Just been told Sultanahmet in Istanbul isn't all that great a place for a tourist to live in. Any ideas?

Question

I was told it's too crowded and down-market and that Sehzadibasi is a much better area to find a hotel.

Answer 1

It depends where you stay IN Sultahahmet. I would suggest staying in a hotel like Hotel Nomade or somewhere nearby. Yes, it's a touristic part of town. Yes, people will try and sell you something, but you never have to buy anything and you shouldn't feel obligated to enter anyone's shop! It's their livelihood so they try and talk to as many people who walk by as possible.

Depending on the length of your stay, Sultanahmet is ideal because you have the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Yerebatan Sarnici (Underground Cistern), Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Mosaic Museum, Grand Bazaar, all within walking distance. Taksim is nice too, but it's more modern and it's primarily stores and cafes, theaters and coffeeshops. Yes, there's more crime in Taksim, but you have thousands of people walking up and down the streets every day-- you have to use common sense and just be careful! It's a wonderful place to visit.

Good luck planning your trip! Cheers.

Answer 2

I travelled through Istanbul twice in 2003 and stayed in Sultanahmet both times...I thought it was great!

It's within walking distance of all the major sites and to the buses. If you're looking for really cheap accommodations, check out the Sinbad Hostel. If you're willing to stay in a dorm-style room, you'll only pay $5/night. Private rooms were under $10/night. Communal bathrooms and showers, but relatively clean. The desk staff was also very helpful in recommending area restaurants and cafes (sure, they were probably places owned by friends, but I wasn't let down by a single one!). And most importantly, it offered a FANTASTIC view from the rooftop.

Answer 3

I hated Sultanahmet because I was constantly being harassed by creepy men and people were always trying to sell me something. The good thing was that pretty much everything you want to see is there and there are more English speaking people there then any where else. The only other area I think would be okay is somewhere near Taksim if you want to go to night clubs plus there are lots of buses there.

Answer 4

I just got back from a conference Istanbul last week. We stayed in Sultanahmet and had a great time. It was in perfect walking distance to all the sites. Everyone else that attended the conference stayed in Taksim; quite a few of them were pickpocketed, and one person was a witness to a stabbing. Just trying to give you some food for thought.....

Answer 5

If you're just going there on a trip, Sultanahmet is perfect. Lots of the major sights are there, etc. However, don't shop or eat there - it is WAY overpriced. If you are actually living there (?) I would check out Besiktas or Macka. Less touristy and also close to everything.

Answer 6

I would not stay in Sultanahmet but definetely visit it. there are too many stret vendors and some petty crime at night. Stay in taksim take a cab,

Answer 7

If you were a tourist you wouldn't live there.

Answer 8

If you live there, you're not a tourist.

Answer 9

dont end up in a turkish prison

Answer 10

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