beach and around 700 metres from the marina. The rooms have a balcony, a minibar and air conditioning, and there’s an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.

It’s my budget pick in Kemer because you can walk to both the beach and the restaurants. Meals beyond what you’ve booked cost extra, and outside the season the hotel can be very quiet.

One guest praises the breakfast on Booking.com: “The breakfast consisted of healthy food, it was varied and well prepared.”

See photos and book Elijah Hotel here.

Where should you avoid staying in Antalya?

I wouldn’t stay in Antalya’s modern inner districts, far from both Kaleiçi and the beach, even if the hotels can look cheap. You’ll save a little on the room but spend a lot of time in traffic, and there isn’t much within walking distance in the evening.

I also wouldn’t choose Side or Kemer for a short weekend, because the transfer takes up too much of your time. And don’t book a big resort in Lara or Belek if you dream of going out to eat somewhere new every evening, because everything outside the hotel means taking a taxi there. Check, too, whether the hotel is on the beach or just has a beach area some distance away. It isn’t always clear from the name.

If I had to choose one area for a first trip, it’d be Kaleiçi for the atmosphere, the restaurants and the short journey from the airport. If you want the beach every day and still a city in the evening, Konyaaltı is the best compromise.

Lara suits all-inclusive holidays with children and a short transfer, and Belek is the choice when the budget is big or golf is part of the plan. Side is the place for beaches and ruins, while Kemer gives you the mountains and a proper town with a marina.

If you’re travelling on to Istanbul on the same trip, you can use my guide to things to do in Istanbul to plan your days. My guide to getting from Istanbul Airport to the city centre will help you get into the city quickly when you land. And if you’d like to see the fairy chimneys and hot-air balloons inland, read my guide to where to stay in Cappadocia.

The post Where to Stay in Antalya? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

I’ve tried the various options myself and give you the full overview here so you can choose what suits you best.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

1. Metro (M11 Line) – The Cheapest and Often Fastest Option

The metro is my clear recommendation for most travellers. The M11 line runs directly from Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Station, and the journey takes only around 30 minutes.

You completely avoid Istanbul’s notorious traffic, and the price is ridiculously low compared to all other options.

How to Do It

When you come out of the arrivals hall, follow the red metro signs. The station is right by Exit 11, in front of the car park – approximately 300 metres from the terminal. That sounds close, but there are quite a few escalators and corridors to get through, so allow 10 minutes from leaving the baggage belt to standing on the platform.

Take M11 towards Gayrettepe. From here you change to the M2 line. The changeover takes around 10-15 minutes, as you need to go up escalators and through corridors. Remember to scan your Istanbulkart again when changing – in Istanbul you pay per mode of transport, not per distance.

Destinations from Gayrettepe

To Taksim: Take M2 towards Yenikapı and get off at Taksim Station. Total journey time from the airport: approximately 45-60 minutes.

To Sultanahmet (Old Town): Take M2 towards Yenikapı and get off at Vezneciler Station. From here it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

To Kadıköy (the Asian side): Take M2 to Yenikapı, change to the Marmaray line under the Bosphorus to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, and take M4 to Kadıköy. It sounds complicated, but everything is signposted, and Google Maps shows you exactly which trains to take.

Tickets and Istanbulkart

You need an Istanbulkart to ride the metro. The card costs approximately 150-165 TL (prices change regularly in Turkey due to inflation) and can be bought from the yellow/blue machines (“Biletmatik“) at the metro station in the airport. The machines accept both cash and credit cards.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT buy the card called “PTT card” – it only works on the M11 line and nowhere else. Make sure the machine is offering a genuine Istanbulkart. It’s easy to pick up the wrong one.

Load at least 100 TL onto the card on top of the card price itself. A journey from the airport to Gayrettepe costs approximately 35 TL, and you’ll need the card for the rest of the city for the metro, tram, bus and ferries. I’d put 300-500 TL on the card straight away – that’ll cover you for the first few days.

Practical Information

• Opening hours: The metro runs from 06:00 to midnight. If you land after midnight, you’ll need to choose a different option.
• Frequency: Trains every 8-10 minutes during rush hour, every 15-20 minutes outside rush hour.
• Price: Approximately 35 TL per trip with Istanbulkart (prices as of early 2025).
• Luggage: There are no luggage racks, but space for suitcases by the seats. Keep your belongings close to you.

