Sirkeci

Sirkeci is practical with good transport links and less tourist pressure than Sultanahmet. More authentic feel but still central for sightseeing. A solid practical choice.

Sirkeci is a smart choice if you want to be central without dealing with the full tourist circus of Sultanahmet. The area is built around the train station and ferry terminal, so it's incredibly well-connected - you can get trains to the suburbs, ferries to the Asian side, or Bosphorus tours all from the same area. Hotels here cost way less than Sultanahmet for similar quality, and you're still walking distance to the main sights. The Spice Bazaar is more manageable than the Grand Bazaar, and the area has good cheap food from the local workers who eat here. Police patrol regularly because of the transport hub, and there are always people around during the day. It's practical rather than charming, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.