Welcome to Istanbul
Istanbul has a neighbourhood for every vibe—bustling streets, scenic Bosphorus views, or cozy cafes.
Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect stay and easily get to our wedding in Polonezköy!
We have shortlisted some areas that are a balance between cozy, safe, and fun!
Asian Side
Kadıköy
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Vibe: Artsy, relaxed, and full of local charm.
Transportation: Metro (M4), ferries, buses, and taxis.
Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Moda, Juliet Rooms & Kitchen
Entertainment: Trendy coffee shops, seaside parks, indie bookstores, and local bars.
Travel Times:
Taksim: 30 min (taxi), 35 min (Marmaray + metro)
Hagia Sophia: 35 min (taxi), 30 min (Marmaray + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 15 min (taxi), 20 min (bus)
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Vibe: Upscale, modern, and lively. Known as the Asian side’s luxury shopping street.
Transportation: Marmaray, buses, taxis.
Entertainment: High-end shopping, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, seaside promenade.
Hotels: Wyndham Grand Kalamış Marina, Hotel Suadiye
Travel Times:
Taksim: 45 min (taxi), 50 min (Marmaray + metro)
Hagia Sophia: 40 min (taxi), 45 min (Marmaray + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: Already here!
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Vibe: Coastal, peaceful, and family-friendly.
Transportation: Buses, Marmaray, taxis.
Entertainment: Marina, luxury seafood restaurants, Fenerbahçe Stadium.
Hotels: Marina House Hotel, Fenerbahçe Hotel
Travel Times:
Taksim: 40 min (taxi), 45 min (Marmaray + metro)
Hagia Sophia: 40 min (taxi), 45 min (Marmaray + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 10 min (taxi), 15 min (bus)
European Side
Şişli
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Vibe: Elegant, fashionable, and high-end. The heart of luxury shopping and fine dining.
Transportation: M2 metro (Osmanbey station), taxis, and buses.
Entertainment: Designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and chic rooftop bars.
Hotels: The St. Regis Istanbul, Park Hyatt Istanbul, The Sofa Hotel
Travel Times:
Taksim: 10 min (taxi), 5 min (metro)
Hagia Sophia: 25 min (taxi), 20 min (metro + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 40 min (taxi), 50 min (metro + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Business and commercial hub with affordable stays.
Transportation: M2 metro, metrobus, taxis, and buses.
Entertainment: Large shopping malls (Cevahir, Trump Towers), local eateries.
Hotels: Radisson Blu Hotel Şişli, Wyndham Grand Levent
Travel Times:
Taksim: 15 min (taxi), 5 min (metro)
Hagia Sophia: 30 min (taxi), 25 min (metro + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 50 min (taxi), 55 min (metro + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Up-and-coming with a mix of old Istanbul charm and modern developments.
Transportation: M2 metro (Şişli stop), taxis, and buses.
Entertainment: Bomontiada (boutique restaurants, live music), craft beer pubs.
Hotels: Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, Fraser Place Anthill
Travel Times:
Taksim: 10 min (taxi), 5 min (metro)
Hagia Sophia: 25 min (taxi), 20 min (metro + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 45 min (taxi), 50 min (metro + Marmaray)
Beyoğlu
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Vibe: Bustling, touristy, and vibrant with nonstop activity.
Transportation: Major metro hub (M2), trams, buses, and funiculars.
Entertainment: Istiklal Street, rooftop bars, historic theaters.
Hotels: The Marmara Taksim, CVK Park Bosphorus HotelItem description
Travel Times:
Hagia Sophia: 20 min (taxi), 15 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 45 min (taxi), 50 min (metro + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Hip, waterfront, and historical. Great for food lovers.
Transportation: Tram, ferries, buses.
Entertainment: Art galleries, boutique cafes, seaside restaurants.
Hotels: 10 Karaköy Istanbul, Novotel Bosphorus
Travel Times:
Taksim: 10 min (taxi), 15 min (funicular + tram)
Hagia Sophia: 10 min (taxi), 10 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 40 min (taxi), 50 min (metro + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Artistic, trendy, and historic. Ideal for boutique stays.
Transportation: Metro (Şişhane), trams, funiculars.
Entertainment: Galata Tower, jazz bars, artisan shops.
Travel Times:Taksim: 5 min (taxi), 10 min (funicular)
Hagia Sophia: 15 min (taxi), 15 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 45 min (taxi), 50 min (metro + Marmaray)
Hotels: Georges Hotel Galata, The Bank Hotel
Beşiktaş
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Vibe: Romantic and scenic with a lively square.
Transportation: Buses, ferries, taxis (no metro).
Entertainment: Iconic Ortaköy Mosque, waterfront restaurants, nightlife.
Hotels: Radisson Blu Bosphorus, The Stay Bosphorus
Travel Times:
Taksim: 15 min (taxi), 25 min (bus)
Hagia Sophia: 30 min (taxi), 35 min (bus + tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 50 min (taxi), 60 min (bus + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Elite, posh, and relaxed by the sea.
Transportation: Buses, taxis.
Entertainment: Luxury cafes, boutique shopping, waterfront jogging.
Hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus
Travel Times:
Taksim: 20 min (taxi)
Hagia Sophia: 40 min (taxi)
Bağdat Caddesi: 55 min (taxi)
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Vibe: Central and cultural, home to Dolmabahçe Palace and football fans.
Transportation: Walkable to Kabataş tram, buses, and taxis.
Entertainment: Dolmabahçe Palace, Vodafone Park (Beşiktaş Stadium), lively meyhanes (traditional taverns).
Hotels: Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Travel Times:
Taksim: 10 min (taxi), 15 min (walk + funicular)
Hagia Sophia: 20 min (taxi), 25 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 40 min (taxi), 50 min (tram + Marmaray)
Fatih
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Vibe: Rich in history, packed with tourists.
Transportation: Trams, buses, taxis.
Entertainment: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar.
Hotels: Four Seasons Sultanahmet, White House Hotel
Travel Times:
Taksim: 20 min (taxi), 15 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 40 min (taxi), 45 min (tram/walk + Marmaray)
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Vibe: Colorful, bohemian, and historic.
Transportation: Buses, taxis (no metro).
Entertainment: Vintage cafes, old synagogues, street photography.
Hotels: Balat Residence
Travel Times:
Taksim: 20 min (taxi)
Hagia Sophia: 20 min (taxi)
Bağdat Caddesi: 50 min (taxi)
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Vibe: Traditional, busy, and lively.
Transportation: Trams, ferries, buses.
Entertainment: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus ferries.
Hotels: Régie Ottoman Istanbul
Travel Times:
Taksim: 15 min (taxi), 10 min (tram)
Bağdat Caddesi: 40 min (taxi), 45 min (tram + Marmaray)
