10 Istanbul Neighborhoods

Located on two continents, Istanbul has many beautiful neighbourhoods on both the European and Asian sides. Each one stands out for its different characteristics and features.

I recommend visiting both the historic and more cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, so you can get a more general view of Istanbul's past and present, and see how ancient traditions blend with vibrant contemporary culture. In this article, you will learn about the main neighbourhoods that you cannot miss.

Karaköy is a commercial neighbourhood considered one of the oldest and most iconic in Istanbul. As you explore its bustling alleyways, you'll find streets full of locals and tourists. Formerly known as the Galata neighbourhood, it was an important port where the working class and fishmongers lived.

It then became almost abandoned or marginalised, before transforming into a hipster hotspot with trendy cafés, bars and restaurants, boutiques and a growing nightlife.

Karakoy has become one of the best neighbourhoods for nightlife in Istanbul in recent years. It is also home to Galataport, Istanbul's cruise port.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Take the opportunity to book a cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
• Try the seafood restaurants by the sea.
• Visit Karakoy Lokantasi, a famous local restaurant named after the neighbourhood.

Sultanahmet is Istanbul's most popular tourist district, as it connects to the most visited museums such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (one of the best mosques in Istanbul) and other areas of great tourist interest.

Sultanahmet, a paradise for history lovers, bears the traces of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Take a tour of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the sultans in the 15th century, which was converted into a museum in 1924.
• Visit the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, the largest Byzantine cistern preserved in Istanbul.
• Sample the excellent street food.
• Shop at centuries-old markets such as the Grand Bazaar.

Bebek is a charming and modern coastal neighbourhood in Besiktas, located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. It is famous for its elite and classy urban lifestyle, cafés and luxury restaurants. The promenade is always bustling and popular with most tourists visiting Istanbul.

Bebek is known as a neighbourhood where celebrities live, which is why it has several luxury establishments such as nightclubs, hotels and high-end restaurants. However, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a good time in Bebek. You also have the option of:

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Take a walk from Ortakoy to Bebek.
• Have Turkish coffee and dessert at Baylan, the neighbourhood's most famous pastry shop.
• Have breakfast, as this is one of the best neighbourhoods for it, with places offering unique views of the Bosphorus, such as the Mangerie Café, one of the most appealing eateries.

Located on the European side of the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş is one of the oldest and most historic neighbourhoods in Istanbul. Beşiktaş is also famous for its open-air fish market, not to mention that it is home to dozens of lively breakfast cafés and affordable restaurants. When night falls, the affordable bars and pubs become a common meeting place. But you should also:

• Stroll through Besiktas Square.
• Enjoy the night lights.
• Relax and have tea or coffee in the various cafés near the sea.
• Go to the Besiktas Market Area
• Visit the famous Dolmabahce Palace
• Discover the Museum of National Palace Collections of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey or the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture.

The Ortakoy neighbourhood is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods, located just north of Besiktas, under the Bosphorus Bridge. The centre of this neighbourhood consists of a bustling main square full of tourists looking to take photos by the sea and eat street food. It is also a very special place for nightlife lovers. But you can also:

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Admire the iconic Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge from the main square.
• Stroll along the seafront and enjoy the magnificent views.
• Try typical street food, such as stuffed potatoes (kumpir).
• Discover small craft shops and souvenir stores.
• Take a guided tour of Istanbul with a trip to Bebek.
• Walk the route between Ortakoy and Bebek to enjoy unique views of the Bosphorus.

Sisli is also a cosmopolitan and exclusive neighbourhood on the European side of Istanbul. It is famous for its vibrant and bustling urban life, history and culture, museums, churches, mosques, lively streets and shopping centres. However, it is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Istanbul in terms of accommodation.

The neighbourhood is also one of the most popular places to live and shop in Istanbul. Some of Istanbul's largest shopping centres and most luxurious hotels are located there. In addition, the headquarters of many large companies are located in this area.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Go shopping in Istanbul's largest shopping centres.
• Stay in some of the city's most luxurious hotels.
• Stroll through streets lined with museums, churches and historic mosques.
• Book a ticket for the tourist bus to travel comfortably to other neighbourhoods.
• Walk to Taksim Square, located just a few minutes away.
• Visit Nisantasi, the fashion centre of Istanbul.

Kadikoy is a quiet residential area in Istanbul. Although it is not the most popular place for tourism, it is one of the richest areas in terms of local markets and restaurants, ideal if you want to try traditional Turkish delicacies.

Thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Marmara, you will find many fish markets and street food vendors, making the neighbourhood a fantastic place for foodies, especially if you are not looking to spend a lot.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Browse the fish markets and try fresh seafood.
• Shop and sample products at markets and street stalls.
• Take part in one of Istanbul's most popular food tours.
• Try the famous "Taste of Two Continents" food tour, which combines the Old City with Kadikoy.

Arnavutköy is the heart of Istanbul's nightlife, as well as a luxury neighbourhood on the Bosphorus known for its Ottoman mansions facing the sea and fish restaurants.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Stroll through the streets and admire the Ottoman mansions facing the sea.
• Admire the yachts moored along the coast.
• Enjoy high-end restaurants serving traditional fish dishes.
• Experience the elegant nightlife in trendy cocktail bars.
• Listen to music while taking in the night views of the Bosphorus.
• Book a yacht tour in Istanbul to see the neighbourhood from the water.

Balat is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods in Istanbul and should be included in your guided tour of Istanbul. It is tucked away on the coast of Eminonu along the Golden Horn.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Stroll through its pleasant green parks and paths that wind along the coast to the end of the Golden Horn.
• Search for treasures in its antique shops and take part in lively auctions.
• Take the picturesque ferry that connects to Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu.
• Visit historic churches and synagogues that recall its Jewish and Greek Orthodox past.
• Explore its streets lined with cafés, traditional restaurants, art galleries and vintage shops.

A visit to the Moda neighbourhood is another must-see on your trip to Istanbul. Very quiet, it is located on the Asian side and is a popular residential area.

What can I do in this neighbourhood?

• Stroll along the banks of Moda and relax in its seaside parks.
• Have a drink in its charming cafés, tea gardens and restaurants.
• Enjoy the mix of cultural attractions and nightlife on offer.
• Attend live music in bars and pubs as night falls.
• Combine your visit with a private tour of Istanbul to discover more unique spots.