by Al Khail Real Estate Broker
Wondering where to live in Istanbul?
Wondering where to live in Istanbul? Are you searching for the best place to live in Istanbul?
I completely understand your struggle and give you the right to be concerned about choosing the best places for living in Istanbul. Investing and migrating to a new city is always stressful, and if this new city is a metropolis with a complex culture like Istanbul, it will be difficult to choose the best areas to live in. However, the good news is that you can make great choices by getting enough information about Istanbul’s convenient and safe neighborhoods.
If you are thinking of migrating to Istanbul and you are still not sure where to live in Istanbul, read this complete and comprehensive guide. Do not worry at all because in this article I want to introduce the best places for living in both the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, stay tuned.
Important things to know before choosing your place to live
As Turkey’s largest city (17 million inhabitants), Istanbul is famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture, diverse cultures and friendly folk. Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia and three very large suspension bridges connect the European and Asian shores of Istanbul.
One of the main beauties of Istanbul is that different populations with different cultures and lives are gathered around and you will reach a modern and attractive neighborhood in a short time from a historical neighborhood. You will never feel lonely living in Istanbul and you will quickly make great friends.
Choosing the best residential area in Istanbul varies according to different criteria. Each neighborhood may be considered better than the other for a variety of reasons, some of them due to natural beauty, others due to the urban and economic renaissance, and even tourism and their excellence.
What factors influence you in choosing a suitable neighborhood to live in? Education level, welfare status or livability of the neighborhood? If you don’t know about the neighborhoods and the best living areas in Istanbul, there is no need to worry. I have compiled a complete list of the best places to live in Istanbul for you.
Where are the best places for living in Istanbul?
Many people try to choose the best areas to live in Istanbul, but the main thing is that there is a wide competition between the old and modern neighborhoods of Istanbul. In any case, this increased demand has led to an increase in the purchase of houses in Istanbul and has necessarily led to a rise in prices. To really choose the best places for living in Istanbul, it’s important that you stay in an area that caters to your interests, budget and tastes.
However, do not worry at all. Still wondering where to live in Istanbul? We are here to help! This guide covers different districts and neighborhoods in both Asian and European side of Istanbul and will give you a good idea of where to live in Istanbul, including what to expect from each area. Let’s begin.
I am an investor like you and I understand very well that you, as an investor, are looking to invest your money in the right place. I will show you the best places in Istanbul to live. Here are the top locations that you can invest your money and buy poperty in Istanbul.
Best areas to live in Istanbul Asian side
Are you familiar with the best neighborhoods in Istanbul Asian side? The Asian part of Istanbul is located east of the Bosphorus and is of great geographical importance. The Asian part of Istanbul has excellent residential areas due to its tranquility, security, peace and cultural heritage. Here are the best areas to purchase cheap apartments for sale in Istanbul Asian side.
This part of Istanbul is less crowded. Hence, there are fewer tourists and as a result lower prices for accommodation and restaurants.
The diversity of infrastructure projects, such as the large transportation network, modern technologies in public facilities and the international airport, are the reasons to make the Asian segment the best place for real estate investment.
1. Üsküdar: A prominent neighborhood in Istanbul
One of the best and most prominent neighborhoods in the Asian part of Istanbul is Üsküdar. Üsküdar is a dense district and oldest residential area in Istanbul that is home to around half a million people.
This neighborhood is located near the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden’s Tower. In Turkish, The Maiden’s Tower means Kız Kulesi and there are many stories about this tower in Turkish culture. If you are searching for the best place to live in Istanbul, Üsküdar should be your choice.
By buying a house in Üsküdar and living in this neighborhood, you will be close to the most famous tourist attractions of Istanbul and you will enjoy an authentic, local experience. Üsküdar is famous for its beautiful coastline and unique mosques; it is also well connected by ferry and train to Istanbul’s European side.
2. KADIKÖY MERKEZ: The Best Area in Istanbul for Great Nightlife
There is a large seaside promenade and green parks in the KADIKÖY area, which is the perfect place to enjoy a spectacular sunset. There are fresh fruit and vegetable markets and fish shops everywhere, and nightlife is always on the rise. Ferries also depart from the Asian part to the European part of Istanbul in 15 to 30 minutes, so you can always easily have your lunch in the European part.
You canbuy a house in Kadikoy and experience local city life. There are also large and good shops and supermarkets in this neighborhood that will bring you a pleasant shopping experience. If you are still searching for one of the best places in Istanbul to live, you should choose this neighborhood.
3. MODA: The Best Neighborhood to live in the Asian side of Istanbul
Moda is another neighborhood of KADIKÖY, which is one of the most interesting and stylish neighborhoods in the Asian part of Istanbul. Like the rest of KADIKÖY, this area has a nice mix of homes to suit all budgets. This attractive and modern neighborhood is full of parks and green spaces, cafes, restaurants and unique bookstores that make the space very enjoyable for young people.
One of the popular activities in this neighborhood is cycling along the seafront. You can just rent a bike via Istanbul’s short-term bicycle rental system Isbike and head out! I bet there are many places in Istanbul that you must see. So don’t rush past these magnificent sights of Istanbul! If you also love cycling, then you will definitely enjoy living in this neighborhood.
4. Sancaktepe in the Asian side of Istanbul
Comprised of 19 smaller neighborhoods, giving residents a completely different atmosphere from neighborhoods on the European side. You will adore its location on the edge of the Alemdag forest, popular with families, especially at weekends.
402 thousand people live here and this area has been considered by many immigrants and investors to buy an apartment in Istanbul Asian side due to its special location and types of parks. If you want to buy a property in Sancaktepe, please contact us.
5. The famous area of Beylerbeyi in the Asian side of Istanbul
The Beylerbeyi area is a luxurious and beautiful area, which is home to some of the wealthiest families in the country. This area is well-known for its prestigious educational institutions, unique and beautiful mosques and magnificent galleries.
You can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this environment by walking on the coastal route of Beylerbeyi. Beylerbeyi Palace, which is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of Turkey after DolmaBahçe Sarayı and Topkapi Palace, is located in this area. This Ottoman building belongs to the 19th century and it has remarkable baroque features.
6. One of the best places for living in Istanbul: Cengelkoy
I have a special interest in trees and plants and wherever I go I just look to find special and unique plants and even fruits. Cengelkoy neighborhood in Istanbul gave me the opportunity to get to know a special type of fruit that only grows in this neighborhood. Cengelkoy’s fame in the world is due to the small cucumbers that used to grow only in this part of Istanbul. This residential area has a calm and lovely atmosphere that will attract everyone’s attention. This area of Istanbul is mostly residential and old surviving Ottoman mansions are still in use today. If you are still asking me where to live in Istanbul? my answer to that question is pretty obvious. Cengelkoy region!
7. Bagdat Avenue in Istanbul: Paradise for shopping lovers
Are you searching for the best neighborhoods in Istanbul asian side? Do you enjoy shopping and are you always looking for different shops and stores? Therefore, remember Bagdat Street in the Asian part of Istanbul and be sure to visit this street during your trip from Istanbul or even buy a house here.
Bagdat Avenue is an upper-class residential area that is filled with shopping malls, high-end fashion stores, restaurants and cafes. Bagdat Avenue starts from KADIKÖY and extends to Bostanci on the Asian side. This shopping area is 15-kilometer long and is a paradise for shopping lovers.
8. An elegant neighborhood in Asian side of Istanbul: Fenerbahçe
If you are looking for a relaxing and beautiful area to buy luxury villa in Istanbul Asian side, look no further. This beautiful area is home to many stylish restaurants and amazing boutiques that bring you a pleasant shopping experience and authentic Turkish lunch.
You can have breakfast in the unique cafes by the sea and then enjoy a walk in Fenerbahçe Park. I can tell you quite firmly that this neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Istanbul for tourists.
