Best Areas of Istanbul for High-Profile Neighborhoods

Getting to know the best areas of Istanbul depends on your destination. Some parts of this Turkish city feature luxury, others tourist attractions, and still others the perfect place to live and work. There are 39 official districts in Istanbul across Europe and Asia. These are further divided into hundreds of Istanbul's neighborhoods by the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Famous areas of Istanbul include Sultanahmet, Taksim, Beyoglu, Kadikoy, Besiktas, Uskudar, Sicily, etc. From its majestic minaret to its vibrant nightlife scene, Istanbul has a lot to offer.

Whether exploring the winding streets of mosques or hunting for property along the scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn, Istanbul's neighborhoods and districts are fascinating. Before we discuss the best areas for traveling from other countries, it's worth knowing which airport to fly into. Istanbul has two main airports.

Istanbul Airport (IST): Istanbul Euroairport is the city's main international airport. It is located 40 kilometers northwest of the centre. Istanbul Airport is the busiest airport in Turkey with hundreds of domestic and international flights every day. It serves several major airlines and offers extensive connections to destinations worldwide.

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW): Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located in Istanbul Asia, about 45 kilometers southeast of the city center. Although it is farther away than Istanbul Airport, it is still easily accessible and offers both domestic and international flights. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is especially popular with low-cost airlines traveling to Istanbul, Asia.

Best Areas of Istanbul - Türkiye's Largest City

Sultanahmet area and main tourist attractions

In the Fatih district of Istanbul, the Old City of Mosques is the most popular place to visit while on vacation in Istanbul. Often regarded as the center of Istanbul's top tourist attractions, this is where most first-time visitors and tourist crowds gather. The Old City was once the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and still showcases its architectural masterpieces. A major tourist attraction in the Old Mosque is the impressive Hagia Sophia.

Another landmark of this Istanbul neighborhood is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman rulers. Finally, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, just a short walk from the hotel, attracts a large number of tourists. Comprising more than 4,000 shops and stalls, the Grand Bazaar played a vital role in the city's trade and cultural exchange, making it an important historical landmark in this Istanbul neighbourhood.

Strolling through the Grand Bazaar, throngs of tourists marvel at the craftsmanship of Turkish carpets and ceramics, bargain for gold and silver jewellery, and sample exotic spices. Besides shopping, the Grand Bazaar immerses you in Istanbul's vibrant culture. From the Grand Bazaar, you can walk to the beautiful Golden Horn, which gives the impression of Istanbul.

Balat and Fener in Fatih District

Balat and Fener are historic districts in the Fatih district of Istanbul. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into Istanbul's past with their rich history, colorful houses and cultural heritage. Located on the southern shore of the Golden Horn, Balat is known for its charming narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses painted in bright colours. The neighborhood was once home to Jewish, Greek and Armenian communities, whose cultural influences are still visible today.

Fener, next to Balat, is another historic neighborhood in the Fatih district. It is famous for its Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, which has been the spiritual center of the Orthodox Church since Byzantine times. Narrow streets, traditional houses and local restaurants add to the unique character of the area. Balat and Fener have picturesque streets and historical sites that create a charming atmosphere. They offer an escape from the busy city center to explore Istanbul's multicultural heritage.

Taksim Square and Beyoglu are centrally located and modern Istanbul

Crossing the Golden Horn, but still in European Istanbul, we reach Taksim and Beyoglu. Known for its art galleries, cool cafes, trendy restaurants, tourist attractions and bustling street life, this place is also suitable for first-time tourists. Taksim Square is at the center of this neighborhood in Istanbul and symbolizes Turkey's transformation into a modern republic. Taksim Square is also a central meeting place and starting point for exploring the area.

This has resulted in Istiklal Street being lined with shops, cool cafes, restaurants, antique stores, art galleries and theaters offering international and local brands. The rooftop bar and nightclub is located in the alley of Istiklal Street. That makes it a great spot for a vibrant nightlife.

Additionally, Independence Avenue is home to numerous local attractions. The Pera Museum and Tourist Attraction offers a variety of art collections, including Turkish Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and contemporary works. For a panoramic view of Istanbul, tourists can head to the local landmark, Galata Tower.

Best Kadikoy in Istanbul Asia

Located in Istanbul, Asia, Kadikoy is ideal for exploring local attractions of Istanbul's cultural offerings. This vibrant district on the Asian side of Istanbul is home to colorful bazaars and antique shops that are vibrant and lively. Kadikoy also has a lively nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs and live music venues to suit all tastes.

Kadikoy is also home to antique shops and a thriving arts and culture scene. Visit the Barismenco Cultural Center for a performance or exhibition, or explore independent galleries and artist studios throughout the region. Like many parts of Istanbul in Asia, Kadikoy is home to several historical sites and landmarks, including Haydarpasa Railway Station and the Ottoman-era Moda Pier.

The best luxury in Besiktas

Besiktas in Istanbul Europe offers traditional Turkish lifestyle with modern city life. The area is vast and ideal for luxury hotels or boutique hotels with stylish rooms. In the city you will find the best restaurants, luxury hotels, cafés and shops for every taste and budget. A popular attraction in Besiktas is the historic Bosphorus waterfront. The promenade is perfect for walking, jogging or cycling while looking out over the Bosphorus and Istanbul in Asia.