You can check updated timetables on the Istanbul Metro official website.

2. Havaist – The Airport Bus That Runs Directly to the Tourist Areas

Havaist is Istanbul’s official airport bus, operated by Istanbul Municipality. It’s an excellent alternative to the metro, especially if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with family, or land late in the evening. The buses are modern, comfortable and have USB charging and Wi-Fi.

And they run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Most Important Routes for Tourists

HVL-9: Istanbul Airport → Taksim

The most popular route for tourists. The bus runs via Beşiktaş and stops at Taksim Square. Journey time: approximately 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. Departures approximately every 30-40 minutes.

HVL-11: Istanbul Airport → Sultanahmet

Runs directly to Sultanahmet via Eminönü. Perfect if you’re staying in the Old Town near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Journey time: approximately 80-100 minutes. Departures approximately every 45-60 minutes.

HVL-5: Istanbul Airport → Beşiktaş

Good if you’re staying near the Bosphorus waterfront or need to continue by ferry to the Asian side.

Got your accommodation in Istanbul sorted? If not, check out my full guide on the best areas and places to stay in Istanbul.

Ticket Price and Payment

A ticket to Taksim or Sultanahmet costs approximately 275 TL (approximately €5-6, prices as of mid-2025). Prices change frequently in Turkey, so always check the updated price on the Havaist official website before departure.

You can pay by credit card directly on the bus, via QR code in the Havaist app, or with cash at the sales stands in the airport. Istanbulkart is also accepted as a payment method.

How to Find the Buses

From the arrivals hall, take the lift down to level -2 (the transport level). Here there are large signs and maps showing which platform your bus departs from. The Havaist buses stop at the white platforms. Find the number for your route (e.g. Platform 9 for the Taksim route) and join the queue.

• The buses can fill up quickly, so be prepared to wait for the next departure during busy periods.

Every seat is reserved, and there’s space for two pieces of luggage per passenger in the luggage hold under the bus.

3. Taxi – Door to Door, But Keep an Eye on the Meter

A taxi is naturally the easiest option. A driver takes you directly to the hotel, you don’t need to think about changes and routes, and it works around the clock. But there are a few things you should know before jumping into a Turkish taxi.

Prices

A trip from Istanbul Airport to Taksim/Beyoğlu typically costs 1,000-1,500 TL (approximately €25-35). To Sultanahmet you can expect 1,200-1,800 TL. Prices depend on the traffic, and it can be brutal in Istanbul. During rush hour, a trip to the centre can easily take over an hour, and the meter keeps ticking the entire way.

There are three types of taxis in Istanbul:

• Yellow taxis (C-type): The cheapest and most common. These are the ones you should choose.
• Turquoise taxis (D-type): Slightly larger and more expensive – approximately 15% more than the yellow ones.
• Black taxis (E-type): The luxury class. Significantly more expensive.

Important Advice

ALWAYS take a taxi from the official taxi ranks just outside the terminal. There are signs with “Taksi” everywhere – you can’t go wrong. Say no to people who offer you a ride inside the terminal. These are almost always unofficial drivers who overcharge.

Make sure the driver turns on the meter. It’s required by law, and if he won’t, get out and take the next taxi. Do use the app BiTaksi (Turkey’s equivalent of Uber) – it shows you the price in advance and ensures everything goes through the app. Uber also works in Istanbul, but BiTaksi has more drivers.

Bridge tolls (road charges) are added on top of the price, and the driver can’t do anything about that.

4. Private Transfer – Most Convenient, Especially for Families and Groups

If you’re travelling with family, have lots of luggage, or simply want the most stress-free start to your holiday, a pre-booked private transfer is a good choice. A driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, carry your suitcases and drive you straight to the hotel.

Prices and Booking

A standard private car typically costs 1,200-1,600 TL (approximately €30-40) for up to 3-4 passengers. It’s more expensive than Havaist, but the price is fixed – no surprises with traffic and meters. And if there are 3-4 of you, it’s actually not much more expensive than the Havaist bus per person.

You can book a transfer via GetYourGuide or directly through your hotel. Many hotels in Istanbul offer transfers at similar prices.

