Taksim Square is the busy heart of modern Istanbul and one of the most common places to stay. It is not the prettiest part of the city, but it is very well connected and close to İstiklal Avenue, the restaurants of Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus shore. Whether it suits you depends on what kind of trip you are planning.

Why people stay in Taksim

• Transport. The M2 metro runs north to the business districts and south across the Golden Horn; the F1 funicular drops to Kabataş in two minutes for the tram and Bosphorus ferries; the Havaist airport bus stops here.
• Choice and price. There are many hotels in every category, from large international chains to small apartment hotels, so prices are competitive.
• Food and nightlife. İstiklal Avenue and its side streets have restaurants, bars and live music, much of it within walking distance.

The downsides

• The square and İstiklal are extremely crowded, especially at weekends.
• Some side streets are noisy late at night; ask for a room away from the street.
• The historic sights of Sultanahmet are a tram or metro ride away, not a walk.

Sub-areas around Taksim

Gümüşsuyu and the Bosphorus side

Between Taksim and the Bosphorus, the streets of Gümüşsuyu run downhill towards Kabataş and Dolmabahçe Palace. Several large hotels here have Bosphorus views from upper floors and are quieter than the square itself.

Cihangir

A residential neighbourhood south of Taksim with cafés, antique shops and a bohemian feel. Accommodation is mostly small hotels and apartments.

Around İstiklal Avenue

Hotels in the side streets (Kuloğlu, Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Kamer Hatun) put you in the middle of the action. Good if you plan to be out in the evenings.

North of the square (Harbiye direction)

Towards Harbiye and Elmadağ there are business hotels close to the metro and to Nişantaşı’s shops. See hotels in Nişantaşı.

Hotels around Taksim in our directory

• Ayramin Hotel – Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Beyoğlu
• CVK Hotels Taksim – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• Elite World İstanbul Taksim Hotel – Şehit Muhtar, Beyoğlu
• Gezi Hotel Bosphorus – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• InterContinental Istanbul, an IHG Hotel – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• Naz City Hotel Taksim – Kocatepe, Beyoğlu
• Occidental Taksim – Kocatepe, Beyoğlu
• Peradays – Kamer Hatun, Beyoğlu
• Petros Hotel – Hüseyinağa, Beyoğlu
• Point Hotel Taksim – Kocatepe, Beyoğlu
• Premist Hotels Taksim – Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Beyoğlu
• Rixos Pera Istanbul – Kamer Hatun, Beyoğlu
• Sofitel Istanbul Taksim – GumussuyuSiraselviler Cad, Beyoğlu
• Stay Inn Taksim Hostel – Kamer Hatun, Beyoğlu
• Taksim Metropark Hotel – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• Taximist Hotel – Kocatepe, Beyoğlu
• The Artisan Istanbul MGallery – Omer AvniInonu Caddesi, Beyoğlu
• The Marmara Taksim – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• The Soul Hotel – Kuloğlu, Beyoğlu

Details such as address, map position and phone number are on each listing. Contact the hotel directly to check rates and room types.

Practical tips

• From Taksim to Sultanahmet: funicular to Kabataş, then the T1 tram (about 30 minutes in total).
• From Taksim to Istanbul Airport: the Havaist bus leaves regularly from near the square; taxis take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Large public gatherings sometimes take place around the square on certain dates; police may close it temporarily. Check local news if you are travelling around public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Is Taksim a good area for families?

It works if you choose a hotel on a quieter side street or in Gümüşsuyu. For a calmer base, Sultanahmet may be better.

Is Taksim or Sultanahmet better for a first visit?

Sultanahmet if you mainly want to sightsee; Taksim if you also want restaurants, nightlife and easy transport to different parts of the city. Our where to stay guide compares both.

Can I walk from Taksim to Galata Tower?

Yes, it is about 20 minutes downhill along İstiklal Avenue. See also hotels in Karaköy and Galata.