European Side

Travel Guide

From the verdant mountains on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul, Turkey, appears picturesque on a summer day. Traditional houses harmonize with the dense foliage
Istanbul, Turkey - September 2019: Panorama of the modern European side; Istanbul cityscape on the banks of Bosphorus strait
Panoramic view of the city from Çamlıca Hill. Istanbul Turkey, February 2024
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.

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Where to stay in European Side

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

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

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

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

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

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 Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Karaköy

Karaköy

Consider a visit to Galata Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Karaköy. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station.

Karaköy
Panorama of Golden Horn Gulf and the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Beyoğlu

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Travelers love Beyoğlu for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Taksim Square and Galata Tower.

Beyoğlu
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE

Tayakadin Mah. Terminal Cad. No.1 Arnavutköy Istanbul
Fully refundable
The price is NT$11,149 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
NT$11,149
per night
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Pricey, but very clean and convenient for an early AM flight

Reviewed on 2026/3/13

YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport AIRSIDE
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 NT$4,039 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$4,039
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,084 reviews)
A great place to unwind and enjoy the arwa

Reviewed on 2026/3/9

Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Airport, Arnavutkoy
YOTEL Istanbul Airport LANDSIDE, City Entrance

YOTEL Istanbul Airport LANDSIDE, City Entrance

Tayakadin Mah. Terminal Cad. No.: 1 Arnavutköy Istanbul
The price is NT$9,511 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$9,511
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Arnavutköy. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 2026/3/9

YOTEL Istanbul Airport LANDSIDE, City Entrance
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.
Element Suites

Element Suites

Sehit Muhtar Mah Turan Cad Cevza Sok 2 Istanbul
Stay at this aparthotel in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
Element Suites
G Tower Residences

G Tower Residences

Mimar Sinan Cd 35 Istanbul Istanbul
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Istanbul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
G Tower Residences
Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Somerset Maslak Istanbul

Maslak 1453, Maslak District Sariyer
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Sariyer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
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.

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Cities near European Side

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