Istanbul's European side offers many of its top attractions and experiences, including Sultanahmet, Eminonu and Kumkapi.

Karakoy and Galata on either side of the Bosphorus offer budget hotels with convenient public transport connections, while nearby Asian side offers less touristy neighborhoods such as Uskudar's lovely waterfront area or Buyuk Camlica Tepesi viewpoint.

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is one of Istanbul's most beloved neighborhoods and a UNESCO heritage site, boasting some of its most stunning landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern. All are within a short walking distance, making exploring this area easy on foot.

Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), built in 1616, remains one of the greatest architectural masterpieces. Open for visitors outside prayer times but please dress conservatively and remain quiet during your visit.

The hippodrome served as a gathering spot for sports and social events during Byzantine rule. It also witnessed the devastating Nika Riots of 532 when approximately 30,000 people died during its use as the scene of death for Nika tribe members. Constantine the Great ordered that its original Serpent Column be relocated into this square from Plataea by moving it there directly.

Arasta Bazaar (Arasta Carsisi), located nearby the square, features cozy small shops selling souvenirs, Turkish goods and carpets of all sorts.

Suleymaniye Mosque, constructed on Sultan Suleyman I's order in 1557, is another must-see attraction of this area. With four minarets dedicated to each caliph in Ottoman history and ten hanging porches designed to reduce smoke from entering, this mosque stands as one of the only mosques in Istanbul with a mausoleum which contains sarcophagi.

Karakoy

Beyoglu may not offer the historic significance or service provision offered by Sultanahmet or Taksim, but its unique district makes it worth exploring. Packed with bars and restaurants on Istiklal Caddesi (pedestrianized main artery), Beyoglu remains popular with locals seeking socialization, entertainment and culinary discovery. Beyoglu houses reflect Armenian, Jewish and Orthodox communities which once settled here.

As soon as you arrive in Galata Tower and Istanbul Modern, two of its main landmarks, you'll quickly come upon narrow streets lined with dusty workshops and antique stores, alongside cafes with street art-covered walls and galleries with chic cafes splattered all around them. Find more info here istanbul tour guide

Within all this bustle is an array of accommodation options. One such hotel is House Hotel Karakoy, which occupies five floors of an imposing 19th-century bank building. Another charming boutique hotel Akin House features rooms across different buildings in the district; some even come equipped with kitchenettes for an independent stay.

Beyoglu

Beyoglu (pronounced byowlu), one of Istanbul's most beloved tourist areas, serves as one of its cultural and artistic centers. Home to historical monuments, restaurants and bars; Istiklal Street also remains a main draw for visitors staying in Beyoglu.

Galata neighbourhood in Beyoglu is easily the most captivating part of beyoglu, boasting the iconic tower that everyone takes pictures of. Here, history meets modernity; boutique hotels, vintage shops and hip cafes and restaurants blend effortlessly to offer an exciting shopping and dining experience for young and trendy residents.

Beyoglu boasts a vibrant European vibe that comes alive at night, perfect for pub crawling and music venues to visit. There are 24-hour kebab stores, pizza by the slice shops and even some Italian eateries for your dining needs if you want something different!

Kadikoy district provides another great opportunity for shopping, with antique Street (Tellalzade Sok) serving bargain hunters and thrift shoppers. Bagdat Avenue is widely considered to be Istanbul's equivalent of Champs Elysees; boasting high end designer brands alongside Turkish fashion chains as well as many markets selling handicrafts, food, etc.

Galata

Galata is one of the city's most visited tourist areas. Home to numerous places of interest such as the 14th-century Galata Tower with its spectacular vistas over Golden Horn and Bosphorus, Galata is known for its narrow streets filled with chic bars and old-school restaurants as well as centuries-old synagogues and churches - as well as Galata Mevlevi House where visitors can see performances by dervishes.

Make the most of your Galata experience by visiting its tower's observation deck and rooftop terrace, where panoramic cityscape views await. Travelers often comment that its jaw-dropping vistas make the trip worthwhile; just keep in mind that admission prices are steep and that the attraction may become busy at sunset.