5. IETT City Buses – Cheapest but Most Inconvenient

Istanbul also has regular city buses (IETT) from the airport. They cost only approximately 27 TL with Istanbulkart, but I don’t recommend them for tourists. The routes are indirect, you need to change bus at least once, and the journey to the centre can take 2 hours or more. With the metro or Havaist you’ll get there faster and far more comfortably.

If you still want to try: the IETT buses depart from the same transport level (-2) as Havaist. Route 144H to Zeytinburnu is one option, from where you can change to Tram T1 towards Sultanahmet. But honestly – save yourself the hassle and take the metro.

Which Should You Choose? My Recommendation

Let me make it easy for you:

Best for most people: The metro (M11). It’s cheap, fast and unaffected by traffic. If you’re travelling light and don’t mind a single line change, it’s the obvious choice. I’ve written a full guide on things to do in Istanbul that you can use to plan the rest of your trip.

Best with lots of luggage or small children: The Havaist bus. You sit comfortably, the luggage goes in the hold, and you’re driven directly to Taksim or Sultanahmet. Perfect if you can’t be bothered dragging suitcases up and down escalators.

Best for groups of 3-4: A private transfer. The price per person is almost the same as Havaist, but you’re picked up in the terminal and driven directly to the hotel.

Best at night (after midnight): The Havaist bus runs 24/7. Alternatively a taxi – the metro only runs until midnight.

And taxis? They work fine, but you pay quite a bit more and risk sitting in traffic for ages. Only use one if you land at a convenient time and want door-to-door service without booking in advance.

My Best Travel Tips for Istanbul Airport

Buy an Istanbulkart straight away. No matter what transport you choose from the airport, you’ll need an Istanbulkart to get around Istanbul. Metro, tram, bus, ferry – everything requires the card. Buy it on arrival and top it up with 300-500 TL. One card can be used by up to 5 people – just scan multiple times at the entrance.

Download offline maps. Istanbul is a huge city, and it’s nice to have Google Maps ready offline. Download the Istanbul map before you travel so you can always find your way – even without data. For general trip planning, Turkey’s official tourism portal is a good place to start.

Turkish lira. You can pay by credit card in most places, but it’s smart to have a bit of cash for Istanbulkart machines and small purchases. There are exchange offices and ATMs at the airport, but the rates are better in the city. Just withdraw a small amount at the airport for the first transport.

Traffic in Istanbul is no joke. Rush hour (approximately 7-10 and 16-19) can double your journey time by bus or taxi. Plan accordingly, or choose the metro which is completely independent of traffic.

Istanbul Airport’s official site has updated timetables for all transport options – you’ll find it at istairport.com. For Havaist routes and prices, check hava.ist. And if you’re flying with Turkish Airlines, they also have a good overview of transport options on their website.

If you want to stay near Taksim Square or in the Beyoğlu district, you can find hotels near Taksim here. If you prefer the Old Town with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque just around the corner, check out hotels in Sultanahmet.

I hope you have a great trip to Istanbul and get from the airport to your hotel in the city with ease.

The post How To Get From Istanbul Airport to City Centre – Complete Transport Guide 🇹🇷 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Check the hill, street and nearest transport stop before booking. Short distances on a map can involve steep walks, and a room close to nightlife may be much noisier than another on the same block.

In this guide, I’ll help you discover the best areas to stay in Istanbul, whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, trendy café culture, or authentic local experiences.

Let’s get started: where to stay in Istanbul?

Best Areas in Istanbul

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Istanbul:

• Sultanahmet – Historical centre with iconic landmarks
• Beyoğlu – Trendy atmosphere and vibrant nightlife
• Karaköy – Hip quarter with excellent food and cafés
• Beşiktaş – Local life with fewer tourists

1. Sultanahmet – Perfect for First-Time Visitors

Sultanahmet is Istanbul’s historical heart and the obvious choice for your first Istanbul experience. Here you’ll find the city’s most famous landmarks within walking distance.

This UNESCO-listed area is the original Constantinople and offers a concentrated dose of Turkish history.

Sultanahmet puts Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace within the same sightseeing area. There is no direct tram from the airport: from Istanbul Airport, the M11 metro connects with the M2 at Gayrettepe, with further travel needed to reach the old city. Check the route for your actual airport, arrival time and hotel address.

See the best hotels in Sultanahmet here.

The atmosphere is quite touristy, which has both advantages and disadvantages. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops, but prices are higher than in other areas.

