Istanbul is all about iconic sights and landmarks, and few landmarks are as widely known and popular as Taksim Square. This lively square can be considered the symbolic heart of the city, sitting on the European side of Istanbul. Multiple Insta-worthy streets lie off the main square, which are all about photo-ops, shops, street performers, historic monuments, the iconic red tram, and rows and rows of restaurants, bars, and, of course, hotels. The best hotels in Taksim Square range from luxurious five-star stays, given it’s one of Istanbul’s most sought-after addresses, to boutique ones as well as value-for-money stays. While some of the best have direct views of the square, the others sit in the bustling lanes, where all the action is during the day, and it’s relatively quieter but equally safe at night.
The lovely sanctuary actually gets its name from the 18th-century stone “taksim” (water storage unit), which lies on its western side. Not only is it shut to traffic, but it’s also closely patrolled by police and is extremely safe. One of the top things to do in Istanbul, this neighborhood is one of the most exciting in Istanbul to stay. To that end, here are the best stays in Taksim, Istanbul.
Table of contents
- Bonne Sante Hotel
- Gezi Hotel Bosphorus
- CVK Hotels Taksim
- The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
- Richmond Istanbul
- Lokalist, Istanbul, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Cheers Midtown Hostel
- Tomtom Suites, an SLH Hotel
- Sofitel İstanbul Taksim
- Witt Istanbul Hotel
- The Marmara Taksim
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Taksim Square?
- Which hotels enjoy direct views of Taksim Square?
- Is Taksim Square good at night?
- What is the best time to visit Taksim Square?
Bonne Sante Hotel
11
We begin with Bonne Sante Hotel, a wonderful mid-range hotel that sits right on Istiklal Street. Not only is it on the tram route, but it was also right down the road from Taksim Square. We might have been surrounded by the bars, cafes, and shops of the vibrant Istiklal Street, but on the inside, the hotel was as relaxing as it could get. Despite being a mid-range hotel, it did have sheesha and PlayStation rentals available at the reception. Moreover, there was even a snug dining area which served delicious Turkish cuisine. This is also where they served a modest breakfast to start off the day.
We had the choice of a variety of basic but modern and immaculate rooms, all of which had coffeemakers, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and the like. Moreover, the suites even added separate living areas, balconies, wet bars, sofabeds, and even in-room whirlpool tubs. If you go for the upgraded suites, you even get access to terraces with city views.
Check Rates on:

Gezi Hotel Bosphorus
10
Gezi Hotel Bosphorus not only sits just a minute’s walk north of Taksim Meydani, but also sits adjacent to the famous, lush, and verdant Gezi Park. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also a stone’s throw from the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and the waterfront. What could be better?
Since the hotel sits slightly at a bit of an elevation, we got a measure of seclusion from the busy streets of Taksim below. It sits amidst its own verdant gardens, with a look leaning towards more luxe-residential rather than the typical contemporary design hotel. Amenities include an in-house restaurant and a bar, which ensured that we didn’t have to go too far looking for delicious local and international cuisines. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel also had a fitness center, a spa, and conference rooms.
We loved the interiors of the rooms and suites, which were heavy on warm and welcoming materials such as tone, leather, and wood. What’s more, they were packed with thoughtful little comforts such as heavily soundproofed windows and bath products from Aromatherapy Associates.
Check Rates on:

CVK Hotels Taksim
9
Best value for money. There’s a third hotel that sits right at Taksim Square, in the middle of Marmara and Sofitel Taksim. That would be CVK Hotels Taksim, which sits right on Sıraselviler Cadessi, right in front of the tram stop for Taksim. With the Taksim funicular station and travel terminal right outside the hotel, the access we had to the rest of the city while staying here was amazing.
We had many choices of refined rooms and suites, all of which featured views of either the street and Taksim Square or the city. What’s more, they all featured classic decor and mod-cons, such as flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minibars, free Wi-Fi everywhere, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Moreover, upgraded rooms even added whirlpool baths and balconies, with the suites offering in-room jacuzzis and views over the Bosphorus Strait.
The amenities here were no less amazing. Firstly, there was a fantastic breakfast buffet served in the chic rooftop restaurant every day. So, we’d dig into delicious food with gorgeous views of the Bosphorus. What’s more, other amenities included a fitness center, a bar, a spa with a hammam, saunas, a jacuzzi, and even a terrace.
Check Rates on:

The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
8
Most luxurious. than a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square, along the lush Asker Ocağı Cadessi 15 lies the Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Most of the city’s must-see places are within walking distance – both Taksim Square and the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace are less than 10 minutes away. Even the Beyoğlu district is a 20-minute walk away. Plus, the Taksim – Kabataş funicular station at Taksim Square took us to Kabataş tram station, from where Sultanahmet is a 15-minute ride!
The highlight of the amenities here is the hushed Spa Soul, which has a hammam modelled on a traditional 16th-century Turkish bath. What’s more, there’s also a steam room, a sauna, a wealth of treatment menus, an indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. Besides an excellent staff, the food offerings here are a standout. While a personal highlight was Atölye, the Turkish restaurant, the hotel is also home to the only Nobu in all of Turkey! Oh, and there’s a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool as well.
Choose from a host of rooms and suites, which have modern luxury in the form of comfy, crisp beds with pops of color in the form of white-and-blue panels, and Iznik-patterned cushions. What’s more, they all had roomy Carrara marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and interesting artwork, with the suites also featuring more space. If you book a room with “Club Lounge” access, there are drinks and snacks throughout the day, including afternoon tea.
Check Rates on:


Richmond Istanbul
7
If shopping is your main agenda in Istanbul, then you should consider staying nowhere but the Richmond Istanbul. That’s because its doors open straight onto Istiklal Street, which is famous for its diverse galleries, bars, shops, and cafés that capture the very essence of the city’s life. With Taksim Square and Galata Tower both a 15-minute walk, this place wins on location, location, location.
The white brick façade sets the scene for the sleek, clean-lined interiors. An incredibly helpful staff was the cherry on top at this hotel, whether it was at the door or during room service. Even though there was no restaurant, breakfast was a fantastic affair with an array of hot and cold options available. Moreover, there was even a large open-plan bar in the reception lobby that served cocktails and coffee. If that wasn’t enough, there was even a lovely little open terrace behind the reception where we’d enjoy Turkish coffee in the sun. Did we mention that there was also a fitness center? Yep.
We had a wide range of choices when it came to rooms, which came with roomy fridges, smart Smeg kettles, and a Nespresso machine. Besides a decent minibar offering, all rooms had contemporary white palettes with pops of orange and green, minimalist artwork, marbled bathrooms, mirrors, and huge windows, most of which had views of either the courtyard or Istiklal Avenue. Since we wanted to splurge, we stayed in one of the five Q Suites, which had a bathtub right next to the window with spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait.
Check Rates on:

Lokalist, Istanbul, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
6
Imagine finding a Marriott property less than a five-minute walk from Taksim Square! We’re talking about the Lokalist, Istanbul, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It sits right next to the İBB Taksim Gezi Parkı immediately north of Taksim Square. Sitting at the heart of the city’s social and cultural life, the hotel felt like we were locals and not travelers.
Since we were four adults traveling together, we loved staying at the two-bedroom Bosphorus Suite. It not only had two separate bedrooms with two king beds and two en-suite bathrooms, but also it had a separate living space with a comfy sofa, a flat-screen TV, and huge windows with the most mesmerizing views of the Bosphorus Strait. What’s more, all rooms had luxe bathrooms, a slew of mod-cons such as minifridges, complimentary minibars, complimentary Nespresso and loose-leaf tea stations, and even digital scales, if you’re watching your weight on vacation! The best bit? All rooms also offer views of either Gezi Park or the Bosphorus Strait.
The stylish lobby sets the tone for this upscale Marriott hotel, which also has a ton of other amenities. This included a fitness center and free Wi-Fi everywhere, allowing us to stay connected. Finally, the on-site restaurant served delicious meals, including a buffet breakfast spread every day.
Check Rates on:

Cheers Midtown Hostel
5
Best hostel. With Taksim Square a less than 15-minute walk away and Galata Tower a 5-minute walk down the street, Cheers Midtown Hostel couldn’t be more well-located. If you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife that Taksim is famous for, then this is the place you should stay at. Always pumping and bustling, this hostel has even won multiple awards, and it’s easy to see why.
We had the choice of multiple comfy dorms and private rooms, all of which were air-conditioned for our comfort. What’s more, they all came with either shared or private en-suite bathrooms, which were immaculate and well-equipped with bath products. Furthermore, there were views of the city, soundproofed windows, wardrobes for us to store our belongings, and the like. What we liked about the rooms here was that while the dorms had bunk beds, there were larger rooms with a double and a twin bed, allowing even a small family to be comfortable here easily. However, do note that while there’s no age requirement at this property, they have no additional cots or cribs for kids.
Nevertheless, the amenities here were excellent. Not only was there free Wi-Fi, but the place also had luggage storage, a tour desk, and regular housekeeping. The 24-hour front desk from which we could hire guided excursions and paid shuttles was excellent. Finally, there was a kitchen which we could use to whip up small meals whenever we liked.
Check Rates on:

Tomtom Suites, an SLH Hotel
4
The very last thing we expect a Franciscan nunnery to be is, well, a chic and fashionable hotel. Welcome to the Tomtom Suites, which is a 15-minute walk from the main Taksim Square. It sits in a structure that was originally built in 1901 to be the home to a group of Franciscan Nuns. Today, this refined boutique hotel radiates historic charm and yet houses contemporary creature comforts. So much so that the nuns whose home this was once would certainly be surprised at the amount of luxury on offer here today!
Choose from 20 suites spread over 3 floors and split across 6 categories. Nevertheless, they have preserved the architectural details such as solid wood floors and high ceilings and are furnished with bespoke pieces. Think a curated mix of traditional and modern artwork, ceramics, handcrafted rugs, paintings, and prints. Moreover, mod-cons include king-size beds, Nespresso machines, TVs, DVD players, and iPod docks. However, we were blown away by the spacious marbled Carrera bathrooms, which had Molton Brown bath products, rain showers, and generously sized baths.
Besides a warm and friendly staff and concierge team, the hotel has an excellent and well-equipped library. Our favorite was the rooftop restaurant and terrace with panoramic views, which served delicious Turkish fare. While there aren’t traditional spa facilities, the Tomtom Suites made us feel at home and absolutely comfortable. What more could we ask for?
Check Rates on:

Sofitel İstanbul Taksim
3
No hotel enjoys a more prominent location in Istanbul than Sofitel Istanbul Taksim — maybe except the Marmara Taksim. Sitting right along the famous Istiklal Street, the place practically overlooks Taksim Square.
The façade might be historical, but it’s unmistakably contemporary on the inside. The amenities are no less sleek, especially the French-Turkish hybrid spa. It not only had a Turkish hammam but also had an eye-catching mosaic-tiled indoor pool and Lanvin products. Between three restaurants and bars on the property, we were able to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, including local delicacies. Free parking and a huge continental breakfast buffet wrapped up the facilities here.
“There was nothing better than staying right at Taksim Square, which is where we got our energy from too!”
WOW Travel
Choose from a host of modern rooms and suites, which were decked out in a vibrant style with both French and Turkish influences. So, we found rich fabrics and paintings by Turkish artist Devrim Erbil complementing thoughtful comforts like espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and chic marble-clad bathrooms with Atelier bath products. Of course, the views of the Bosphorus Strait and the city are the real winners.
Check Rates on:

