The “port-side” Karaköy neighbourhood in the Beyoğlu district is all about trendy bars, eclectic restaurants and exciting nightlife. If this is your scene, SuB Karaköy stands out from typical luxury hotels. It’s industrial yet chic, offering well-appointed rooms with décor inspired by the harbour and sea. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of a luxury hotel (and the famous Turkish breakfast) with the bonus of being in the middle of the action.  

The historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood is the area to stay in if you’re visiting for a short time and want to see as many tourist attractions as possible. Offering an unusual stay, Hotel Poem memorialises famous artists, writers and composers connected to the city, from Pyotr Tchaikovsky to Ernest Hemmingway. The rooms are spacious with views over the Bosphorus Strait, and the hotel is ideally situated near the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace attractions.When it comes to exceptional service and jaw-dropping views, it’s hard to beat Hotel Amira in the Fatih district and the Georges Hotel Galata. Hotel Amira has a wide range of room options for couples and families, as well as the standout Amiralto Rooftop Restaurant and Bar where you can indulge in award-winning dining and admire the city lights reflected in the Sea of Marmara.Georges Hotel Galata in the Galata quarter of the Beyoğlu district takes things up a notch by offering personalised butler services, modern sophistication with a touch of French class and several awards to its name.

Taksim Square is a tourist hotspot and this part of Istanbul offers many entertainment, retail and dining options, as well as accommodation to suit every pocket. The cheery, cosy Cheers Midtown Hostel offers nine rooms and is close to the tram line. It's the perfect place to lay your head after an all-nighter!  Also, consider staying on the Asian side, which is generally more affordable than the European side. For example, the residential neighbourhood of Kadiköy (not to be confused with Karaköy on the European side) is popular with the young and trendy. Here, you can find low-key, comfy accommodation such as the Juliet Rooms and Kitchen, which has both deluxe rooms and hostel dormitory rooms.