Istanbul

[DollyPlastic]

Can anyone recommend a good area or hotel for a week in Istanbul please for a family with older teens

My phone is playing up so I can't do question marks I'm not deliberately leaving out punctuation

Thank you

Forgot to say a hotel with pool would be brilliant

Search on booking.com then narrow by positive reviews.

^ agree with looking on booking.com

I went with my aunt to Istanbul for my 16th and we stayed near the Galata tower. I can't remember what the area was called but it was a great place to stay. Not far to walk for trams etc. with lovely restaurant/cafe options and a lively atmosphere.

I’d try and stay in sultanahmet as you’ve got the following in short walking distance
Hagia Sophia
Blue mosque
Topkapi
Basilica cistern
Grand bazaar
Sulimanieye mosque

I stayed near the Galata tower which was great. The area with all the sites was a little quiet in the evening & Istanbul has great nightlife.

Thank you

We would like a bit of nightlife too. Dh is a bit apprehensive about going but I think it looks amazing

I had a great two-night stay at the Hotel Levni a couple of years ago. Very good location for the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, just a few minutes walk away. The staff were very welcoming and helpful, there is a lovely spa with indoor pool, and dinner at sunset on the roof terrace was special.

Admittedly we went before Erdogan was in power & found it pretty liberal.

Food was really good. If you’re there in the Summer there are lots of bars etc near the Bosphorus.

We visit regularly and always stay at the Neorion - fabulous roof terrace in the old city with a pool in the basement. Suites available too for families. Really friendly staff with amazing buffet breakfast too!

I'll get googling thanks. I think it looks like a really interesting place

The Intercontinental is lovely with amazing views of the Bospherus and not as expensive as the top range hotels.

Great choice though - Istanbul is a fantastic location !

Last question I promise. What's the best airport to fly into?

Conflicting advice on trip advisor

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I would stay either in or near Taksim square, or off Istiklal Caddesi.

Sultanahmet must be visited (yerbatan Sarayi, Haghia Sophia, blue mosque) but is more religious and conservative. Bars and nightlife (not clubs just LIFE) are far better in the first places I mentioned. We always feel safe there - from visiting with my parents as a young teen to visiting alone now.

I've only ever flown into Istanbul on Turkish airlines. The Neorion and most other hotels will organize pick up for you. Be aware that many of the newer hotels are on the other side of the Golden horn where the shopping district is. We stay in the old town to be closer to the bazaar etc. The tram is super easy to use to get around as are the ferries.

@wheresmyliveship I think it depends what nightlife you want. We always stay in the old city where there are amazing traditional restaurants. Always feel totally safe and welcome with our young family. My 13 year old says Istanbul is her favorite city.