9. Kuzguncuk district is so amazing!
One of the most beautiful and perfect neighborhoods on the Asian side of Istanbul is Kuzguncuk, which was inhabited by many non-Muslims during the Ottoman period. Kanjug district is one of the best places for living in Istanbul because it still carries ancient monuments and beautiful buildings from those days.
In this beautiful neighborhood, which is a unique reflection of the rich culture and history of the city, you can still see many churches and mosques. This neighborhood is so dreamy and beautiful that you will enjoy walking its streets. Therefore, if you want to know where to live in Istanbul, Kuzguncuk is one of the best places.
Whether visiting or buying property, living abroad in Istanbul is a magnificent experience. The city clearly stands out as the point where two massive continents culturally and physically intersect.
The Asian side of Istanbul is unique. There are many things to do in Asian side of Istanbul and many magnificent places to visit. When you come to Istanbul, be sure to make a complete list of the places you want to visit. Because the number of these unique places is so large that you may forget some of them.
Best places for living in Istanbul European side
In the European side of Istanbul, an endless and frantic competition between the best areas forbuying property in Istanbul European side, sales are constantly increasing, and investors’ profits are rising due to the diversity of coastal vital areas.
The neighborhoods mentioned above were all in the Asian side of Istanbul. In the following, we will introduce the best areas to live in Istanbul, the European side.
10. Bahçesehir Neighbourhood in the European side of Istanbul
If you are looking to live or buy a property in an affordable neighborhood with a very high property value, the Bahçesehir properties are the best choices for you. Located in the European part of Istanbul, this neighborhood is attracting more and more people.
The artificial lake in the center of this neighborhood has created a centralized social life around itself. In addition, it offers a variety of recreational, commercial and dining centers to its residents. By living in this neighborhood, you will no longer need to go to the city center, because everything is easily accessible to you.
11. One of the best places for living in Istanbul: Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu neighborhood in the European side of Istanbul is a multicultural neighborhood known as the cultural and entertainment heart of Istanbul. This neighborhood is very popular among young people and immigrants, and almost all the people living in this area are able to speak English.
There are many cafes, restaurants, shops and bookstores in this neighborhood and it is alive 24 hours a day. However, you don’t need to worry at all, because there are also quiet neighborhoods in this area. And it’s good to know there are all kinds of big and small houses for buying in Beyoglu or renting in theretoo.
Many of the must-visit places in Istanbul are here, including the famous Galata Tower and Istiklal Caddesi.
12. Beşiktaş on the European side of Istanbul
Beşiktaş is another central district with very good conditions near the Beyoğlu neighborhood. As the transport conditions in this area are very good, you can easily take a ferry from the pier to the Asian part of Istanbul. In addition, commuting within the city using buses and subways is very simple and convenient.
With each neighborhood in the Beşiktaş district offering something different like a sea view, green parks, traditional markets and restaurants, historical sights and entertainment, it’s suitable for both families and singles.
This neighborhood is very popular among immigrants and there are various houses in various price ranges in Beşiktaş.
13. Galata: The best area in European Istanbul for Nightlife
Galata Historic District is known as one of the most interesting and lively neighborhoods of Istanbul. The winding streets of the Galata neighborhood are chock full of cafes, independent clothing stores, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Located in the same neighborhood, the 700-year-old Galata Historic Tower combines modern and neoclassical architectural styles. Galata is also one of the best places in Istanbul to visit, as there are art galleries in this area!
14. Sultan Ahmet neighborhood in the European side of Istanbul
If you are interested in history and historical monuments, the Sultan Ahmad neighborhood is the best choice for you. One of the advantages of living in Istanbul is that you can choose an environment to live in according to your personal interests and tastes. Istanbul has something to offer for all tastes.
Sultan Ahmet is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul, which attracts many tourists every year. It is also one of the best places to live in Istanbul. Unique historical sites such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are located in this area. In this neighborhood, you can taste delicious street food, walk in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, and enjoy your shopping.
