Istanbul: which area to stay in and how to get from the airports

Istanbul is huge and stands on two banks of the Bosphorus, so the choice of area decides how much time you spend on the road. Below is a short guide to the areas and to transport from the airports to your hotel.

Istanbul areas for a tourist

According to the Wikivoyage description, the main tourist zones are these:

• Sultanahmet. The Old City on the historic peninsula, close to most of the main sights. Ideal for a first visit when you want to walk. The downside: evenings are quieter and more touristy than in other areas.
• Taksim, Galata and Beyoglu. The modern center around Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. Lots of cafes, bars and shops, loud and crowded until late at night.
• Besiktas and the Bosphorus shore. A waterfront, palaces and parks. Calmer than Taksim, suitable for people who value views over the water.
• Kadikoy. The Asian side: a lively area with coffee shops, markets and bars, popular with locals. You reach the center by ferry in about 20 minutes.
• The Princes' Islands. A separate day trip by ferry, with no cars.

How to choose

1. First time in Istanbul, 3-4 days: Sultanahmet or Taksim.
2. You love nightlife and restaurants: Taksim, Galata, Kadikoy.
3. You look for calm and a view of the Bosphorus: Besiktas.
4. Arriving at SAW and want an inexpensive hotel: Kadikoy, which the metro reaches.

Getting from the airport

Istanbul has two airports:

• Istanbul Airport (IST). The M11 metro connects it with the city. Havaist buses run to Aksaray in about 90 minutes, and according to Wikivoyage in October 2024 a ticket cost about 5.4 euros. A taxi to Sultanahmet takes about 50 minutes and costs around 28 euros, depending on traffic.
• Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). The M4 metro reaches Kadikoy in about an hour. Havabus buses run to Taksim in 60-90 minutes, and also to the ferry pier in Kadikoy.

Prices change, so check fares on the carriers' websites before you go.

Transport inside the city

• Istanbulkart. One card for the metro, tram, buses and ferries. You buy and top it up at machines and kiosks, and it is cheaper than single tickets. Note: transfer discounts and Marmaray refunds have been tied to a Turkish ID since 2023, and tourists often cannot get them.
• Tram T1. From Kabatas through Eminonu and Sultanahmet further west, serving many sights. At rush hour, roughly 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:30, it is very crowded.
• Ferries. They connect the European and Asian sides and give excellent views of the Bosphorus. The main piers: Eminonu, Karakoy, Besiktas, Kabatas, Uskudar and Kadikoy.

What to see and how to split three days is in Istanbul in 3 days.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place for a tourist to stay in Istanbul?

For a first visit people most often choose Sultanahmet or Taksim, because both are near the main sights.

Which Istanbul airport should I choose?

It depends on the flight. From IST the M11 metro goes to the city, and from SAW the M4 metro leads to Kadikoy. Both airports are far from the center, so allow 1-2 hours for the road.

Do I need an Istanbulkart?

Yes, it is cheaper than single tickets and works on all kinds of transport except taxis.

Is it safe to stay in Kadikoy?

It is a popular area with locals, with many cafes and people in the evening. Ordinary city precautions help avoid trouble.

How many days do I need for Istanbul?

Three days is enough for the main places. If you want ferries, islands and museums without hurrying, take four or five.

Compare fares in the HotTrip flight search.

Cover: photo by Talha Guney on Pexels