If you're planning to see Istanbul's top tourist attractions, the easiest place to base yourself is Sultanahmet, Istanbul's Old City, which is a short stroll from all the city's major historic attractions. The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Aya Sofya are all within a five-minute walk, and many hotels in the area have stellar views of these buildings, as well as out to the Bosphorus from their rooftop terraces. A tram line runs through Sultanahmet, and public transport is plentiful, connecting the district with other tourist attractions farther afield.
Another popular place to stay is across the Galata Bridge in the Beyoglu and Taksim districts. These are both lively entertainment areas in the center of modern Istanbul. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations for sightseeing:
