Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. Additionally, it is the fifth-largest city in its own right. It is everything from Turkey's financial and cultural capital to a megacity. It encompasses the Golden Horn, a natural harbor in the country's northwest, and is located along the Bosphorous Strait, which stretches to both the Asian and European sides. This makes it the only city in the world that is on two continents at the same time. Istanbul continues to attract tourists year after year thanks to its selection as the European Capital of Culture in 2010 and the addition of most of its historic areas to the UNESCO World Heritage List. To top it all off, staying in one of the best hotels in Istanbul will undoubtedly make your trip a memorable and enjoyable learning experience. istanbul hotels

Istanbul's vibrant and unrivaled nightlife is well-known. For both locals and tourists, there are thousands of options. Along the Kurucesme and Ortakoy neighborhoods, you'll find some of the most popular nightclubs and bars. You can even share romantic moments here while taking in breathtaking views of the Bosphorous Strait or spectacular fireworks displays. In addition, there are Turku bars that play Turkish folk music, and bars on Istiklal Avenue play everything from jazz to punk. Try Iskembeci's “garlicky” bowl of tripe soup before retiring to one of the comfortable Istanbul hotels near these venues. This is a common practice among Istanbul residents after a night of partying and clubbing.

A variety of cuisines from various culinary cultures can be found at other Istanbul eateries. This is because Istanbul has been home to many different civilizations over the past century. Try some sesame simit with cheese, kebabs, haricot beans with rice, eggplants with ground meat, or vegetables with meat stuffings at bakeries, tea gardens, and borek sellers instead of the traditional Turkish breakfast that is served in most Istanbul hotels. Try the Kadikoy, Beyoglu, and Nisantasi neighborhoods for a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

One of the best Istanbul hotels is the Kent Hotel, which is one of the best you can get into. It is close to Taksim, the Ataturk Airport, the Bevazit neighborhood, the Grand Bazaar, the Sultanahmet neighborhood, and the Egyptian Bazaar. It has 94 rooms with air conditioning, LCD televisions with satellite channels, direct dial telephones, hair dryers, Wi-Fi, a mini bar, and safes. They have a Calcedoine Restaurant and a Golden Horn Bar, both of which serve delicious pastries, drinks, tea, and coffee. Their Anatolia Meeting Hall will be a hit with business travelers.

One of the best boutique-style hotels in Istanbul is the four-star Almina Hotel. The Hipporome, St. Sophia, and the Sultanahmet Mosque are all within easy reach. It is in the oldest section of Istanbul. It has 29 stylishly furnished guestrooms and a very welcoming atmosphere. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate as a hot and cold buffet.