European Side

Travel Guide

Istanbul at sunset, Turkey. Bosphorus divides the city into the Asian and European parts. View from the European side.; Shutterstock ID 268794914
Istanbul at sunset, Turkey. Bosphorus divides the city into the Asian and European parts. View from the European side.; Shutterstock ID 268794914
The Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that are used to decorate the interior) is one of the grandest and most famous mosques in Istanbul.

The mosque was criticized early on for having 6 minarets – the same number of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Sultan Ahmet overcame this problem by ordering a 7th minaret to be built at the Great Mosque.

One local anecdote claims that the original design called for several gold minarets. The architect realized that there wasn't enough gold in the empire to construct gold minarets, so he built six minarets instead. When questioned about his decision, the architect claimed that he mistakenly heard the instruction to be six ("altı" in Turkish) minarets rather than gold ("altın" in Turkish) minarets.

#StunningStructures #Trovember
These fabulous gates are in the grounds of the palace and that's the Bosporus you see beyond! #river #palaces
European Side

Where to stay in European Side

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Ihlamur Pavilion, or Ihlamur Kasri, a former imperial Ottoman summer pavilion constructed during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I, located in Nisantasi Ihlamur Yolu street, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Şişli

4/5(454 area reviews)

Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.

Şişli
M20BFG Istanbul, Turkey - May 19, 2017: Outside view from passage of Cicek, where is the most known pub of Istanbul

Beyoğlu

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Beyoğlu
Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy

4 out of 5
MEHMET AKIF ERSOY MAH GORELE SK N Arnavutköy
The price is ₩196,937 per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
₩196,937
₩220,570 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,068 reviews)
The room, the restaurant, and the arranged transportation to and from the Istanbul Airport were excellent. The staff was friendly and wanted to help. It is not luxurious, but it is clean, practical, and near the airport. Many of the cabin crews of different airlines stay there.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
Hilton Istanbul Maslak

Hilton Istanbul Maslak

5 out of 5
Buyukdere Cd. No: 233 Sariyer
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩218,819 per night from Feb 21 to Feb 22
₩218,819
₩245,077 total
Feb 21 - Feb 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Taksim Square and Vadistanbul ...
9/10 Wonderful! (794 reviews)
The room was ok

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

Hilton Istanbul Maslak
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

Tayakadin Mah. Terminal Cad. No.1 Arnavutköy Istanbul
The price is ₩536,059 per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
₩536,059
₩600,373 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room do I was able to add an hour onto checkout. The communal bathroom was not close by and it was not very clean.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
G Tower Residences

G Tower Residences

Mimar Sinan Cd 35 Istanbul Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)
Have less options for breakfast, compare to other similar hotels in the area.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

G Tower Residences
Element Suites

Element Suites

Sehit Muhtar Mah Turan Cad Cevza Sok 2 Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (314 reviews)
It was good special thanks for Mr. Ahmad the Afghani guy and to the manager

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Element Suites
Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Maslak 1453, Maslak District Sariyer
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (332 reviews)
Everything was great, great staff, specially the team that checked me in on September 13th in the morning which I forgot their names, from the gentleman who checked me in early which I really appreciate and the bell man who helped me with my bags and the housekeeping team which did a great job, very ...

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Somerset Maslak Istanbul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near European Side