Are you thinking of moving to Istanbul? We put together the most livable neighborhoods of Istanbul, based on the education level, welfare status, several academic and social researches made by city authorities and universities.
We also put our picks based on getting around, neighborhood vibes, ease of communication, best food and drink opportunities, best entertainment and nightlife.
1.Galata
This is the best area in Istanbul to live. It is a famous historical area of the district located in Beyoğlu district, and it is one of the most beautiful areas in Istanbul. One of the most famous landmarks in the district is Galata Tower, Istanbul’s most famous ancient tower, of which many stories and legends have been told.
And away from the Galata Tower, you will find something new in the streets of the district to explore, especially in Serdar – Ekrem Street, which contains the most beautiful shops and malls, as well as Galip Dede Street.
And if you need to take a short break, you can stop at the cafes spread around the neighborhood. It offers the most famous Turkish drinks such as tea, coffee and other beverages, and Mavra Cafe is a very well-known cafe, where many Turkish residents of the city prefer to spend their time.
2.BAHCESEHIR
Located in the European side of Istanbul, Bahcesehir is rapidly gaining ground as the perfect residential area. Social life centers around the man-made main lake in the center of Bahcesehir, and shopping malls provide entertainment and dining venues. When expats move to Bahcesehir, there is no need to go to the city center, as everything is at your doorstep, including a well-organized and convenient transport network.
3.NISANTASI
Nisantasi is not one of the most affordable places to live due to its focus on luxury. Indeed, if expats want to experience life on the streets of Istanbul, renting here puts them right in the heart of Istanbul’s elite social circles. Its most important street, Abdi Ipekci, is Turkey’s most expensive shopping district, with big name brands paying thousands of dollars in rent every month. Expect lunch while shopping for luxury and see trendy boutiques.
4.TARABYA
To live here is to enjoy the ambiance of the coastal Bosphorus strait. It is one of the most popular places to enjoy free time not only for foreigners but also for Turkish people. During the summer, the area sees an increasing number of tourists flocking to enjoy its seaside restaurants and old churches, but expats can enjoy this vibe all year round. Belonging to the district of Sariyer, the suburbs of Tarabya do not favor this urban feel, and settling in is easy as the neighbors are very welcoming.
5.KARAKOY
This area is considered one of the most important areas of Istanbul, as it was and still is used as an important cruise port in the city. Interest in the area began in 2012, and as a result of this interest, many world famous restaurants, boutique hotels and cafes have appeared in the area.
As well as the most well-known restaurant “Karaköy Lokantası” in the region, famous for serving dinner of the most famous local Turkish cuisine and international cuisine from all countries in the world.
Karakoy is crowded on holiday with local Istanbul Turkish residents and tourists who heard about the beauty of Karakoy and come to enjoy and explore more fun in the neighborhood.
6.MODA
Unlike the European side of Istanbul, which is full of life and activity, we find that the Asian side of Istanbul does not get the appreciation it deserves because the type of fun and exploration there is different. It has a very local character, where authentic Turkish cafes and restaurants serving local Turkish cuisine, and many shops selling Turkish products, and shops of young entrepreneurs.
And one of the most famous streets in the district is Kadife Street, which is full of pedestrian shops. And the beauty of the Moda district also lies in the magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Especially Moda Beach is a great place to walk around and enjoy the beauty of Istanbul. There are other neighborhoods in Istanbul that are worth visiting and exploring. And each of them has its unique fame, beauty and advantages over other districts. You should consider Moda as an alternative to move in
7.ARNAVUTKOY
Arnavutköy is one of Istanbul’s best areas to live, especially famous for its nightlife. This is because of its prime location near the Bosphorus, the most famous spot in Istanbul and a destination for tourists and Turks alike. The Arnavutköy district is famous for its famous fish restaurants and youth cafes, which attract young people, especially young Europeans, where there are many bars serving drinks and cocktails, so we find the lively district of passers-by late at night.
