10 Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Istanbul
As big as Istanbul is, it’s hard to decide which towns or neighborhoods to visit both on the Asian and European side. Most tourists aren’t sure where to stay for great experience, easy transportation and local foods that aren’t overpriced. Keep reading to see which areas to visit and which areas to visit and stay in for the best time in Turkey!
The most popular question when researching the best neighborhoods in Istabul is, should you stay on the Asian side or the European side? For first timers, I recommend the European side since this is where most of the tourist areas and popular locations are including Sultahahmet and Hagia Sophia. The Asian side is a bit more calm with not as many tourists staying and here you have better shopping areas for clothes as the malls are located here. Istanbul towns are broken up into municipalities and neighborhoods within these municipals.
Best Areas on The European Side
1. Beyoğlu
This is one of the most popular towns in Istanbul and where you will find Taksim Square where most of the restaurants and hotels are. There is also Istiklal Street which is a popular street perfect for shopping, eating at pricier restaurants and even has a church you can visit. Of course you can’t forget the famous Galata Tower which is located here which I recommend purchasing tickets for online before arriving to avoid long lines and wait times.
2. Karaköy
Located in Beyoğlu, this is the best area to stay in during your visit to Istanbul. I recommend staying at the Mariott as it’s a walking distance from the Galata Port, where you need to try a Balik or fish sandwich. It is also very close to the Karaköy Pier and has a beautiful view of the Galata Tower on the balcony that can be accessed in the hotel. It is a short walking distant to the tram station which is easy to navigate to all the main stops around the city. A warning though when walking to the Galata Tower, it is actually a very difficult walk to do as it’s a steep hill and not very stroller friendly if you plan on taking your children with you. I recommend taking a taxi up to the tower if you aren’t able to make the walk up and down the path. Don’t forget to also walk down the umbrella street and on the way try some Midye or mussels stuffed with rice that is handed one by one to you, a true street food item you need to try!
3. Fatih
Named after the Sultan this area is the oldest area where you can find the two mosques, Sultanahemt and Hagia Sophia. This is very populated with tourists so I don’t recommend staying here or on the Sultanahmet Square in general as we found the food to be more pricey and the wait times to enter places very long. I do recommend coming here to see the nightlife and experience the crowds form all around the world visiting the architecturally beautiful mosques. While visiting those mosques, also take your time to visit the Süleymaniye Mosque that’s not too far.
4. Eminonu
About a 20 minute walk from the Karaköy Pier, this is the area where you will find the Spice Bazaar and and Grand Bazaar for all your shopping including spices, rugs, lanterns, teapots and so much more. Be sure to be ready to bargain here as the sellers are pretty firm on their pricing but the best part is the conveniently located ATm’s throughout the Bazaar so you won’t have trouble exchanging money. When you’re done shopping, take a stroll across the Galata Bridge and see the fishermen standing waiting to catch bait as they are there morning and night.
5. Sultanahmet
Sultanahet Square is considered “old Istanbul” and even though it maybe old it’s kept in pristine condition to accomdate the tourists that come through. Here you will find the Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Topkapki Palace. As of January 2024, tourists will now need to purchase tickets to enter Hagia Sophia, and you can read more about that and other mosques to visit in Istanbul here.
6. Beşiktaş- dolmabahce bosphorus
On the Bosphorus coast, this area is the most scenic are to stay in but a bit away from the main city. If you like to take in the sea views and avoid large crowds, this is the perfect area to stay in. You can also find the Dolmabahçe Palace here and tip here if you don’t want to take a tour of the palace inside, walk around the building towards the back for a free entrance to the garden and to see the iconic gates that open up to the view of the sea.
7. Ortaköy
Located in Beşiktaş here you will find the popular Ortaköy Mosque with views of the Bosphorus Bridge. This is a cute little town with small shops including Kumpir, a giant Turkish baked potato you can customize with tons of toppings, and ice cream shops which is a must try because it’s a mix between gelato and soft serve and takes a bit longer to melt so you can take your time enjoying the flavors. You can also book the Bosphorus cruises here but be sure to book in advance as they get filled very quickly.
Best Areas on the Asian Side
8.Kadikoy
Another town located on the coast of the sea, this is located on the Asian side of Istanbul which is more laid back, very artsy and a place where you can find cute coffee shops, pastries and boutiques for art and home decor. This is also a great area to see the view of Sultanahmet from across the sea.
9. Üsküdar
Another scenic location, this is where you will find the new and grand Çamlıca Mosque which is an abosolute must see on your trip to Istanbul. The Asian side gives a more old timey and laid back vibe and is also where most tourists don’t stay so the locals don’t speak a lot of English. The tram system here is also not as advanced so the best way to view the places around this area is via bus or taxi. Also take your time when visiting here and spend some time on Çamlıca hill and view the lit up bridge at night before heading back to your hotel.
10. Beylerbeyi
A beautiful place located of the coast and a ferry ride away, you can find the Beylerbeyi Palace and one of two palaces you have to see during your visit. You can purchase tickets to the palace when you arrive or purchase them beforehand. It’s a very quiet area so if you don’t like any crowds, want a quiet but scenic view this is the perfect place to visit and stay in. It’s very close to the ferry port as well so you can easily hop on, take a ferry to one of the other towns spend the day and make your way back.
