European Side
Travel Guide
![European Side](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/814d1c711371b09f6d1a6367e5797f3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Istanbul which includes a sunset, a city and a marina](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 aspects, heritage architecture and a mosque](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 harbour 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 showing heritage architecture, cbd and outdoor eating](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 which includes a fountain, a mosque and a pond](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
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/542000/542717-istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Taksim
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.
![Default Image](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 Taksim Square and Galata Tower, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
![Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a coastal town 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
Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center 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.
![Istanbul which includes a city, a marina and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40934-Istanbul.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Fatih
Enjoy the popular shops in Fatih. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Yusufpasa Station to see more of Istanbul.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/cbca2849b7176b56bda6aa192ddf07a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Şişli
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 Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.
![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 3 Feb 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 2 Feb 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 25 Jan 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 24 Jan 2025
![The Superior Living Kağıthane](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105980000/105970200/105970111/36d3f513_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2024
![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 20 Jan 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 during your trip to a well-known site such as 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
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
![Blue Mosque which includes 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
The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.
![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
Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.
![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
Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.
![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
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
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)
Daily Trip to House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Basilica of St.John
- Taksim Square
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Galata Tower
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Bahçeşehir Gölet Park
- Egyptian Bazaar
- Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre
- Medicana International Istanbul Hospital
- Vodafone Park
- Eyup Sultan Mosque
- Gülhane Park