The atmosphere is lively during the day but quieter in the evening when the attractions close.

Sultanahmet is convenient for visiting Istanbul’s main historic attractions. Compare the hotel’s street and recent noise reviews, and expect a tourist-focused restaurant scene around the busiest sights.

This area is kind of similar to Plaka in Athens or Centro Storico in Rome.

Places to stay in Sultanahmet

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

This luxurious hotel is housed in a renovated Ottoman-era prison building and offers an unmatched combination of history and modern comfort. With a perfect location between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you get the city’s best views from the rooftop terrace.

Hotel Empress Zoe

A charming boutique hotel decorated in Ottoman style with a lush garden terrace. The hotel is built into ancient Byzantine ruins and offers an authentic Turkish experience with modern amenities.

One guest on Booking.com writes: “Staff were very friendly and the breakfast in the garden is a lovely start to the day”. Check the room access before booking if stairs would be an issue; the historic building has different room layouts.

Hotel Sari Konak

A cosy budget-boutique hotel with a fantastic rooftop terrace and homely atmosphere. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and the location is perfect for sightseeing.

2. Beyoğlu – Perfect for Nightlife and Shopping

Beyoğlu, with its main street İstiklal Caddesi, is Istanbul’s modern centre and the perfect place for those who love a vibrant urban atmosphere with a mix of history and modernity.

This lively area north of the Golden Horn was once known as Pera and was home to the city’s European population. Today, it’s the centre for shopping, art, and nightlife.

You’ll find everything from the historic Galata Tower to modern art galleries and rooftop bars. Transport options are excellent with metro, tram, and ferries nearby.

See the best hotels in Beyoğlu here.

The area buzzes with life around the clock with a mix of vintage shops, trendy bars, traditional teahouses, and modern restaurants. Here, locals and tourists blend in a wonderful mix.

• Price levels are moderate, and you’ll find something for every budget.

However, be prepared for noise, especially around İstiklal Caddesi, and the area can feel very busy on weekends. But if you love urban energy, this is the place.

Places to stay in Beyoğlu

Pera Palace Hotel

This historic luxury hotel opened in 1892 to house Orient Express passengers and has hosted both Agatha Christie and Atatürk. The original lift is still in use, and the old-world glamour remains intact.

Tomtom Suites

An elegant boutique hotel in a renovated 1850s building. Modern suites with high ceilings and designer furniture, plus a fantastic rooftop restaurant with Bosphorus views.

Also, check out my guide on how to get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre once you’ve found the right place to stay.

3. Karaköy – Hip Area for Food and Coffee Lovers

Karaköy, the former port district by the Golden Horn, has undergone an impressive transformation and is now one of Istanbul’s trendiest areas.

This charming quarter between the Galata Bridge and the port has maintained its raw industrial character but is filled with hip cafés, third-wave coffee shops, and innovative restaurants.

You’re close to both the historic centre and modern Beyoğlu. Transport options are excellent with ferries, tram, and the underground Tünel nearby.

See the best hotels in Karaköy here.

The atmosphere is relaxed and artistic with a perfect blend of old merchant houses, modern galleries, and innovative dining spots.

The area is particularly lively during daytime and early evening when locals meet at the many cafés. Price levels are moderate to high, especially at the trendier spots.

One of the major advantages is the location – you can easily walk to both Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, and the ferries provide easy access to the Asian side.

However, the area can feel a bit dead late at night, and some streets are still under development.

Places to stay in Karaköy

The Peninsula Istanbul

This spectacular new luxury hotel is located directly on the Bosphorus in renovated historic buildings. With an infinity pool with harbour views, world-class spa, and fantastic service, you get the ultimate Istanbul experience.

Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus

Modern hotel with fantastic waterfront location. Spacious rooms with good comfort, many with Bosphorus views, plus a lovely rooftop terrace with restaurant.

Sub Karaköy Hotel

Boutique hotel in a charming historic building with modern decor. Perfect location for those who want to explore the hip food scene.

Ada Karaköy Hotel

Ada Karaköy Hotel is in Karaköy, close to the waterfront rather than in Beşiktaş. It is a smaller option to compare for a stay centred on the old-city crossing and Karaköy’s restaurants. Check the room size and outlook when choosing a category.

4. Beşiktaş – Authentic Local Life

Beşiktaş gives you a genuine feel for how Istanbul residents live. This lively quarter north of Beyoğlu is less touristy but full of local energy.

