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Istanbul Accommodation Tips: How to Choose a Hotel Location
Those who come to Istanbul to relax almost never have problems with accommodation. There are plenty of hotels of all kinds of levels in this city, so every tourist will certainly find what suits them best by different criteria.
The cost of staying in hotels in Istanbul does not depend very much on where the hotel is located, but when choosing the area where you want to stay, you should take into account not so much your financial resources as the purpose of your visit, which is, in fact, what brought you to Istanbul.
And now a very important point! Istanbul is divided into two parts — European and Asian — separated by the famous Bosphorus Strait. The European side of the city is considered noisier: more people come here, and there are more tourists. The Asian side of Istanbul is calmer, so the number of tourists is smaller. But, again, these differences are arbitrary. After all, no matter which district you choose, you can always move from one to the other (from “Europe” to “Asia”) by public transport.
So, if you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time, we recommend staying on the European side, because all the main attractions of the city are located there (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Bridge, etc.). The best option is to stay at a hotel near Sultanahmet Square, since all the sights are within walking distance. In addition, this is an area suitable for tourists who like the city noise, entertainment activities, and so on.
The Asian part of Istanbul will suit you if you have visited this city before and want something new and unusual. And, of course, if you have already seen all the most famous attractions of Istanbul.
But we should mention that there are also things to see on the Asian side of Istanbul. For example, attractions such as Kadikoy, Maiden’s Tower, and Fenerbahce Park are very interesting. Each of these places has its own energy, its own unique spirit.
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Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul: a metropolis with a centuries-old history, impressive through its rich culture, standing at the meeting point between Est și Vest
Istanbul is a very interesting city, and there are many good reasons to call it exactly that. For example, it surprises... no, it even fascinates you with its geographical position. Well, you can see it for yourself: from all sides, the city is washed by the waters of the seas. More precisely, it is washed by Marea Neagră in the north and Marea Marmara in the south, being separated into two parts by strâmtoarea Bosfor. Thanks to it, Istanbul is divided into the European side and the Asian side. Each of them is unique and interesting in its own way. The center of Istanbul is located on the shore of the Cornul de Aur bay.
Istanbul is divided into a large number of districts, each of them having its own attractions and its own interesting features. Tourists should definitely visit Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray, Beșiktaș, Kadikoy and others.
All the main attractions of Istanbul are located in the Sultanahmet district, and to see each of them, it is enough to take a walk on foot. It is worth starting the trip from Piața Sultanahmet, after which you should go to Moscheea Hagia Sofia. Not far away is the most important mosque in Istanbul, you have probably heard of it — Moscheea Albastră. Then it is recommended to go to Palatul Topkapi, and after exploring it, you can enjoy the beautiful view that opens over Golful Cornului de Aur and Turnului Galata.
Visiting a place like Grand Bazaar should not be missing from your Istanbul itinerary either. Here you can buy absolutely anything — from dishes to furniture.
You are also awaited by the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul, Suleymaniye. Be sure to visit it.
After exploring the local attractions, it is time to have a meal. Treat yourself to local foods such as roasted chestnuts, fresh grilled fish and, of course, Turkish sweets: baklava and others.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the hamam (Turkish bath). This is not a simple steam bath in the usual sense! In the Turkish hamam you will also find peeling, and foam massage, or massage with oils.
And one more thing: although unofficially, Istanbul is still the European capital of shopping. So, enjoy your shopping!
How to get there
Flight Chișinău – Istanbul, transfer and what is included in the package
Getting to Istanbul is very easy. Every day several flights are operated from Chișinău Airport by the following airlines: FlyOne, Turkish Airlines and HiSky.
The airlines regularly run promotions and sales. You can also find tickets to Istanbul at a great price in our search engine. In addition, our managers will always help you find a favourable fare, and you can find all contacts on our website.
The flight time from Chișinău to Istanbul is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
You arrive at the new airport in Istanbul, which is located 35 km from the city centre.
