10 Istanbul Neighborhoods

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

I recommend visiting both the historic and cosmopolitan neighborhoods so you can get a broader view of Istanbul's past and present, and the fusion of ancient traditions with vibrant contemporary culture. In this article, you'll learn about the main neighborhoods you can't miss.

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

It then became almost an abandoned or marginalized neighborhood, only to become a hipster hotspot with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, boutiques, and a growing nightlife.

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

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• 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 neighborhood.

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 neighborhood?

• Take a tour of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the 15th-century sultans, 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 trendy coastal neighborhood in Besiktas located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. It is famous for its elite and classy urban lifestyle, cafes, and upscale restaurants. The promenade is always bustling and popular with most tourists in Istanbul.

Bebek is known as a neighborhood 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. In addition, you have the option of:

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• Take a walk from Ortakoy to Bebek.
• Have Turkish coffee and dessert at Baylan, the neighborhood's most famous pastry shop.
• Have breakfast, as it is one of the best neighborhoods for this, 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 neighborhoods in Istanbul. Beşiktaş is also famous for its open-air fish market, not to mention that it is home to dozens of lively breakfast cafes and affordable restaurants. When night falls, the affordable bars and pubs become a common gathering place. But you should also:

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

Ortakoy is one of the liveliest neighborhoods, located just north of Besiktas, under the Bosphorus Bridge. The center of this neighborhood consists of a bustling main square filled with 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 neighborhood?

• 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 and souvenir shops.
• Take a guided tour of Istanbul with a walk to Bebek.
• Walk the route between Ortakoy and Bebek to enjoy unique views of the Bosphorus.

Sisli is also a cosmopolitan and exclusive neighborhood 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 centers. However, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Istanbul in terms of accommodation.

The neighborhood is also one of the most popular places to live and shop in Istanbul. Some of Istanbul's largest shopping malls 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 neighborhood?

• Go shopping in Istanbul's largest shopping malls.
• 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 neighborhoods.
• Walk to Taksim Square, located just a few minutes away.
• Visit Nisantasi, the fashion center 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 neighborhood a fantastic place for food lovers, especially if you are on a budget.

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• Visit 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 neighborhood on the Bosphorus known for its Ottoman mansions facing the sea and fish restaurants.

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• Stroll through its 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 nighttime views of the Bosphorus.
• Book a yacht tour in Istanbul to see the neighborhood from the water.

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

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• Stroll through its pleasant green parks and along 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 cafes, traditional restaurants, art galleries, and vintage shops.

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

What can I do in this neighborhood?

• Stroll along the shores of Moda and relax in its seaside parks.
• Have a drink in its charming cafes, tea gardens, and restaurants.
• Enjoy the mix of cultural attractions and nightlife it has to offer.
• Attend live music in bars and pubs at nightfall.
• Combine your visit with a private tour of Istanbul to discover more unique spots.