Istanbul Cheap Hotels in Istanbul

Turkey’s former capital and largest city is the country’s most altogether destination. A cosmopolitan hot spot, Istanbul is loaded with the historic sights of ancient Constantinople, which are intermingled with the facets of a modern and eclectic Euro-Asiatic Turkey. Massive mosques, opulent Ottoman palaces, traditional bazaars, rich coffee and a surprisingly jumping nightlife are all hallmarks of Istanbul in the third millennium. There is also a great deal to see by car within an hour’s drive on either continent.

Key attractions
Istanbul’s long Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history has brought it numerous landmarks, the bulk of which sit around Sultanahmet Square in the center. These icons include the remarkable Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), the Roman Basilica Cistern, the Topkapı Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. You can also take in the modern, traffic-free Istiklal Avenue, which runs to Taksim Square and houses a number of prominent museums and hotels. On the Asian side, meanwhile, is the lofty Maiden’s Tower, located between Üsküdar and Kadıköy.

Having fun
Many tastes are catered for. Though primarily Islamic, Istanbul, as with the rest of Turkey, is relaxed and its bars and clubs can be enjoyed late into the night. There’s even a gay scene here and plenty of nightclubs in the Ortaköy and Beyoğlu areas, the latter also harboring cool cafés and bars. Many restaurants lay on Turkish entertainment, including touristy belly dancing, and there is fabulous cuisine, including everyone’s favorite, doner kebab. Istiklal Street is best for this quick eat and student bars.

Shopping
Istanbul is as much about flashy malls as it is traditional bazaars nowadays. There’s a healthy dose of both, with the Beyoglu (over the river) home to tight alleys stuffed with modern boutiques, along with trendy, upscale Nisantasi. For major bustle, hit the Grand Bazaar near Sultanahmet Square, with its thousands of stalls churning out carpets, leatherwear, trinkets, and whatnot. The waterfront area of Eminönü is another souvenir shopper’s haunt and is perfect for people-watching. At the market, be sure to bargain.

Nearby
The Prince’s Islands make a nice daytrip and there are many good drives from Istanbul along the improving road network. About 16 miles to the north of the city is the Atatürk Arboretum tree museum, set in a fantastic, serene area that has great walking. East of here, on the Asian side, is the village of Polonezköy, with its Polish look, while southeast is the spa town of Termal. You can reach Termal by road or by boat, with the drive taking about 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Near By Destinations

• Altinova, Turkey
• Gemlik, Turkey
• Cinarcik, Turkey
• Karasu, Turkey
• Silivri, Turkey
• Armutlu, Turkey
• Luleburgaz, Turkey
• Basiskele, Turkey
• Cerkezkoy, Turkey
• Serdivan, Turkey