On arrival, we recommend that you use the transfer service – you will be taken directly to the hotel door. Let’s admit, it is very convenient!
The cost of the transfer is approximately 15 euros per person.
In addition, you can use public transport, which will cost you 11 Turkish lira.
Great news: the Turkish authorities promise to open in the near future a metro line that will connect the airport with the centre of Istanbul!
What is included in the Chișinău – Istanbul package
Direct flight Chișinău – Istanbul (≈ 1 h 20 min); inflight meal: light snack and drinks (depending on the airline).
Group transfer APT → hotel, so you arrive comfortably and safely directly at your accommodation.
Accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Istanbul, in convenient areas with good access to the main attractions and public transport.
Recommended meal plan: breakfast (BB) or breakfast + dinner (HB), an ideal choice if you want to explore local food in the city during the day.
Travel medical insurance for the entire stay, according to the conditions of the policy.
For citizens of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and the Russian Federation, a visa is generally not required for short tourist trips to Turkey (up to 90 days in any 180-day period); a valid passport is sufficient. However, we strongly recommend that you always check the latest entry rules before travelling.
Why book Istanbul with Admiral.Travel
The Admiral.Travel team works every day with direct flights from Chișinău to Istanbul, trusted hotels and reliable local partners. This means optimised routes, convenient flight times and a great price–quality ratio for city breaks and tailor-made tours.
We constantly monitor airline promotions, hotel deals and real feedback from our travellers, so we can recommend only tested options with comfortable transfers and medical insurance included. We take care of the logistics and small details, so you can focus on the experience itself.
If you want to discover Istanbul with no worries, send us a message or give us a call — together we will build the package that best fits your travel style.
Frequently asked questions about trips to Istanbul
When is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?
Most travellers choose spring and autumn for Istanbul: the weather is mild, it is less hot than in summer and the city is not as crowded. It is an excellent time for walking tours, sightseeing and Bosphorus cruises.
Do I need a visa for Turkey if I am a citizen of Moldova or Romania?
For short tourist stays, citizens of the Republic of Moldova and Romania generally enter Turkey without a visa, using a valid passport. However, entry rules can change, so always check the up-to-date information on official sources before you travel.
Which currency should I bring and how is it best to pay?
The local currency is the Turkish lira. Many shops and restaurants accept bank cards, but it is practical to have some cash for small purchases, bazaars and local transport. A common approach is to exchange part of the money into lira after arrival and pay larger expenses by card.
What transfer options from the airport to the city do I have?
You can book a group or private transfer via Admiral.Travel, which takes you directly to your hotel, or you can use public transport such as express buses and, as it becomes available, metro lines. An organised transfer is usually the most comfortable option after your flight.
Is the airport–hotel transfer included in Admiral.Travel packages?
In most Admiral.Travel packages to Istanbul, the airport–hotel–airport transfer is already included in the price. When you book, your travel consultant will confirm the type of transfer (group or private) and the approximate departure times.
Is Istanbul suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, Istanbul works very well for families. There are parks, aquariums, Bosphorus cruises, shopping malls with play areas and many family-friendly cafés. We usually recommend hotels with easy access to public transport to minimise travel time with kids.
What kind of medical insurance is included in the trip?
Normally the package includes standard travel medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay, covering emergencies. On request, we can offer extended policies with higher limits or additional options, such as baggage coverage.
Which meal plan do you recommend for a city break in Istanbul?
For short trips we usually recommend breakfast (BB) or breakfast + dinner (HB). This way you are free at lunchtime and during the day to try street food, local cafés and restaurants without being tied to the hotel schedule.
What can I do in Istanbul if it rains?
On a rainy day you can visit museums and palaces, explore famous mosques, spend time in large shopping centres, relax in cosy cafés with a view of the Bosphorus or book a traditional Turkish hammam. Many guided tours include indoor attractions and are not weather-dependent.
