Advice on traveling to Turkey

I don't know how these discussions work. I was looking for a group to post a discussion in to try and get advice on traveling abroad period. This would be my first time overseas. (Well, to Europe/Asia.)

We want to go to Istanbul but don't know if we should book hotel/flight together, who to use (as in something like Travelocity or booking directly through the airlines), what area to stay in (we think the Galata region, but aren't sure...)

If anyone can help, that'd be great!