This primarily residential area is known for its football fanaticism, lively food markets, and student-friendly atmosphere. You’re close to Dolmabahçe Palace and have easy access to the Bosphorus.

Transport is easy with many buses and ferries, although there’s no metro (yet).

See the best hotels in Beşiktaş here.

The area buzzes with authentic Turkish daily life with plenty of local restaurants, teahouses, and markets.

• Price levels are significantly lower than in the more touristy areas, and you get more authentic experiences.

It’s particularly lively around football matches, when the whole quarter vibrates with energy.

However, be prepared that fewer people speak English here, and the attractions are more spread out. But if you want to experience the real Istanbul, this is the place.

Places to stay in Beşiktaş

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

Luxurious hotel on a hill with panoramic Bosphorus views. Large rooms, many with balconies, plus tennis courts and a fantastic spa.

Shangri-La Bosphorus

Elegant hotel directly on the Bosphorus with Asian-inspired luxury. Fantastic spa and some of the city’s best restaurants.

Where Not to Stay in Istanbul? Areas to Avoid

For a short visit to Istanbul, I would compare travel time and the exact hotel street rather than avoid entire districts based on reputation.

Here’s where you should think twice about booking your accommodation:

Fatih beyond Sultanahmet

Fatih includes several different neighbourhoods. Fener and Balat can be interesting bases for a less conventional stay, and both have stops on the T5 tram line to Eminönü. For a first visit focused on Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, compare the door-to-door journey before choosing a hotel there.

Check the uphill walk from the tram stop, the nearest places to eat and the room’s access arrangements. Historic neighbourhoods contain a mix of buildings, so the practical details vary considerably between hotels.

Aksaray and Laleli Area

Aksaray and Laleli have many hotels and transport connections. Compare the precise location, street noise and recent guest feedback rather than treating every property in these areas as the same.

For a short sightseeing trip, a quieter room and an easy connection to the places you plan to visit may be worth more than a small saving on the nightly rate.

Other Areas to Consider Carefully

For hotels around Tarlabaşı, check the exact walking route to the part of Beyoğlu you intend to use. For more distant bases such as Zeytinburnu or Esenyurt, calculate the actual journey to your main sights and your airport before deciding whether the price saving is worthwhile.

Still Unsure Where to Stay in Istanbul?

Your choice of area depends greatly on what you want to experience in Istanbul.

• Are you a first-time visitor wanting to see the major attractions? Then Sultanahmet is perfect.
• Want more nightlife and shopping? Then choose Beyoğlu.
• Are you into hip food and coffee culture? Then Karaköy is ideal.
• And do you want to experience local Istanbul? Then Beşiktaş is the right choice.

Istanbul’s public transport is useful, but journeys can still be long and may involve several changes. Choose a base around the places you will visit most often, then check evening services and the walk between the stop and your hotel.

Enjoy exploring this fantastic city – no matter which area you choose, I’m sure Istanbul will enchant you! If you’d like to add sun and beach to your trip, Antalya on the Turkish Riviera combines a historic Old Town with long beaches, and you can read my guide to where to stay in Antalya.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul:

The post Where to Stay in Istanbul? 4 Best Areas & Places to Stay (+ Where to Avoid!) appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Here are my best picks for things to do and see in Istanbul – both the big well-known attractions and some lesser-known experiences.

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s absolute top attraction, and for good reason. The building is nearly 1,500 years old and has been a Christian cathedral, a mosque and a museum. Today it functions as a mosque again, but tourists can still visit – you get access to the 2nd floor, where you can see the impressive Byzantine mosaics and the enormous dome from above.

Entry costs €25 (or 850 TL) for tourists. Opening hours are daily from 9:00-19:30, but on Fridays it’s closed to tourists from 12:30 to 14:30 due to Friday prayers. You must have covered shoulders and knees, and women must wear a headscarf. If you haven’t brought one, you can buy one cheaply at the entrance.

My advice: buy tickets in advance. The queue at the ticket office can be over an hour in high season. You can buy skip-the-line tickets to Hagia Sophia here. Come early in the morning – at 9 – and you’ll have the place almost to yourself.

2. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque sits right opposite Hagia Sophia and is free to visit. It’s called “the Blue” because of the over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles covering the interior. It really is impressive to see, and it won’t cost you a penny.

