Neighborhoods to visit in Istanbul

Located on two continents, Istanbul has many beautiful neighbourhoods 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 and the more cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, so you can get an overview of the before and after of Istanbul, of the fusion of ancient traditions with the vibrant contemporary culture. In this article you'll learn about the main ones you can't miss.

Karaköy is a shopping district considered to be one of the oldest and most iconic in Istanbul. As you explore its bustling alleyways, you'll find streets filled with locals and tourists alike. Formerly known as the Galata quarter, it was an important port where the working class and fishmongers lived.

It then became almost a derelict or marginalised neighbourhood before becoming a hipster hotspot with trendy cafes, bars and restaurants, boutiques and a growing nightlife scene.

Karakoy has become one of the best nightlife districts 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 neighbourhood.

Sultanahmet is the most popular tourist area of Istanbul, as it links to the most visited museums such as the 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 for 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 neighbourhood you can:

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

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

Bebek is known as a neighbourhood where celebrities live, hence it has a number of luxury 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 neighbourhood.
• Have breakfast, as it is one of the best neighbourhoods 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 Istanbul's oldest and most historic neighbourhoods. Beşiktaş is also famous for its open-air fish market, not to mention being home to dozens of lively breakfast cafés and affordable restaurants. Come nightfall, the affordable bars and pubs become a common gathering place. But you should also:

• Stroll around Besiktas Square.
• Enjoy the night lights.
• Relax and have 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 Palace Collections Museum of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture.

Ortaköy is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods, located just north of Besiktas, just under the Bosphorus Bridge. The centre of this neighbourhood 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 cosy neighbourhood 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 pictures of the Bosphorus Bridge and the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.

Among the best guided tours of Istanbul is 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 neighbourhood of Istanbul on the European side. It is famous for its vibrant and busy city life, history and culture, museums, churches, mosques, lively streets and shopping malls. However, it is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Istanbul in terms of accommodation.

The neighbourhood is also one of the most popular places to live and shop 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 neighbourhoods of 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 neighbourhood is also within walking distance of Nisantasi, the centre of clothing fashion.

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

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

In fact, the Kadikoy fish market has been one of the most popular destinations for food tours of Istanbul 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 Istanbul's nightlife, as well as an upscale neighbourhood along the Bosphorus known for its Ottoman waterfront mansions and fish restaurants.

During the day it's great to stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood, taking in the many beautiful houses that dot the shores of the glittering water. Here you will see incredible waterfront mansions and yachts parked along the coast.

It also boasts an elegant nightlife thanks to its picturesque neighbourhood 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 Istanbul's oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods and must be included on your guided tour of Istanbul. It is tucked away along the Eminonu coast along the Golden Horn. The first things you'll notice are the pleasant green parks, often filled with families, and the promenades that wind along the coast and end at the end of the Golden Horn.

Antique collectors, bargain hunters and nostalgics flock to the shops in this neighbourhood, especially when they hold lively auctions. While it's true that this neighbourhood is a little further away from the centre, the fact that there is a scenic ferry connecting this neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood for Jewish and Greek Orthodox families, hence the many churches and synagogues that can be found here. Now the streets are lined with cafes, traditional restaurants, art galleries and vintage shops.

A visit to the Moda neighbourhood is another must-do on 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.

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

It is also a modern neighbourhood 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.