The Wings Hotel

From modern to traditional, from luxury to convenient…dining, shopping and sightseeing in this amazing city! You’ll find several options for great accommodation, as well. Istanbul is where Europe meets Asia and here you'll encounter elements from both continents. Mind yourself - this city is huge and really crowded. Traffic can be horrific at times and getting from one point to another could take up some time. Still, it's full of savory contrasts, echoes of the past and glimpses of the future and could easily get you addicted! 💡Tip: visit the less-touristy areas Fatih, Fener and Balat! Highlights: ☕️ Turkish coffee - whether it’s made in sand, over fire or on stovetop, it is prepared in a “cezve” (ibrik) using very finely ground coffee beans without filtering; 🫖 Turkish tea - called “çay” (pronounced chai) in Turkish - is a kind of black tea brewed in a dual teapot and served in tulip-shaped small glasses called “ince belli”. 🥨 Simit (Turkish Bagel) a sesame-bathed, circular Turkish bread. Very common - the cheapest street food in Turkey. 🍥 Turkish delight - also called lokum, jellied confection with different flavours (may contain pieces of fruits/nuts) commonly found in the markets. 🥟 Baklava - is a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It was one of the most popular sweet pastries of Ottoman cuisine. 🏺 The Nargile, also known as hookah or hubble-bubble or sheesha or Turkish water pipe, is an old tradition in Turkey for smoking Turkish tobacco (plain or fruit flavored - with or without nicotine). 🧿 Evil Eye Symbol - the Nazar Boncuk symbolizes the jealous and envious look of others, which, according to the popular belief, would have the power to cause various misfortunes to a person or his property. Turkish people believe that this amulet protects its holder from the bad energies by absorbing them. In addition, Turkey is famous for its sweets/desserts, ceramics, silver/gold jewelry, spices. Don’t forget to bargain - it is kind of a national sport. 😉

Istanbul is a city close to my heart, and I've been lucky enough to visit it a few times. The mix of history, tradition, and today's bustling energy makes it a truly unique and exciting place. Since Istanbul is quite big, I've gathered some top hotel picks to add a personal touch to your trip and make your experience in this historical gem even more awesome. Hotels were thoughtfully chosen based on location, experience, accommodation, and service quality. I've included hotels across different areas and with options for all budgets. This guide is open and free, and if it helps you out, you can support my work by booking through the links provided here. Choosing the right hotel can significantly impact your overall experience, so I hope you find the perfect match among these recommendations. Enjoy your stay in the city! 👉 How to use this guide: This guide is organized by popular areas and the kind of experience you seek. Click on hotels on the interactive map or on the list below to find valuable information to help you make the best choice for your trip, as well as the booking link. This guide will be regularly updated. Feel free to reach out, I'd love to hear your feedback or assist in planning your trip!