Istanbul - Sutlanhamet vs Beyoglu

Beyoglu is nicer to stay. Avrupa hotel is a decent budget option. Walking between Beyoglu and Sultanahmet; can be done but a stiff walk. I suggest you use the tramway. At night waling between the two can be a bit iffy because you cross through a largely deserted area on both sides of the bridge.

Agree about the tram, they are frequent, convenient and cheap. Just 1.3YTL per ride.
You need to buy a token first. You can buy any amount at a time to save time. Or you can get an Akbil, which is cheaper still per ride.
For Beyoglu from Sultanahmet you can get off at the last stop (Kabatas) and then get the funicular to Taksim.

There are more bars, etc in the Beyoglu district

I'd personally like staying in Sultanahmet - you are much closer to the historical and cultural sites, there is a large choice of hotels. It is quieter than Beyoglu as far as night life is concerned there is still plenty of choice when it comes to bars and restaurants. I'd recommend visiting Yeni Akbiyk Caddesi where there are a few bars and restaurants

Also waking up in Sultanahmet and walking out in the early morning, especially around the Hippodrome, as the city wakes up is just wonderful. As is strolling past Aya Sofya or the Blue Mosque at dusk as the call to prayer echos around the buildings. Magical

It's easy to get to Beyoglu by tram and furnicular and is worth spending a couple of evenings or more around there - Nevizade Street near the fish market in Beyoglu and its fish restaurants are great - but staying in Sultanahmet and visting Beyoglu is what I would choose as you kind of get the best of both worlds as it were

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<hr>I'd personally like staying in Sultanahmet - you are much closer to the historical and cultural sites,<hr></blockquote> I agree...