The mosque is open daily from 9:00-17:00, but closes during the five daily prayer times (typically 20-30 minutes each). Fridays it’s closed in the morning for tourists. As with Hagia Sophia, you’re required to cover your shoulders and knees, and women must wear a headscarf. There are free loaner headscarves at the entrance.

Tip: head here first thing in the morning, right when it opens. Later in the day the queue is long, and it can feel a bit like standing in a human cattle run. Do visit the mosque’s official website for current opening hours.

3. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was the sultans’ home for nearly 400 years, and it’s a massive complex with courtyards, pavilions, a treasury and the famous harem. You can easily spend half a day here, and it’s worth it. The treasury alone – with the 86-carat Kasikci Diamond – is quite something.

Entry costs 2,400 TL (approximately €55), and that includes the palace, the harem and the Hagia Irene Church. Open daily from 9:00-17:00, closed on Tuesdays. The ticket office closes one hour before.

Topkapi is one of the most expensive attractions in Istanbul, and prices have risen significantly in recent years. But it’s still one of the most impressive sights in the city. You can save time with a combo ticket for Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern.

• Check opening hours on muze.gen.tr before you head out.

4. Basilica Cistern

Beneath the streets of Sultanahmet lies one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric sights. The Basilica Cistern is an underground water reservoir from the 6th century with 336 marble columns, dramatic lighting and an ambience that feels like something from a film. Right down in the corner you’ll find the two famous Medusa heads – nobody knows exactly why they’re there.

Entry costs 1,500 TL during the day and 2,400 TL for evening visits. Open daily from 9:00-18:00. The cistern is relatively small, and you’ll be through in 30-45 minutes, but it’s an experience you won’t forget.

• Tip: if you can, go in the evening. There are far fewer people, and the lighting is even more atmospheric. Note that there are 50 steps down – and back up again – and no lift.

5. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. It’s chaotic, colourful and overwhelming – in the best way. Here you’ll find everything from handmade ceramic bowls and Turkish lamps to leather, scarves, carpets and spices.

The market is open Monday-Saturday from 9:00-19:00 and closed on Sundays. Entry is free. Remember: the price is not the price here. Bargaining is part of the culture, and you should never pay the first price a seller mentions. Start by offering half and negotiate from there.

The Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself, but it’s not the place to buy souvenirs if you want the best price. The small shops in the side streets outside the bazaar are often cheaper. More info on the Grand Bazaar’s official site.

• Have you booked your hotel in Istanbul yet? I’ve also written a guide on where to stay in Istanbul with tips on the best neighbourhoods.

6. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

The Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is smaller and more manageable than the Grand Bazaar, but just as colourful. It smells of cinnamon, saffron, Turkish pepper and rose petals. It’s the perfect place to buy spices, Turkish tea, lokum (Turkish delight) and dried fruit to take home.

The bazaar is open daily from 8:00-19:30 and is free to enter. My recommendation: buy your spices here instead of at the Grand Bazaar. The quality is the same, and the prices are often a bit better because it’s primarily locals who shop here.

Just outside the bazaar, along the harbour at Eminönü, you’ll find street stalls with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and balik ekmek (fish sandwich from a boat). Both are compulsory tastings.

7. Bosphorus Cruise

A boat trip on the Bosphorus strait is one of the best things you can do in Istanbul. You literally sail between Europe and Asia, and from the water you see Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, Ortaköy Mosque and the two great bridges from a completely different angle. It’s the kind of experience that makes you understand why Istanbul is so special.

There are two options: the cheap public ferries that sail up and down the strait (from Eminönü, approximately 100-200 TL), or organised tours with a guide and refreshments. The public ferries are fine, but a guided tour gives more context.

You can book a 3-hour Bosphorus cruise with a stop on the Asian side here.

Tip: take an evening trip if you can. Istanbul at sunset seen from the water is hard to beat.

8. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is 67 metres tall, dates from 1348 and gives you a 360-degree view over Istanbul. From here you can see Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the entire historic peninsula. It’s the best view in the city, full stop.

Entry costs 650 TL. Open daily from 8:30-23:00, closed on Fridays. The queue can be long, so come either early or late – midday is the worst. You can tap your credit card at the entrance, so you don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

The neighbourhood around the tower – Karaköy and Galata – is an experience in itself. Here you’ll find hip coffee bars, vintage shops and street art. Walk down Galip Dede Caddesi after your visit and soak up the atmosphere.