Which excursions and activities are popular in Istanbul?
The most popular options are Bosphorus cruises, walking tours in the historic centre, visits to mosques and palaces, food tours and shopping programmes. Admiral.Travel consultants can help you pre-book the experiences that suit you best.
What should I know about tickets and baggage on the Chișinău – Istanbul route?
Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare. At minimum, hand luggage is usually included, and many packages also include checked baggage. When you receive an offer, your Admiral.Travel manager will clearly explain what baggage is included and what extra options are available for a fee.
What are the check-in and check-out times and are there any local taxes?
As a rule, check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is by midday. If you arrive early or depart late, many hotels offer luggage storage. Some properties may charge a local or city tax, which is usually paid at reception and communicated at the time of booking.
FAQ
To reach the city center from the new Istanbul airport, passengers can choose buses, the metro, or a more comfortable option - taxi or car rental. Learn more about all the options in our guide. Havaist buses will take you to the main areas in 80-120 minutes, with the ticket price ranging from 114 to 186 Turkish liras (approximately 4 €). The city buses IETT offer a more economical option, but it's only suitable for Istanbulkart holders. Havaist makes only a few stops at key points along the route, while IETT transport stops frequently, so the journey takes longer. The metro is a fast way to travel - to the center in 30-40 minutes, with a ticket price from 15 to 35 liras (approximately 0.5 €), depending on the destination. Renting a mid-class car directly at the airport costs about 40€ per day, and a taxi to the historic Sultanahmet area costs between 25€ and 45€.
The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these periods, the weather is mild, the temperature is comfortable for sightseeing, and the tourist flows are moderate. In the summer (June-August), the city is hot and crowded, while in the winter (November-March), it is cool and rain is possible.
For those looking for affordable accommodation options in Istanbul, there are several hotels that stand out for their advantages and positive reviews from guests. SANLI SUITE HOTEL 4* attracts attention with the cleanliness in the rooms and public areas, as well as with the delicious and varied breakfast. This apartment hotel with a kitchen in each room and a rooftop terrace with city views offers an excellent price-quality ratio, especially suitable for families. TIMEKS HOTEL 3* is characterized by a cozy atmosphere and home comfort, where you can enjoy delicious food in the restaurant and relax by the pool. The hotel has a small but well-maintained territory, ideal for a quiet rest. TOM SQUARE BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2* – located in the historical center, offers stylish design and modern amenities at a favorable price. It is a good choice for couples and solo travelers wanting to explore the city. All these hotels are noted for their friendly staff and cleanliness, and are also very affordable in terms of accommodation costs.
The choice depends on your preferences, holiday expectations, and budget. HACIBAYRAM HOTEL is the most affordable option, attracting with its cozy atmosphere and convenient location for sightseeing. FOUR-G HOTEL stands out with its modern design and premium amenities and is suitable for those looking for comfort close to cultural sites. WHITE HOUSE HOTEL ISTANBUL is known for its high-class service and central location, providing easy access to the city's historical treasures, making it the preferred choice for families seeking an unparalleled level of convenience and quality of stay.
Couples looking to organize a romantic adventure in Istanbul or simply enjoy a pleasant rest often choose HACIBAYRAM HOTEL for its quiet atmosphere, perfect for secluded and personal moments. Moreover, this hotel serves as an excellent starting point for walking tours through the city's historical areas. FOUR-G HOTEL with its stylish design and exquisite amenities fits couples seeking luxury and relaxation during their stay, while the hotel's spa center and special culinary offers add a unique charm to the romantic getaway. WHITE HOUSE HOTEL ISTANBUL, located in the heart of the city and surrounded by major attractions - is an excellent choice for those wishing to combine romance with immersion in Istanbul's rich history and culture. According to numerous positive reviews, this hotel stands out for its exceptional service and refined atmosphere, which is especially valued by lovers seeking unforgettable experiences.
