European Side Travel Guide

Tourist 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 which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Taksim

4/5(354 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a coastal town and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

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

Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 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(81 area reviews)

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.

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

Beyoğlu

Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.

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 3.518.723 ₫ per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
3.518.723 ₫
3.940.969 ₫ total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
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 13 Jan 2026

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
Hilton Istanbul Maslak

Hilton Istanbul Maslak

5 out of 5
Buyukdere Cd. No: 233 Sariyer
The price is 3.909.692 ₫ per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
3.909.692 ₫
4.378.855 ₫ total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Taksim Square and Vadistanbul AVM are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (796 reviews)
Very good service and very clean

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hilton Istanbul Maslak
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

Tayakadin Mah. Terminal Cad. No.1 Arnavutköy Istanbul
The price is 8.709.568 ₫ per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
8.709.568 ₫
9.754.606 ₫ total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 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 5 Jan 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
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (372 reviews)
Have less options for breakfast, compare to other similar hotels in the area.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
5.4/10 (314 reviews)
It was good special thanks for Mr. Ahmad the Afghani guy and to the manager

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Element Suites
Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Maslak 1453, Maslak District Sariyer
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their 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 22 Sept 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near European Side