The long list of Istanbul neighbourhoods run into hundreds and this is no surprise given, it is Turkey’s largest, most populated city. As a hub of everything and anything, including business, education, tourism, health, and economy, people flock from all over the world to boost the local population of Turks. Many Istanbul expats are working professionals, while others just like an urban lifestyle. All have one thing in common, though, and that is to live somewhere decent.
From tourist to expat, if you are thinking of living in Istanbul as a foreigner, it is a great lifestyle move to make. As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul offers so much including a low cost of living, a unique culture, the best nightlife and shopping scenes in the country, as well as abundance of tourist and historical attractions.
To be a digital nomad in Istanbul is the new norm, especially during these times, when employers actively encourage working from home. This situation works for both parties, and if the thought of becoming a digital nomad appeals, Istanbul is a great place to relocate to.
Some city tourists like to stick with what they know. And that's fine. But other travellers know that when you venture off the pages of the guide book, you are often rewarded for your trouble. We've picked out five neighbourhoods around Istanbul that might not be in your Lonely Planet guide, but are really are worth exploring.
For a fantastic panoramic view over Istanbul, head to Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district. As one of the city’s most iconic landmark buildings, every day, it hosts hundreds of people eager to find out what all the hype is about. Not only that, it’s illustrious history, makes it an exciting story.
The Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most unusual tourist attractions, gains fame because of its underground location, and if you are visiting the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, or Topkapi Palace, it is worth taking a short detour to see it. Called Yerebatan Sarayi in Turkish, which means sunken palace, it was built during the 6th century under Byzantine rule.
In our list of the top Instagram spots in Istanbul, you will not only find out where to go in Turkey’s biggest city, but also what makes these spots so unique. Instagram photos are about a lot more than blue skies, whether it is architecture, food, animals, or people. To be worthy of all those likes, an Instagram photo must tell a story, and Istanbul is the perfect canvas to do that.
Tourists tend to skip Istanbul in the winter. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's plenty to do in Turkey's largest city, even in the darkest depths of winter. From shorter lines to festivals and fragrant wintry drinks, here are our reasons why Istanbul is just as charming in the winter as it is in the high season.
Seafront property in Istanbul. Rare as hen's teeth, and expensive, right? The first is correct, but the second isn't always the case. Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin walks us through some the last remaining seafront complexes in Istanbul. Ideal for investors and lifestyle buyers, these homes will offer a superb lifestyle while accumulating tidy capital gains.
Tourists who want to get away from touristic Istanbul would do well to look at things to do in Uskudar, an Asian district offering visitors a chance to see the city’s local culture upfront. Sitting between trendy Kadikoy and green Beykoz, Uskudar is underrated and without a doubt, deserves more admiration than it receives.
Welcome to the Basaksehir area of Istanbul, a European district that in recent years has exploded on the real estate market as an ideal place to buy property. As one of 39 communities making up Turkey’s largest city, Basaksehir hasn’t always been a prominent area, having only gained independent status in 2008, after a population boost. It is now a top area for investors.
Travellers looking for things to do in Zeytinburnu and Bakirkoy, in Istanbul will find quite a lot to satisfy them, despite its off the tourism grid reputation. Sitting on the European side of Turkey’s most significant and busiest city, Zeytinburnu’s name means “olive tree cape,” but throughout history, it was a leather production hub. See our top ten things to do.
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