European Side
Travel Guide
![European Side](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/814d1c711371b09f6d1a6367e5797f3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Istanbul showing landscape views, a sunset and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Istanbul which includes religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40931-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Topkapi Palace showing a city, a bay or harbor and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40846-Topkapi-Palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Galata Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a bay or harbor and a ferry](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40879-Galata-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit European Side
Where to stay in European Side
![Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40919-Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Sultanahmet
Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.
![Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542717-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Taksim
Taksim Square and Bosphorus are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.
![Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475355-Cumhuriyet-Ant-Republic-Monument.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Galata Tower and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
![Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40864-Bosphorus-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Beşiktaş
Travelers choose Beşiktaş for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station and check out top sights like Bosphorus.
![Istanbul which includes a marina, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Fatih
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are top sights in Fatih, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more sights in the area.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/cbca2849b7176b56bda6aa192ddf07a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Şişli
Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre 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.
![YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38550000/38543600/38543599/298c9a38_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025
![Heaven Premium Airport Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92610000/92604400/92604320/e2c7a19f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2025
![Days Inn by Wyndham Istanbul Arnavutkoy](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92460000/92450300/92450291/1f6bf08a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025
![G Tower Residences](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68520000/68511000/68510962/696a5f8b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025
![Somerset Maslak Istanbul](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19410000/19403300/19403252/2eda436f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025
![The Han YK](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103780000/103777500/103777419/5279c194_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025
Popular places to visit
![Taksim Square](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542735-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Taksim Square
You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.
![Hagia Sophia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/475000/475341-Hagia-Sophia-Ayasofya.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hagia Sophia
A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.
![Blue Mosque showing religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40924-Blue-Mosque-Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Blue Mosque
Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.
![Galata Tower](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507739-galata-tower-galata-kulesi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Galata Tower
Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.
![Grand Bazaar](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507763-grand-bazaar.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.
![Topkapi Palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507859-topkapi-palace.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Topkapi Palace
Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.
Things to do
![Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48744650/03e6d401-42e5-4615-8e76-c6794722515e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
![Blue Mosque](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4939303/9102a6b8-b418-4edf-9797-d86dadeeadaf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul Must See:Hagia Sophia Bluemosqu Topkapı Basilica Cistern Bosphorus Tour
![Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46569018/b0be3130-6bff-418e-aa35-5e6bef003569.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath,Massage , Sauna & Swimming Pool
![Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47551830/7cd1b51c-7fca-4abb-80f9-7545686600be.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Istanbul : Historical Turkish Bath Experience in Old City
![The dome and windows at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/167622/dfb5e062-2c3f-4fae-96fc-86fcbad3a03c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar - Half-Day Small Group Tour
![Basilica of St.John](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2717720/a8b4c0a2-7a39-4340-b1f1-668d8e50d282.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)