During the day, you can visit the Arnavutköy district and admire the elegant Ottoman house and palaces overlooking the Bosphorus. It is an attractive sight during the day when the water of the Bosphorus reflects on it.
8.BALAT
In Malta, there are many ancient churches, the most famous of which is St. George’s Church, the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Lycée is one of the most famous landmarks in the Balat district, and it is a red brick building towering over the entire district, so the building can be seen from anywhere in the district.
Many colorful houses in the famous district amaze tourists and attract them to come and watch it and take the best souvenir photos.
The neighborhood is full of boutiques and art galleries run by up-and-coming young entrepreneurs. It is prevalent in all the streets of Balat district, especially in Yildirim and Vodina streets.
9.CIHANGIR
A district where caricaturists, painters and actors live in Istanbul, a bohemia with its cafes, where debates on theater, cinema, literature and philosophy take place. This is Cihangir.
The streets are busy, but you don’t see grumpy people rushing and running trying to reach somewhere. It looks like this place is not a five minute walk from Taksim. It’s more like an Aegean village by the sea. It’s so quiet, peaceful and cozy. It’s as if everyone was there for their vacation. Thanks to the tables placed on the sidewalk, if you forget for a moment that you are in Istanbul, it is possible to feel like in Paris.
10.ETILER
Nispetiye Avenue, located in the luxurious district of Etiler, is often frequented by the wealthy of Istanbul. From lavish hotels to exquisite and expensive dinner parties, Nispetiye Avenue is where Istanbul’s celebrities spend nights in clubs, dinner clubs and hotels. Many expats and executives live in Etiler. There are many residential areas with sports and leisure facilities such as the Al kent residential site.
11.BESIKTAS
The neighborhoods of Beşiktaş and Ortaköy along the Bosphorus are home to some of Istanbul’s most luxurious international hotels, offering stunning views of the famous strait. Beşiktaş itself is a bustling public transport hub with a youthful vibe and plenty of laid-back bars and restaurants around its bustling market. A group of restored late 19th-century Ottoman rowhouses in the Akaretler part of the district, near the Naval Museum, now house cafes and exhibits of contemporary art.
Located under the first Bosphorus Bridge, Ortaköy has a beautiful baroque mosque and a popular waterfront. Both areas have ferry docks, although Beşiktaş has more connections. Between the two is the green, hilly Yıldız Park, the Sultan’s former hunting ground, now a popular place to grab a large Turkish breakfast buffet in a century-old pavilion.
12.KADIKOY
The popularity of the Kadıköy district, on the Asian side of Istanbul, has exploded in recent years, creating a lively area day and night, with third-wave cafes, trendy boutiques, small independent art galleries, restaurants, cocktail bars, pubs and music venues.
While the neighborhood has a few notable sights – a museum dedicated to a beloved Turkish rock star, a 1927 opera house, a new mixed-use cultural center in a restored gasworks – a colorful street market – the main attraction is simply to soak up the scene and admire the spectacular sunsets from the long waterfront park promenade. This area has a handful of hotel options, mostly near the water, but it’s easy to hop in for the day or evening from Eminönü or Karaköy on a ferry ride – a quintessential sightseeing experience. Istanbul itself.
13.GOKTURK
Expats often live in Gokturk and as a result the area also feels international, with popular chains like Starbucks in the commercial areas. There is a rich food scene with international cuisine, kebab restaurants and fish and meze places. Pets are welcome in the local cafes and for entertainment there are cinemas and shops. The Vadi Istanbul shopping center is a short drive away. Hospitals, gymnasiums, banks, supermarkets and shops are also found in the area. People who like the downtown vibe without the traffic and crowds and want access to nature will love the area with the Belgrad Forest and its hiking trails right there, combined with the lure of outdoor living. big city.