9. Dolmabahçe Palace

If Topkapi is the traditional Ottoman palace, Dolmabahçe is the European-inspired luxury version. It was built in the mid-1800s and is filled with crystal chandeliers (the largest weighs 4.5 tonnes), gold-plated ceilings and hand-woven carpets. It’s also where Atatürk – Turkey’s founder – died in 1938.

Entry costs 1,800 TL for a combined ticket for the main building, the harem and the palace gardens. Open from 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Photography is forbidden inside the palace, but you’re welcome to take photos in the garden and by the waterfront.

Dolmabahçe is located by the Bosphorus, slightly north of Sultanahmet. Take the tram to Kabataş station, and you’re there in two minutes. More information can be found on the National Palaces website.

10. Istiklal Avenue and Taksim

Istiklal Caddesi is Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street – a 1.4 km long boulevard connecting Taksim Square with the Galata area. It’s packed with shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and street food vendors. The nostalgic red tram moves slowly through the crowds and has become an icon of the city.

It’s free to walk here (of course), and the street is lively from morning until late evening. Taksim Square at one end is the centre of modern Istanbul, and from here you can take the metro to the rest of the city.

My recommendation: walk down Istiklal in the evening when the lights are on and the atmosphere is at its best. Take a side street to the right and you’ll find Çiçek Pasajı (the Flower Passage) – a beautiful covered arcade with restaurants and live music. It’s touristy, but still good fun.

11. Kadıköy and the Asian Side

Most tourists stay on the European side, and that’s a mistake. Kadıköy on the Asian side is Istanbul’s local heart – there are fewer tourists, better prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. Take the ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy (approximately 15 minutes, under 20 TL), and you land right in a lively neighbourhood with food markets, vinyl shops and street art.

Walk through the Kadıköy market, where locals trade fish, cheese, olives and fresh fruit. Try a midye dolma (stuffed mussels) from one of the street stalls – it’s one of Istanbul’s iconic street food snacks. Then take a walk along the Moda waterfront, where you get a completely different view of the city.

Kadıköy is also perfect for an evening out. The bar scene here is more local and relaxed than in Taksim. If you want to experience Istanbul from a local perspective, this is where you should go.

12. Turkish Breakfast

This isn’t a sight in the traditional sense, but an experience you absolutely must not miss. Turkish breakfast is a whole event – a table filled with olives, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumber, honey, kaymak (Turkish clotted cream), eggs in various styles, sucuk (spiced sausage), freshly baked bread and endless tea.

The best places to try it are in the Beşiktaş neighbourhood or in Kadıköy on the Asian side. Expect to spend 200-400 TL per person depending on the venue. It’s worth every penny – you won’t need lunch afterwards.

Tip: ask for “serpme kahvaltı” (spread breakfast) – that’s the traditional version with many small dishes. Many locals eat Turkish breakfast as a weekend ritual, so it’s also a good opportunity to mingle with the city’s residents.

13. Süleymaniye Mosque

If you only visit one mosque besides Hagia Sophia, make it Süleymaniye. It was designed by the famous architect Sinan in the 1550s and is, in my opinion, more beautiful than the Blue Mosque – and with far fewer tourists. From the courtyard you have a panoramic view over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

The mosque is free to visit and open daily, but closes during prayer times. The dress code is the same as other mosques: cover shoulders, knees and hair. There are free loaner headscarves at the entrance.

In the garden behind the mosque you’ll find the tombs of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana). Have a tea at one of the small tea gardens on the terrace behind – the view is absolutely fantastic, and a tea costs under 50 TL.

14. Fener and Balat

Fener and Balat are two neighbourhoods along the Golden Horn that in recent years have become Instagram’s favourite spot in Istanbul. The colourful houses, old Greek Orthodox churches and narrow streets give a completely different feel from busy Sultanahmet. It’s charming, it’s photogenic, and it feels like stepping into a different Istanbul.

You can get here by bus from Eminönü (line 99 or 44B), or you can walk along the Golden Horn from Karaköy – it takes approximately 30 minutes and is a lovely walk. Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate (the headquarters of the Orthodox Church) and the red Iron Church (Sveti Stefan). Both are free.