Take a leisurely ferry ride from Besiktas to charming Ortaköy. Besiktas is home to several museums and historical sites, including the Dolmabahce Palace and the Naval Museum. The palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 19th and early 20th centuries and has stunning interiors and beautiful gardens. The Naval Museum showcases Turkey's rich maritime history, with a large collection of ship models, weapons and nautical instruments.

Karakoy district of Istanbul

Close to the Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn, European Karakoy has developed into a trendy center for art, design and food. For those who prefer the more modern, trendy residential areas of the Golden Horn, the winding streets of Karakoy are the place to be. As you wander through the area, you'll also notice the abundance of fashion boutiques and design studios.

The hip crowd that frequents Karakoy attracts fashion and design entrepreneurs to set up shop. But it's not just the modern vibe that draws people to this uptown. The neighborhood's rich history reflects its role as an important commercial and cultural center during the Ottoman era. This area of ​​the Golden Horn was also crucial to the conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

Beylikdüzü Investment

Beylikdüzü is known for modern urban developments, residential areas and various amenities. The area has seen significant growth and development in recent years, attracting residents and businesses to purchase residential properties including apartments, villas and gated communities.

Beylikdüzü has become popular with families and young professionals looking for a modern and comfortable living environment thanks to shopping, dining and entertainment options offered by several shopping centers such as Beylikdüzü Migros AVM and Perlavista AVM.

The area also has numerous parks and green spaces that provide residents with recreational opportunities for outdoor activities. Various bus lines and Metrobus facilitate transportation in Beylikdüzü. This rapid transit system connects different parts of Istanbul. Additionally, the E-5 and TEM highways pass through the area, providing easy access to the rest of the city. Overall, Beylikdüzü offers a comfortable and modern living environment in terms of housing options, amenities and easy transportation, making it an attractive location in Istanbul.

Islamic heritage Eyup

Eyup in Istanbul, Europe is located on the west bank of the Golden Horn. Eyup is known for its religious importance, historical sites and traditional atmosphere. A notable landmark is the Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the holiest places in Islam. Inside the mosque is the tomb of Eyup Sultan, the companion of the Prophet Muhammad. This famous pilgrimage site attracts tourists from all over the world. The area's rich history is known for its traditional Ottoman architecture and narrow cobbled streets.

Walking around the area, you will find many historic buildings, traditional wooden houses and small shops selling traditional wares. Pierre Loti Hill offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn. It is named after Pierre Loti, a French writer and naval officer who often visited the mountain and wrote about his experiences in Istanbul. Eyüp is also home to the historic Eyüp Cemetery, where many famous figures from Ottoman history are buried.

The cemetery on the hillside offers a peaceful and scenic setting. Eyup's vibrant local culture includes traditional teahouses, street markets and small neighborhood restaurants serving Turkish cuisine. Eyup is accessible by several means of transport, including public buses, the Eyup-Pielotti cable car and ferry services. Eyup showcases the city's rich history, religious importance and traditional charm. It offers a unique experience for tourists who want to explore the cultural and historical aspects of Istanbul.

Family Lifestyle and Green Spaces in Bahcesehir

Bahcesehir in European Istanbul is part of the larger Basaksehir district near the western suburbs. Bahcesehir has a solid reputation for urban development, green spaces and a family-friendly environment. Bahcesehir mainly consists of residential areas offering various housing options and amenities such as parks, sports complexes, shopping malls, schools and health centers.

What sets the area apart are the green spaces, including parks and lakes. The central feature of the area is Bahcesehir Pond, a large artificial lake surrounded by recreational areas, walking paths and picnic areas. Here, residents enjoy outdoor activities like jogging, biking, and boating. There are also several shopping centers in the area, including Akbatı Mall and Prestige Mall.

Although Bahcesehir is located on the outskirts of the city, it is well-connected, including bus services connecting the area with the rest of Istanbul. The area is conveniently located near the TEM highway, allowing easy access to the city center and other parts of Istanbul.

Get to Know Istanbul: Public Transport to Get Around

Of course, there is no better way to learn about the most beautiful regions than to explore them yourself. The ideal way to get around is by public transport, which offers you a variety of options.

Metro: Istanbul's extensive metro network serves Europe and Asia. The metro system connects the central area with attractions including Taksim Square, the Mosque, Kadikoy and Ataturk Airport.

Tram: Several tram lines operate in Istanbul, mostly on the European side. Tram line T1, known as "T1 Bağcılar-Kabataş", is popular with tourists as it passes major attractions such as Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar and Eminonu.

Cable Car: Cable cars provide transportation between hilly areas. The tunnel connects Beyoglu's Karakoy and Istiklal avenues, while the Kabatas cable car line connects Kabatas with Taksim Square.

Bus: Istanbul has an extensive bus network covering the entire city, including both the European and Asian sides. Buses provide routes to different parts of the city, suburbs and transport hubs.

Dolmus: Dolmuses are shared minibuses that operate on fixed routes. They are an affordable and convenient option for short trips within the city or nearby suburbs.

Ferries: Istanbul's strategic location on the Bosphorus and Sea of ​​Marmara allows ferries to connect different regions and nearby islands. Ferries are especially popular between the European and Asian coasts of Istanbul.

Metrobus: This express bus system operates on dedicated lanes for fast and efficient transportation. Metrobus serves major routes, including major arterials on both sides of Istanbul.

Note: The Istanbul public transport system uses Istanbulkart rechargeable e-tickets to pay for fares. Istanbul Karts are available for purchase at various stations and can be used on all public transport.