Istanbul : book your hotel

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and major economic hub, perches over the water of the Bosphorus Strait, lying in both Europe and Asia. Named as one of the most populous European cities, a European Capital of Culture and home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, this Turkish metropolis is known for its many marvellous tourist destinations and attractions, epic landscapes and unparalleled cultural experiences. Founded in the 7th century during the Byzantine era, Istanbul played a key role in the advancement of Christianity to be later transformed into an Islamic stronghold following the Ottoman empire. A city full of charm and anecdotes of its history, merging the past with the present. Once you set foot in this city, brace yourself for an experience where vibrant nightlife, festivals of art and music, celebration of faith, mazes of markets and shops, and historical landmarks await you. The soul of the Bosphorus and the sight of the Maiden’s Tower or the Blue Mosque will draw you in to explore every inch of Istanbul and savour its captivating atmosphere. Complement your stay by booking with Accor and choose from a wide variety of hotels in Istanbul, based on your budget, needs and preferences.

The strategic location of Istanbul, falling into two continents, earned itself a status of cultural diversity, enriched by the culture of the many empires and armies that superseded on its land. Whether it is the Greeks, Romans, Venetians or Ottomans, remnants of these empires are scattered all around Istanbul for you to explore, offering a lens into their history and culture. During the Byzantine times, churches and palaces were extensively adorned with artistic treasures, mosaic work and paintings. In the same way, the Ottomans held their mosques in high regard and value, having built them with great architectural and artistic significance, making them Istanbul's must-see destinations. The best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring between March and May, followed by the fall season, which is from September till November. Weather conditions during these months are favourable and the temperature is moderate with a higher chance of rain in autumn than in spring. Also, thin crowds make your experience a little more comfortable and your journey into the main attractions more hassle-free. If you are a fan of tulips, a trip to the International Tulip Festival is a must. April being the peak tulip blooming season, marks the beginning of this annual festival, during which you can witness millions of tulips bloom throughout the city. Two airports operate in Istanbul, the most common and bigger one is the Istanbul Airport situated on the European side and the Sabiha Gocken Airport that falls on the Asian side. You can find many shuttles to transport you to the city or take a taxi for an easier journey under almost the same cost. Stay at one of the most popular hotels in Istanbul that are situated near tourist attractions; book a room at Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci or the Swissotel The Bosphorus for epic views of the strait.

With over 15 million residents, Istanbul is massive and vastly populated. However, the megacity is equipped with a large array of well-integrated public transport network so that locals and tourists alike can travel seamlessly. For tourists planning their itineraries around visiting the major sights, their journey is simplified by the closeness of the attractions. They are located within a compact central area of the city that is navigable with a combination of the city's public transport system, spanning bus, train, tram, metro, ferry, and taxi. Upon arriving to the airport, consider buying an Istanbul Card, which you can also buy from many of the kiosks branding it around the city. This card will help you during your trip in order to access the many public transport means in the city. There are many ways to get around Istanbul. Walking can be an option between certain places, shops, and restaurants but not all destinations are walkable. On to better alternatives for you, starting with the tram. Of Istanbul's four modern tram lines, the one most likely to be used is the T1 connecting the Kabatas ferry terminal and it runs across the Galata Bridge and past Sultanahmet. The other lines connecting many stops are the T5 and T3. Now, for the Metro and Marmaray, which is the underground rail system, they extend for more than 80 miles covering up new areas of the city as it grows. The Metro is undoubtedly the fastest way to get around Istanbul. The most used line is the M2, connecting Haciosman and Yenikapi, crossing the business and shopping district around Levant, Taksim Square and Sishane in Beyoglu and across the Golden Horn. The Marmaray goes under the Bosphorus in a tunnel to the Asian side. Other ways of transportation include the ferry, making it an attraction by itself to observe the sights around you, the bus or minibus, and the taxis. It is better to try and grab your taxi from any of the hotels or use Uber or Bitaksi.,Hop into a memorable journey to Istanbul and explore the many beautiful attractions and historic gems that made this city the bustling metropolis of Turkey today.

During the Ottoman empire, the Topkapi Palace and Harem served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. A glimpse into the palace's opulent pavilions and treasury filled with finest jewels, gives you an insight into the life of the lavish sultans and their company that lived here in the 15th and 19th centuries. At this stage, the sultans decided to build their own European style palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus and move there. Now, Topkapi is a museum with hundreds of rooms and chambers although only the most important ones are open to the public. Tour the Ottoman Imperial Harem, or stroll through the treasury where the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger are on display. You can also find many other Ottoman clothing, weapons, armour, religious relics, famous manuscripts, such as the Topkapi manuscript, on display for visitors. The Topkapi Palace is one of the historic areas of Istanbul that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and is guarded by officials of the ministry as well as Turkish military guards. Check out Mercury Istanbul Sirkeci hotel for a beautiful stay near this landmark.

Next on your journey is a visit to the Blue Mosque, also known by its official name as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Built in the Ottoman era by Sultan Ahmet I, it now attracts a large number of visitors with its beautiful interior wrapped in blue tiles, its five domes and unique six minarets. It also includes the sultan's tomb, a madrasa, and a hospice. The mosque is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage site. The initial purpose of building the mosque by the Sultan was its desire to rival the Hagia Sophia's grandeur so he commanded its construction right opposite from it. Its architecture combines a mixture of the Islamic touch and Byzantine elements. Its elegant curves and domes as well as its giant courtyard offer a beautiful sight for its visitors. It also has the highest numbers of minarets, in all of the mosques of Istanbul. You can wrap up your visit to the mosque and stay in one of the nearby hotels - namely, Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu and Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci.

The Galata Tower is one of the most iconic places in the peninsula that offers the best views of the entire city of Istanbul. Built in 1348, in Romanesque style as the tower of Christ, it was considered the tallest building in Constantinople (now Istanbul) at that time. It was used as a prison in the 16th century and later as a tower to look out for fires in the year 1717 during the Ottoman reign. After many destructions and renovations, and the replacement of wood with concrete, it was opened to the public in 1967, and in 2020 opened as a museum that offers a 360-degree view panorama of Istanbul. After a day spent discovering the tower, stay at one of the best hotels nearby - namely, The Galata Istanbul hotel – MGallery and enjoy the views from your own balcony.

A brilliant monument, Hagia Sophia represents a spectacle of Byzantine architecture and art. During the Byzantine era, it was the principal church in Constantinople (later Istanbul). After the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453, they turned it into a mosque. In 1934, a decision by the Turkish government to establish Hagia Sophia as a museum dedicated to all human history and not bind to one single religion, was overturned and annulled, turning the building into a mosque again. Throughout the years, this well-known monument was the topic of multiple cultural, regional and religious discussions. Visiting the Hagia Sophia, with its architectural significance as both a church and a mosque, will unveil for the visitors a glimpse of the chan