Istanbul Hotel Advice

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Planning to book a surprise trip to Istanbul for my Mum's 75th birthday.

It will just be my Mum and I travelling, I've got some health issues too so while we're both reasonably fit, we can't walk miles...and obviously want to feel safe going out for meals on an evening.

What's the best area for a hotel, and is there good public transport to get around?

Istanbul is very hilly and huge. They do have an excellent tram and ferry system. Sultanamet is close to the Palace and the Hagia Sofia and only a short walk to trams down to the Galata Bridge. Some parts of Istanbul rely on getting the Funicular which involves lots of steps especially the ones near Taksim Square. Have a look at Hotel Sofia. It's on a great street for restaurants at night and close to the main sights.

Public transport in Istanbul is great. The trams, metro and ferries are all efficient and easy to use (Google Maps will guide you) but it is a huge city and very hilly. The major attractions Hajia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Palace, Bascilica Cistern are all in the same part of the city and it is fairly flat. If you want to visit the spice Bazar or Grand Bazar you will have to walk a bit as they are uphill.

If you can't find a hotel in that area then you could stay somewhere further out and get a taxi in and out each day. Taxis are cheap. Just book them through Uber otherwise drivers may try to rip you off.

I would recommend staying in Karakoy/Galataport area - you can take a funicular up and down the hill to Taksim and easy access to the tram for the Sultanahmet. It's flat walking along the Bospghoris and also close to the ferryport. Look for Air BnBs in Tophane/Karakoy/Galata as close to the Tophane tram stop as possible or stay in a hotel like the Novotel.