The area around the landmark Galata Tower, visible from much of the city center, from the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, was a prime 19th-century residential quarter with a large Jewish community.
In decline during much of the 20th century, it is now undergoing rapid renovation and even gentrificationas Istanbullus come to appreciate its central position in the city, and its historical charm.
If you're interested in Istanbul's Jewish history, this is a good place to stay, as the Neve Shalom synagogue is right down the street, and other historic Jewish sites such as the Italian synagogue and Ashkenazi synagogue are only a few blocks away.
Some of its old apartment buildings have been restored and are now available as short-term rentals. There are even a few boutique hotels.
Anemon Galata Hotel
Facing the Galata Tower in this lively Turkish neighborhood, the Anemon Galata offers a real Istanbul experience. Although tourists come to the Galata Tower, most of the people you'll meet here are locals: families, students, workers, retirees. The shops and eateries tend to be authentic rather than touristy, and value-priced. More...
To get to the hotel, it's easy to reserve a value-pricedprivate airport transfer to the hotel in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that costs only slightly more than a taxi, and significantly less than two taxis (which you'll need if you have 4+ people and/or lots of luggage), and far more pleasant, comfortable and trustworthy. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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