Where else to stay In Istanbul other than the Old Qtr?
 

We will be in Istanbul at the beginning our trip for 5 days staying in Sultanahmet. We will return at the end and stay another couple nights. What other area would you recommend staying in for the return? Maybe something a little less touristy, but interesting? thanks

The area across the Galata Bridge up on the hill, Beyoglu, is a nice area. I spent a day there with a friend and her friend, a resident of the area, and it's a very pleasant part of town. Easy to get to, walk across the bridge, take the funicular to the top and there you are, still walking or tram distance from Sultanahmet but with a whole different perspective.

We're also staying in the Sultanhamet area, as you know, but our friends actually recommended we stay near the Galata Tower, which I think is Beyoglu.

In today's NY Times, there's a review of the Gradiva Hotel. It looks very modern/trendy.

Beyoglu sounds like it might be a good choice. Anyone know how far it is from the airport?

sf, thanks for the tip on the NYTimes article. I will take a look.

The airport is very close to the city, I'd say 7 or 8 miles to Sultanahmet and very little farther to Beyoglu. A taxi is the most practical ride.

There are some very nice (and nicely priced) VRBO properties in the Beyoglu neighborhood - you might want to take a peek...