If you would like to accommodate yourself with Istanbul's different environment easier, choosing your hotel is going to be the best start. We, Free Istanbul Tours, prepared a list of hotels in the different neighborhoods. But before that, it is necessary to decide which part of the city you would like to stay in.Should we stay in Beyoglu (Karakoy, Galata, Taksim, Istiklal) or Old town(Sultanahmet, Sirkeci)? That’s a question people often ask us before they plan their trip to Istanbul. The matter is the fact there is not any simple answer to it. It’s just simply a matter of choice. Let us describe the benefits and drawbacks of each region.

Old Town ( Sultanahmet, Sirkeci )

The biggest advantage of having an accommodation in Sultanahmet is undoubtedly its proximity to main visiting the attractions like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern etc. Each of them is within walking distance to most of the hotels in this neighborhood. The disadvantage is however that Sultanahmet becomes a dead area right after the sunsets. At night the streets are abandoned and no nightlife.

Beyoglu District ( Galata, Karakoy, Taksim, Istiklal )

Some other top sites like Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Dolmabahce Palace is in this neighborhood, but the most important thing about this district is having a large variety of restaurants and cafes and well known Istanbul nightlife. Beyoglu is absolutely alive 24/7 and locals are there too.