14.ZEKERIYAKOY
Zekeriyakoy is one of the most beautiful areas in Istanbul where the richness and magic of nature combine to attract real estate investors for the best experience.Zekeriyaköy area in Sariyer is an important area where real estate prices increase. Although the district is located in the city, it gives its inhabitants the opportunity to live in the picturesque nature, where the sea overlaps with green forests and individual villas with private gardens. This has had a significant impact on their prices and rents where villa prices have become very high which is commensurate with its luxury and important position in the city of Istanbul making it a place for the wealthy and the elite.
In general, the area of Zekeriyaköy Istanbul is desirable for the wealthy, as the wealthiest people in Turkey often inhabit it. However, when it comes to villas for sale in Istanbul or real estate investment in Istanbul, one of the first areas that comes to mind is Zekeriyaköy. In particular, studies and statistics made on real estate sales activities in the area have proven that it is one of the most popular areas of Istanbul, which is experiencing an increase and improvement in property prices. real estate. These studies have also shown that one of the reasons for investing in this area is the predominance of green areas where is considered one of the most beautiful areas of Istanbul in terms of spreading greenery and the beauty of its nature. Additionally, the region is experiencing a continuous improvement and rise in real estate prices. This made it a magnet for investors, and its mainly villa-style real estate system increased its importance.
15.BOSTANCI
Bostancı is a district of Kadıköy district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, bordering the Sea of Marmara.As the easternmost district of Kadıköy district, it borders Suadiye and Kozyatağı (also Kadıköy districts) to the west, Içerenköy (a district of Ataşehir) to the north, and Altintepe (a district of Maltepe) to the east.
Mainly a residential area, Bostancı sits on the Marmaray and has important transport links with the M4 metro lines and ferries to the Princely Islands in the Sea of Marmara.Usually Baghdad Street is considered the starting point from the main shopping street that goes all the way to Kadikoy.
Due to its location on the water, there are several fish restaurants in Bostancı. It is also popular as a place to stop for late night fast food. Many places serving people returning from bars and clubs on Baghdad Street remain open all night.
16.KEMER COUNTRY
Kemer Country is a residential area and social settlement located in the Göktürk district of Eyüp Sultan, Istanbul, Turkey. Structures have been added to the process in this residential area, the concept of which was first created in 1986 and is aimed at the upper income level. It currently has a population approaching around 4,000 people. Some of the structures that make up the land of Kemer are:
Kemer Country Social Center
Hotels near Kemer Boy Mansions
Kemer Country Tulip Bowl
Luxury mansions of the country of Kemer
17.BEYKOZ
Beykoz is a district located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. Beykoz is surrounded by the Bosphorus to the west, the district of Side to the east, the Black Sea to the north, and the districts of Cekmeköy, Üsküdar and Ümraniye to the south. Beykoz area is very close to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The area is very rich in greenery and has a long coast of the Bosphorus. Beykoz is also famous for its historical mansions on the Bosphorus coast. When you come to Beykoz, you can feel like you are in an old fishing village, away from the crowds and noise of the city. On the other hand, there are many university campuses located in Beykoz district, such as Marmara University and Turkish-German University. There are also many historical places to visit in Beykoz like Anatolian Fortress and Hıdiv Pavilion. Besides, the district has walking areas such as Mihrabad Grove and Abraham Pasha Grove.
18.MASLAK
The Maslak area is one of the most important shopping centers in Istanbul and is one of the opportunistic real estate areas in terms of investment and high financial returns, thanks to its vitality and its intermediate position between the Asian sides and European city. This has made it a certified commercial center for major global companies and hotels, thanks to its rich infrastructure with skyscrapers and large commercial towers, distinctive with modern and contemporary designs that facilitate commercial traffic for entrepreneurs. Today it is called “The City of the Rich” and is home to the stability of merchants and businessmen. Maslak is considered a tourist with distinction, won over by its buildings and the aesthetics of its age and gives its visitors an atmosphere of comfort and a feeling of constant upliftment, with its shopping malls, cafes, markets, streets lively, as well as its location near Istanbul’s famous landmarks.