Witt Istanbul Hotel
2
One of the top gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul is the Witt Istanbul Hotel, which is a less than 15-minute walk from Taksim Square. It sits on the fringes of Taksim and Cihangir, just south of Taksim Square along Defterdar Yokuşu street. Since the gay scene lies at Taksim and the city’s biggest gay club, Tek Yon, is right down the street, the location couldn’t be more perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers. Choose from a host of spacious apartment-style digs, all of which have bar-cum-kitchens, Italian marble bathrooms, plush bedrooms, wooden floors, and hi-tech mod-cons. However, the best of the lot are the three top-floor lofts, all of which have huge balconies, and one even has corner terraces and 270-degree views of the old City and Bosphorus Strait!
We loved the sense of intimacy prevalent throughout the hotel, right from the rooms to the cozy lobby area and the breakfast room. As is the case with Istanbul hotels, breakfast was an excellent and sumptuous affair. When we wanted to unwind, we’d head to the well-stocked library, which had hundreds of books about the city and its history. It’s where we’d be on quiet afternoons, curled up with a book and a refreshing cup of Turkish çay (tea). The highlight, though, was the elegant roof terrace, which was peppered with sweet-smelling flowers and herbs. It was the ideal place to sip on drinks and soak in a gorgeous Turkish sunset.
Check Rates on:

The Marmara Taksim
1
Best overall. Towering high over the bustling Taksim Square is the four-star Marmara Taksim, which, of course, offers unobstructed views of the main meydani. The location couldn’t be more perfect: Taksim’s metro station is right downstairs. Moreover, the funicular to Kabataş was a two-minute ride. If that wasn’t enough, the Kabataş ferry terminal, from where we could take cruises to the Princes’ Islands, was right outside the Kabataş funicular station. We had the choice of many luxurious rooms, all of which came with plush beds, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, marbled en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs, and parquet floors. However, we were blown away by the superb views, some of which had Taksim Square views and some had Bosphorus Strait ones.

The amenities at this hotel were excellent, especially the outdoor pool deck with sunbeds, a hot tub, and excellent Strait views. After a swimming session, we’d head to the spa, which even had a Turkish hammam for an authentic, relaxing experience. There was a fitness center, a solarium, a hot tub, and a sauna too. What’s more, the hotel has as many as seven restaurants. We loved the ground-floor Cafe Marmara, which offered street-level views of Taksim Square. Additionally, we loved Upperist, the rooftop bar, which offered panoramic views of the city, including Taksim.
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
Staying in Taksim was magical, so here’s a specialized list that will help you choose where to stay.
- Best value for money: CVK Hotels Taksim
- Best overall: The Marmara Taksim
- Most luxurious: The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
- Best hostel: Cheers Midtown Hostel
Where to Stay in Taksim Square?
Taksim Square is one of the best and most popular neighborhoods in Beyoğlu and is one of Istanbul’s best neighborhoods for cultural experiences and nightlife. So, while it doesn’t have areas or neighborhoods, per se, the multiple radial roads leading off the square are all excellent neighborhoods to stay in and are home to a wide variety of hotels. Not only are all the streets lively, but they’re also well-patrolled and secure, making staying in Taksim extremely attractive. This is the area where Istiklal Street is located. This means you are just steps away from shopping, restaurants, and thriving nightlife. Finding luxury accommodations in this area is also easier than in some of the other neighborhoods. You are also centrally located for traveling around to the other areas of Istanbul. The Istanbul Metro Central Station is located in Taksim.
Did you know that Istanbul is one of the top destinations to book with Trip.com in 2025? Yes!
Which hotels enjoy direct views of Taksim Square?
The Sofitel Istanbul Taksim and Marmara Taksim both offer unobstructed views of the square as well as the Bosphorus Strait.
Is Taksim Square good at night?
Absolutely. Taksim Square is lively 24/7, but the crowd certainly eases after midnight.
What is the best time to visit Taksim Square?
Usually, shops in Taksim Square open post 10 am, which is when it also starts getting crowded. Evenings are magical in Taksim, with the golden sunset light pouring in between the tall structures.
