It is interesting to live in Istanbul, but it is important to choose the right place. If you book accommodation at random, you risk plunging into the noise of the crowd of tourists and intrusive sellers. We have collected for you the top areas of the city where it is good for tourists to live, and those where it is better not to meddle. Let's go!
Beyoğlu
- For whom: party-goers, history buffs and active researchers.
- Pros: restaurants, shops, life is in full swing, convenient location.
- Cons: noisy and crowded.
Beyoglu is the heart of Istanbul. It is both a showcase of its history and a reflection of modern life: everything is mixed here, from the spirit of Constantinople to the decline of the 90s and the fashionable interiors of restaurants. Here the city is in full swing around the clock, so if you want to immerse into the real chaos of the metropolis, this is the place for you.
In the middle of the last century, the area was in disrepair, but then the creative industries came, followed by tourists, and now there are coffee shops, restaurants and vintage shops on every corner. We advise you to take a walk along Serdar i Ekrem Street: find unusual vintage clothes or at least look at the bright shop windows (also take a picture of graffiti with a French bulldog in glasses).
Don't miss Bankalar Street, the financial center of the city during the Ottoman Empire. The Salt Cultural Center has become a symbol: a museum, a library and an art space in one place. From here, it is a stone's throw to the historic Galata quarter with its majestic tower built in the XIV century - from there you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Golden Horn.
Don't forget Istiklal, the main shopping street. There are shops, cafes, and just an atmosphere! But the places are super touristy, so the restaurants are expensive and for everyone. But in the backyard you can find real street food: look, for example, in Dürümzade, where they make incredible düryum.
Cihangir
- For whom: hipsters, book lovers, creative people.
- Pros: tranquility, antiques, convenience.
- Cons: hills and high prices.
It is quieter and more comfortable than Istiklal. Cihangir is famous for its intelligence, antique shops and quiet courtyards. For example, you can find a cute café where local retirees discuss politics over morning tea, or baklava shops where you will be treated to free coffee.
We advise you to go to the Museum of Innocence, which was opened by the writer Orhan Pamuk. This is a real treasure trove for lovers of retro - here are things that illustrate the daily life of Istanbul in the 70s.
Walks around Cihangir often end with access to Galataport, a stylish promenade overlooking the Bosphorus. From there, you can take a ferry to the Asian part of Istanbul.
Beşiktaş
- For whom: football fans, students, introverts with a craving for comfort.
- Pros: sea views, cool food, authenticity.
- Cons: heterogeneity of architecture.
Besiktas is a place where Turkish palaces and cozy nooks and crannies of street food meet. Here you will find the Dolmabahce Palace, lush Yildiz with its picnic park, and the famous breakfast street, where you can start the morning with twenty Turkish dishes at once.
If you like football, welcome to a match at the Vodafone Park stadium or the Besiktas FC Museum. If you want something gastronomic, go try kokoreç - a dish for lovers of fried sheep intestines.
Eyüpsultan
- For whom: history lovers and those who plan to spend a long time in Istanbul.
- Pros: in the very center, but prices are lower, a lot of greenery.
- Cons: crowded on Fridays and during Ramadan.
If you say that Eyup is a calm and conservative area, you can easily be deceived in your expectations. Eyüp has not lost its historical flair - it is here that the most important Muslim shrines rest, and its cemeteries, formerly especially popular among high-ranking Ottoman officials, are full of mysticism. Green streets, atmospheric cafes and local workshops, as well as an unforgettable view from Pierre Loti Hill - all this shows that this area is alive and real in its own way.
Kadıköy
- For whom: young people who love fashion and an active life.
- Pros: a dynamically developing area that has retained its authenticity.
- Cons: it can be crowded, prices are rising.
Kadikoy is like the epicenter of fashionable Istanbul, but, alas, it is no longer cheap. It is full of bars, restaurants and cafes where you can have fun without losing touch with history. The area has become European in its appearance and has retained this charm, and its heritage, from the Greek colony of the VII century to the grandiose architecture of the XIX century, does not leave anyone indifferent. No matter how much you walk, there is always something to see here!
Üsküdar
- For whom: those who appreciate silence and a unique atmosphere.
- Pros: many mosques, beautiful places and picturesque views.
- Cons: In the evenings it can be quite deserted.
Uskudar truly represents the atmosphere of old Istanbul. There is no noisy nightlife here, and it may seem more remote than, for example, Beyoglu. However, the atmosphere of this part of the city is beautiful, and the Kuzguncuk district, immersed in greenery and having dozens of home cafes, will give you a real break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Princes' Islands (Adalar)
- For whom: those who are looking for solitude and want to live in the country.
- Pros: green streets, proximity to the sea, silence.
- Cons: difficult to get to, expensive.
If you want to forget about the noise of Istanbul and enjoy complete relaxation, the Princes' Islands are the perfect choice. Villas on the islands resemble ancient, nostalgic corners, and the absence of cars (in general, all cars) creates a unique atmosphere. Evening walks, beaches and picturesque bays will be an excellent choice for those who dream of a quiet life.
We do not recommend areas for housing
Bebek
Everything in Bebek is too beautiful to live in. This elite area is essentially a "luxury recreation" area - people come here on yachts, relax in summer villas and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Fatih
It's the heart of Istanbul, steeped in history and culture, but its vibrant life and crowded streets can overshadow the enjoyment of living.
Fener-Balat
Although the districts are known for their bright houses and creative atmosphere, it can be difficult to live here, especially if you go further away from the main streets.
Eminönü
The heart of old Istanbul, teeming with tourists and vendors. During the day, it is so noisy here that it is difficult to imagine how you can live in such conditions.
Sultanahmet
Although it is home to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet is more of an open-air museum than a place to live.