A word of caution: Fener and Balat are popular, but it’s still a residential neighbourhood. Show respect for the locals and avoid taking photos directly into people’s windows. While you’re in the area, you can also pop into the Chora Church (Kariye), which has some of the most impressive Byzantine mosaics in the world.

15. Street Food Tour on Your Own

Istanbul is one of the world’s best cities for street food, and you can put together your own street food tour without paying for a guided experience. Start at Eminönü harbour with a balik ekmek (fish sandwich) from the boats. Continue to the Spice Bazaar for lokum and nuts. Cross to Kadıköy for midye dolma (stuffed mussels) and kokoreç (spiced offal in bread – tastier than it sounds).

Other things you should try: simit (sesame bread from a street cart, 10-20 TL), kestane kebab (grilled chestnuts in winter), tantuni (a type of wrap from southern Turkey), and of course Turkish ice cream from one of the playful ice cream sellers in Sultanahmet.

For dessert: find a baklava spot in Karaköy or Sultanahmet. Karaköy Güllüoğlu is a classic choice with baklava that’s crisp, sweet and buttery in exactly the right way. Expect 100-200 TL for a portion.

16. Princes’ Islands

If you have an extra day in Istanbul, take the ferry to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar). It’s a cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara where there are no cars. The silence is almost surreal after Istanbul’s chaos. The most popular island is Büyükada, where you can hire a bicycle, take a walk along the coast or simply enjoy the peace with a cup of tea.

• Planning to combine Istanbul with other destinations? I’ve also written a guide on things to do in Athens – an obvious extension to your trip.

The ferry goes from Kabataş or Eminönü and takes 1.5-2 hours. A return ticket costs around 100-200 TL. There are departures several times a day. Avoid weekends in high season – the islands are packed with locals on day trips.

Tip: pack a lunch or eat fish at one of the small restaurants by the harbour on Büyükada. It’s a perfect break from the big city, and one of those experiences I’d recommend to everyone who has more than 3 days in Istanbul.

17. Turkish Bath (Hamam)

A visit to a traditional Turkish hamam is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Istanbul. You lie on a heated marble slab, get scrubbed from head to toe by an attendant, and afterwards you feel cleaner than you ever have. It’s relaxing, it’s a bit embarrassing the first time, and it’s absolutely fantastic.

The two most famous hamams are Çemberlitaş Hamamı (from 1584, right by the Grand Bazaar) and Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (from 1557, between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque). Prices vary from 500-2,000 TL depending on the package and venue. The Ayasofya hamam is the most expensive but also the most impressive.

Tip: book in advance, especially in high season. And take it easy – you’re meant to relax. Most hamams have separate sections for men and women.

My Top Tips for Istanbul

Transport: Istanbul has a good metro, tram and ferry network. Buy an Istanbulkart (travel card) from a machine at the nearest metro station – it costs 50 TL and works on all public transport. You can also tap contactless with Visa/Mastercard.

Also, check out my guide on how to get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre.

Money: Turkish lira (TL) is the local currency, and exchange rates fluctuate a lot. Many tourist spots show prices in euros, but you’ll typically get a better deal if you pay in lira. Withdraw cash from a bank ATM (Garanti BBVA or İşbank are good), and avoid the exchange offices on Istiklal – they charge sky-high fees.

Safety: Istanbul is generally a safe city for tourists, but pickpockets operate in Sultanahmet, at the Grand Bazaar and on the busy metro. Keep an eye on your belongings. Also watch out for the “friendly stranger” trap: if a random man invites you for a drink in Taksim, politely decline. It typically ends with a bill for several thousand lira.

Accommodation: Sultanahmet is the obvious choice if you want to stay close to the historic sights. Karaköy and Galata are good alternatives with a more modern vibe. You can see hotels in Sultanahmet here and hotels in Karaköy here. If you’re heading south to the coast afterwards, I’ve also written about where to stay in Antalya, with its historic Old Town and the beach areas of the Turkish Riviera.

Number of days: You’ll need a minimum of 3-4 days to cover the most important sights. If you have 5-6 days, you can fit in the Princes’ Islands, the Asian side and a couple of the lesser-known neighbourhoods. Istanbul is the kind of city where you always find something new, no matter how many times you’ve been.

Have a wonderful trip to Istanbul.

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