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 particularities and characteristics.

I recommend you to visit both the historic neighborhoods and the more cosmopolitan ones, so you can have a more general vision of the before and after Istanbul, of the fusion of ancient traditions with the vibrant contemporary culture. In this article you will learn about the main ones you can't miss.

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

Then, it became almost a neglected or marginalized neighborhood before becoming a hipster hotspot with trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, boutiques and a growing nightlife.

Karakoy has become one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Istanbul in recent years. It is also home to Galataport, which is Istanbul's cruise port. So on your visit, you can:

• Take the opportunity to book a cruise on Istanbul's Bosphorus.
• Try the fish restaurants by the sea.
• Go to Karakoy Lokantasi, a famous local restaurant named after the neighborhood.

Sultanahmet is the most popular tourist district of Istanbul, as it links 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.

In addition, its location is ideal to embark on a tour of the Topkapi Palace, the 15th century residence of the sultans transformed into a museum in 1924, and the 6th century Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet, which is a paradise for history lovers, bears the traces of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In this neighborhood you can:

• Taste excellent street food.
• Shop in centuries-old markets such as the Grand Bazaar.

Bebek is a charming and trendy seaside neighborhood of Besiktas located on the European shores of the Bosphorus. It is famous for its elite and classy urban life, upscale cafes and restaurants. The waterfront is always lively and popular with most tourists in Istanbul.

Bebek is known as a neighborhood where celebrities live, hence it has several upscale establishments such as nightclubs, hotels and high-end restaurants. However, you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good time in Bebek. In addition, you have the option of:

• Take a walk from Ortakoy to Bebek.
• Have Turkish coffee and dessert at Baylan, the most famous pastry shop in the neighborhood.
• Have breakfast, as it is one of the best neighborhoods for it, having places with a unique view of the Bosphorus as in the Mangerie Café, one of the most appetizing food places.

Located on the European side of the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods of 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. Come nightfall, affordable bars and pubs become a common gathering place. But you should also:

• Stroll around Besiktas Square.
• Enjoy the night lights.
• Rest and drink tea or coffee in the various cafes near the sea.
• Go to the Besiktas Market Area

Strolling through the Kabatas area from Besiktas, you can see and visit the famous Dolmabahce Palace, the National Palaces Collections Museum of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture.

The Ortaköy neighborhood is one of the liveliest neighborhoods, located just north of Besiktas, just below the Bosphorus Bridge. The center of this neighborhood consists of a bustling main square full of tourists looking to take pictures by the sea and eat street food. It is also a very particular place for nightlife lovers.

Ortakoy means village in the middle in Turkish. True to its name, this cozy neighborhood located in the middle of the Bosphorus has a magnificent view of the sea. When you look at photos of Ortakoy, you can see hundreds of photos of the Bosphorus Bridge and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.

Among the best guided tours of Istanbul is to take a walk to Bebek after lunch in Ortakoy. The walking route between Ortakoy and Bebek will allow you to see the most beautiful views of the Bosphorus.

Sisli is also a cosmopolitan and exclusive neighborhood of Istanbul on the European side. It is famous for its vibrant and busy urban life, history and culture, museums, churches, mosques, lively streets and shopping malls. Mind you, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Istanbul in terms of accommodation.

The neighborhood is also one of the most popular living and shopping places 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 the area.

It is very easy to get from Sisli to Ortakoy and Bebek, perhaps the most fashionable and beautiful neighborhoods on the Bosphorus. One option is to book a tourist bus ticket. On the other hand, Taksim Square, located in the heart of the city, is just a few minutes' walk from Sisli. The neighborhood is also within walking distance of Nisantasi, the center of clothing fashion.

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

Thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Marmara, you will find many fish markets and street food vendors, which makes the neighborhood a great place for food lovers, especially if you are not looking to spend a lot. A perfect option to include in your Istanbul food tour.

In fact, the Kadikoy fish market has been one of the most popular destinations for Istanbul food tours in recent years. Famous full gastronomic passes, such as "Taste of Two Continents," focus on both the Old City and Kadikoy.

Arnavutköy is the heart of nightlife in Istanbul, as well as an upscale neighborhood along the Bosphorus known for Ottoman waterfront mansions and fish restaurants.

During the day it's great to stroll through the picturesque neighborhood, observing the many beautiful homes that punctuate the shores of the sparkling water. Here you'll see incredible waterfront mansions and yachts parked along the shore.

It also boasts an elegant nightlife thanks to its picturesque neighborhood that overlooks the Bosphorus waterfront. Upscale restaurants serve traditional fish dishes and trendy cocktail bars pump out music at night, all with stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Balat is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods of Istanbul and you have to include it in your guided tour of Istanbul. It is hidden along the coast of Eminonu along the Golden Horn. The first things you'll see are its pleasant green parks, often filled with families, and its promenades that wind along the coast and end at the end of the Golden Horn.

Antique collectors, bargain hunters and nostalgics flock to the stores in this neighborhood, especially when they hold lively auctions. While it is true that this neighborhood is a bit further away from the center, the fact that there is a scenic ferry connecting this neighborhood to the other side makes it easy to return to Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu after a day of leisurely strolling.

In the past it was a neighborhood for Jewish and Greek Orthodox families, hence many churches and synagogues can be found. Now, the streets are lined with cafes, traditional restaurants, art galleries and vintage stores.

A visit to the Moda neighborhood is another of the plans that you have to include in your visit to Istanbul. Very quiet, it is located on the Asian side. It is also a popular residential area on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Moda Shores and the parks are very popular with the young locals. There are a variety of charming cafes, tea gardens and restaurants along Moda's shores and its hinterland.

In addition, it is a modern neighborhood with a surprising mix of cultural hotspots and nightclubs, making it ideal for people looking to experience the traditional and cultural aspects of Istanbul, but also want to party when the sun goes down. After dark, the area comes alive with live music in bars and pubs.