10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Istanbul

Sultanahmet is the historical heart of Istanbul, home to iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-recognised Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The narrow streets can be crowded with sightseers, but visitors who have only a short time in the city may want to stay where they’ll play. The neighbourhood offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury guesthouses to basic rooms.

The city’s rich and varied history is evident in this compact area. The subterranean Basilica Cistern, the largest in Istanbul, has remained intact since the 6th century. The Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace is a vast complex-turned-museum housing rare and significant artefacts. Set aside some time to browse the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world with over 4,000 stalls selling copperware, ceramics and textiles.

If atmosphere is what you desire, head to waterfront Ortaköy. This vibrant neighbourhood is known for its lively main square and market and the Grand Mecidiye Mosque. The stunning Baroque Revival structure stands next to the shimmering water of the Bosphorus Strait, a captivating scene.

Relax with a Turkish coffee at a waterfront cafe or munch on kumpir, Turkish-style jacket potatoes sold in the streets near the mosque. Explore the many shops selling local arts and handicrafts or visit the Sunday Design Bazaar. Given the incredible Bosphorus views, hotels here are some of the most luxurious in the city.

Kadiköy is the centre of activity on the Asian side of Istanbul. It’s no less crowded here, but you’ll find yourself in throngs of locals rather than tourists. Staying on this side of the Bosphorus also means you’ll be starting most days with an incredible view on the ferry ride.

Get freshly baked pastries and local fish from sellers at the colourful Kadiköy market. The area is filled with independent coffee shops, and wandering Tellalzade Street you’ll find a number of second-hand bookshops and antique stores. The popular Moda neighbourhood is home to the Bariş Manço House, a small museum memorialising the beloved Turkish musician. Be sure to stick around into the evening for some of the city’s best nightlife.

Taksim is the city’s cosmopolitan core and a major transportation hub on the northern peninsula. The massive Taksim Square is open only to pedestrians and is a popular spot for public celebrations and political demonstrations. Istiklal Street, a busy thoroughfare of shops and bars, starts in the square at the Republic Monument, which was built to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic.

Being so well-connected, visitors staying around Taksim can easily escape the bustle to a quieter neighbourhood. A short ride on the funicular, Kabataş is a charming area with waterside cafes.

Contemporary culture flourishes in Beyoğlu, the sprawling neighbourhood north of Sultanahmet and south of Taksim. This area includes the trendy Karaköy and Galata districts, known for their artsy atmosphere and important cultural institutions like SALT Beyoğlu and Istanbul Modern. Many of the accommodations here are smaller hotels and rental apartments that tend to be reasonably priced and have a distinct character.

Climb the Galata Tower for a hilltop view of the city and browse the little shops clustered in the streets surrounding it. Head to Karaköy Gulluoglu for some of the best baklava in the city and spend your evenings sipping raki at one of the local taverns.

If you crave a daily dose of green in your urban adventures, look no further than Nişantaşi. Trees line the streets of this residential suburb, and it’s located right next to Maçka Park, a large green space in the city centre.

This is an upscale neighbourhood with high-end department stores, stylish apartment buildings and posh hotels. Head here if you’d like to spend an afternoon shopping at designer boutiques and sipping drinks at a stylish pavement cafe. This area is not on a metro route, but a cable car to Taksim will connect you with the rest of the city.

Fener is a historically Greek neighbourhood on the west side of the Golden Horn. Recognised as a significant site by UNESCO, together with the adjoining Balat, the neighbourhood’s buildings have undergone substantial restoration in the last decade. Walking the hilly streets of this hip area you’ll see colourful Ottoman houses, coffee shops on every corner and children playing in the street.

Greek Orthodox buildings give the area much of its character, such as the castle-like, red-brick school building. The Patriarchate of Constantinople, the symbolic headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of St George, has been based here for centuries. Visit to admire their collection of sacred objects and relics.

A short walk from the city’s poshest areas lies Kurtuluş, a down-to-earth neighbourhood with incredible food culture. The nondescript buildings house a treasure trove of bakeries, meze counters and butcher shops, and one particular street is entirely devoted to the institution of Turkish breakfast. Visit on a Sunday to dig through a treasure trove of antiques at the Feriköy market.

Possibly the city’s most diverse neighbourhood, it was the long-time home of the Greek Orthodox community and is now populated largely by the Armenian community. The mindset of the people here is open-minded and neighbourly, attracting intellectuals and the LGBTQ+ community.

Balat is a charming and unusual neighbourhood in the Golden Horn, full of pretty houses, religious buildings and antique shops. Historically the Jewish quarter, the community feel lingers but these days the residents are as diverse as the architecture. Don’t miss Chora Church, worth a visit for the spectacular mosaics and frescoes that adorn its interior.

Exploring the neighbourhood you’ll find ceramic ateliers, art galleries and coffee shops. Balat has been a hub for trade in antiques since the Ottoman era, and most days of the week you can stumble across an evening street-corner auction.

One of the oldest parts of the city and home to 3 universities, Beşiktaş is refined yet affordable. The number of students here makes the area lively and largely residential. Situated along the Bosphorus Strait, the neighbourhood has bistros and bars dotting the waterside, excellent spots to relax and socialise – which is really the name of the game in Beşiktaş.

Yildiz Park is popular among locals for long walks and picnics. The sultan’s former hunting ground, the park has waterfalls, lovely gardens and 2 pavilions where visitors can enjoy a Turkish breakfast fit for royalty.