Istanbul is divided into little pockets of different neighborhoods but the real dividers are the European and Asian side which the Bosphorus separate the peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. These are some of the neighborhoods/areas that are distinctive : Sultanahmet (Sarayburnu) - being the home of Aya Sofya (Sancta Sophia/Hagia Sofia), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome as well as the Yerabatan and the Covered Bazaar, this must be the most travelled area for tourists. Eminonu - is only a few minutes walk to and from Sultanahmet and is famous for the Spice Bazaar. With the train lines from Europe and the ferries to the Asian side, this is a very busy area during the day with lots of hawkers and salesmen trying to sell you things you dont need. Not the place to be at night but wonderful place to explore during the day, from bookshops to electronic stores to fast food (many !). Beyoglu - the place to be seen or see. Taksim Square and the old tram line is here with an offer of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. This area had now blended in with Karakoy (a very busy port as all the international cruise ships dock here), Galata (Goethe Insittue is located here among a lot of antique and collectibles shops) and Tunel (bohemian area). Besiktas (and Ortakoy) - some luxury 5* hotels here to make you feel like a Turkish royal, Ortakoy is a popular place among the locals with dining outlets as well as tea houses. Kadikoy - on the Asian side where you will find plenty of nice and expensive residential areas near parks and tree lined, a less chaotic atmosphere than the European side, plenty of dignified cafes, shops, restaurants, bars, etc. Harbiye (Levent) - business district of Istanbul