Hotels in Istanbul – Dubbed as the only metropolis in the world to span over two continents, Istanbul is a great city to visit, moreover being in a tropical weather gives Istanbul an added advantage compared to other European countries. With so many attractions and sightseeing wonders, Istanbul is also blessed with plenty of historical structures with many different styles, from Romans, Moorish, Byzantine and even a few Baroque styled buildings and structures which also inspired many hotel designs here. Most of the Istanbul accommodation, whether cheap Istanbul hotels or posh hotels, have taken designs of its surrounding buildings as added attraction and some even occupy century old buildings.

Budget hotels in Istanbul are quite popular in Seraglio Point, or locally known as Sarayburnu. Overlooking the Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara, Seraglio Point is a famous sight seeing area where you can simply walk around to savour its magnificent view. The Topkapi Palace, home of the former Sultans of the Ottoman Empire is located within the vicinity, and you can also find few hotels located a just a brisk walk away from the palace. Most of the budget hotels offer comfortable rooms decorated with a touch of Ottoman design, basic amenities and toiletries. Restaurants are abundant but you may want to stick with the restaurants in your hotel because most of the cheap restaurants serve local dishes which may not be as appetising if you're not used to it.

Besiktas is yet another intriguing district filled with plenty of Ottoman-era architectural palaces. Once the official home for Ottoman sultans, Besiktas until today has managed to retain its grandeur, magnificent structures and superb views by preserving those centuries old monuments of Ottoman glory. In coherent to the majestic image, hotels in Besiktas are mostly luxury Istanbul hotels built with equally grand architectural feat. Some opted to occupy historical palaces and converting it into luxurious accommodation in Istanbul, providing Istanbul's finest crafts and decors in each of its rooms. Amenities are simply outstanding, with first class private pools, saunas and not to mention posh gourmet restaurants serving the finest throughout the city. Prepare yourself to be pampered and treated equal to a sultan while staying in one of these pinnacles of luxury while staying here.

Nevertheless, there are many other districts in Istanbul that offers great tour experience, coupled with major attractions too. Don't miss the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or commonly known as the Blue Mosque, located in Sultanahmet district, just next to Seraglio Point. One of the grandest mosques ever built, you'll be amazed of the mosque's detailed artwork and its horizon view with the city as background. Some midrange hotels are just within walking distance from the mosque that you can choose to stay while visiting this district.

Istanbul – Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with estimated over thirteen million people living within its boundaries. Istanbul also serves as the financial and cultural centre of the country, with plenty of significant historical events and rows of noteworthy monuments. The city has a unique mixture of Byzantium and Roman design on most of pre-Ottoman buildings while most of the structures built during Ottoman era have fair influence of Roman design to it. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople later on, Istanbul is located on Bosphorus Strait, encompasses a natural harbour known as the Golden Horn. Due to its unique location where one part lays on the European continent and the other on Asian continent, Istanbul became the only metropolis in the world to expand between two continents.

As one of the three European Capitals of Culture, Istanbul has a long history dating back to the establishment of first kingdom of Byzantium circa 660 BC, conquest of Rome and rise of the Ottoman empire, with the last Sultan deposed with the formation of Republic of Turkey at the turn of the century. Until today, the remnants of Byzantine kingdom are still visible in architectural design of most of the Roman structures, and a few Byzantine structures are still intact within the Topkapi Palace compound.

The first place to visit once you're here should be the Topkapi Palace, now a vast museum with plenty of chambers. You can find many historical details, read about all the sultans that ruled over Istanbul and view hundreds of Turkish arts and craft, displayed in the museum. Although Topkapi Palace is said to have more than four hundred rooms, but only a few designated rooms are allowed for public viewing.