15. The busiest area in European Istanbul: Eminonu
If you are visiting Istanbul as a tourist and are looking to live in a lively neighborhood, then this neighborhood is definitely one of the best places to live in Istanbul for tourists. Eminonu is one of the best and most vibrant neighborhoods of the Historical Peninsula, formerly known as Constantinople. Located in the old town, this area is home to malls, restaurants and interesting shopping places such as the Spice Bazaar.
16. The Best Area for Shopping in Istanbul: ISTIKLAL STREET
Certainly, all of you have heard the name of ISTIKLAL Street. The street is famous for its shops and stores, and anyone who wants to shop in Istanbul has definitely visited the shops on this street. If a center for Istanbul with such grandeur is to be considered, Taksim Square and Esteghlal Street are definitely the best options.
Famous for its shopping street, vibrant nightlife and street food, Taksim also has some of the best luxury properties and hotels as well as more budget-friendly options. This is definitely one of the best places for living in Istanbul if you want to be near everything! Certainly, shopping is one of the top things to do in Istanbul. It doesn’t matter if it’s ISTIKLAL Street or a large and modern shopping center! In any case, you will be satisfied with your purchase.
17. Ortaköy, where you should live in Istanbul?
Ortaköy has a rich history and many lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring! Also, this neighborhood is the best place to try one of Istanbul’s famous street food dishes: kumpir AKA.
In addition, one of the largest parks in Istanbul is located in this area. Yildiz Park is particularly beautiful during the Istanbul Tulip Festival. This area is well connected by bus and you can get to all the major tourist hubs of Galata and Sultanahmet within 25 to 40 minutes.
18. One of the best places for living in Istanbul: Fatih District
One of the most popular places to live and buy a property in Istanbul is the Fatih district. There are many tourist attractions in the Fatih area and it always attracts a lot of tourists. Everywhere you look, there’s something to visit, be it a museum or a bazaar.
Fatih district covers a very large area and different neighborhoods and you can easily reach all these places on foot or a short trip by public transport. In addition, the area is not as crowded as other parts of Istanbul. You can make a great investment in Istanbul by buying a property in Fatih.
19. Living in Tarabya Istanbul
If you are looking to live in a unique and great neighborhood for your retirement, Tarabya is the best choice for you. This place is very popular not only for foreigners but also for Turks. You will enjoy living in this neighborhood of the Bosphorus Strait. During the summer, many tourists are attracted to this area. But you can enjoy this beautiful environment all year round.
20. Kağıthane District in Istanbul
In addition to its magnificent green nature, the Kağıthane district is characterized by the art of modern Turkish architecture. This area also has a series of buildings and houses surrounded by public and private parks.
Its calmness and high-quality services make it one of the best areas to live in Istanbul. Since it is one of the best areas in Istanbul for accommodation, the prices of real estate here are rising. So one of the best decisions to invest in Turkey is just tobuy property in Kağıthane.
In this article, I have introduced the best areas to live in Istanbul and I hope that you find this guide useful. Areas introduced here entail both busy and lively urban areas and more quiet, family-friendly zones in Istanbul. Finally, I hope that you find the perfect place.
Besides, if I want to tell you about the benefits of investing in Istanbul, then I would have to write a book. There are many reasons to buy property and invest in Istanbul. In addition to buying a great property in Istanbul at a reasonable price, you can also choose your place of residence among the different neighborhoods of this city. So what’s better than this?
Buying a property in Istanbul is the best investment
Investing and buying a property in Istanbul is one of your best decisions, which will bring you a lot of profit in the long run. Not only are the prices and costs of living in Istanbul affordable, but also you have the right to choose from a wide variety of properties available in Istanbul. There are many suitable areas in Istanbul that have appealing accommodation options for foreign investors to buy a property.
As a team of Istanbul experts, we are aware of the best places for living in Istanbul. We can help you find the best properties for sale in Istanbul regarding your needs. Please simply write or call us. And please mention every detail! We help you to find the best choice in no time. We will be happy to hear from you. Do not forget with 24/7 customer service, you will get the support you need whenever you have questions.
