Where is it best to live in Istanbul? It depends on what you want: to be in the centre of active life or to live away from tourist crowds.
Istanbul is a very multifaceted metropolis, the districts in it are very dissimilar: some are luxurious, with a high cost of living, while others are quite affordable.
The real estate agency Tolerance informs about which district of Istanbul is better for staying, and which one will be suitable for buying property and moving for permanent residency.
What districts are in Istanbul?
In total, Istanbul has 39 districts, which are divided into European and Asian — depending on which side of the Bosphorus they are located on.
25 districts are located in the European part of the city, 14 — in the Asian one.
Each district is split into quarters, and they also have their names. Part of the districts is very modern, with new buildings, skyscrapers, wide boulevards.
The others are authentic, with narrow streets and cramped souvenir shops, overflowing with decorations, shawls, and other merchandise. However, in Istanbul, it's not uncommon to see poorly maintained quarters with old buildings nestled next to elite real estate.
Districts in Istanbul for Family Living
Deciding on where to live in Istanbul with your family, choose districts with developed infrastructure, so that there are playgrounds, parks, nurseries, schools, and hospitals nearby.
- Başakşehir. Clean, well-groomed district in the European part of the city, surrounded by forest from the north. It is distinguished by its good ecology, there are more than 20 private clinics, many educational institutions, cinemas, parks
There is a metro line, which you can take to the airport, Taxim district, Beşiktaş and other parts of the city. In Başakşehir, there's a huge artificial lake, surrounded by a well-maintained park area with restaurants and playgrounds.
- Kâğıthane. One of the most attractive districts of Istanbul, the perfect choice for a family. Safe and calm, it neighbours with business districts, but their hectic activity seems to quieten down here.
In the district, there are many comfort-class new buildings, large parks, perfect for walks.
- Kadıköy. A district in the Asian part of the metropolis, near the strait. It is one of the best districts of Istanbul for living with children: it has schools, playgrounds, shopping centres, banks, pharmacies and other social infrastructure objects.
Yet, it uniquely combines authenticity and modernity, the district has many bars, but they are closed at night, so it's comfortable here for both pensioners and families with children.
- Ataşehir. This district of Istanbul is located in the centre of the Asian part of the city, distinguished by a large number of new Premium-class residential complexes with indoor swimming pools, video surveillance and fitness centers.
The district is actively developing, with new cultural and social facilities popping up; there are already many schools, nurseries, supermarkets, and parks. Moving to Istanbul, particularly here, is a good decision.
Best areas in Istanbul for foreigners to live
When choosing where to settle in Istanbul, it's important not only to consider the infrastructural development but also the environment – it's unlikely you'll want to step out onto the street and find yourself among a crowd of unemployed immigrants looking for a better lot.
We've gathered a selection of the best districts in Istanbul for foreigners, from a safety as well as a comfort point of view.
- Saryer. A beautiful, well-maintained district in the European part of the city, offering plenty of greenery, museums, and historic landmarks.
This district has everything for a relaxed, peaceful life: luxurious nature, numerous restaurants, cultural centres, and shops. Along the Bosphorus shoreline, there are elite mansions and villas.
- Beyoglu. This district is home to Istanbul's major transport hub, Taksim Square, so you can reach any corner of the metropolis without problems.
The pedestrian street, Istiklal, is also situated here and is serviced by a retro-tram. This district is home to many foreigners, primarily Europeans, but there are also Russian-speaking residents.
- Chataldja. A district in the European part of the city, on the Black Sea coast, it's green, well-cared for, and offers comparably affordable property. This area is characterised by a relatively low population density, ensuring it is always quiet and calm.
Compared to the incredibly noisy central districts of the city, life here is more like that in the countryside, attracting many foreigners.
Historic districts of Istanbul
If you want to stay closer to the most famous attractions of the city, making them accessible on foot, living in Istanbul is best in the historical centre.
The most popular historic district is Fatih, where the Sultanahmet district is located.
The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and other Ottoman architectural landmarks are located here.
With its lengthy promenade overlooking the Bosporus and abundance of green spaces, living here is both pleasant and prestigious.
Another district where you can experience Istanbul's authenticity is Uskudar.
Its history dates back to the seventh century AD; it was once a trade hub in Byzantium, and in 1353, it came under Ottoman Empire control.
Many landmarks from those eras have been preserved, one of which is the famous Maiden's Tower.
Istanbul districts for shopping
Living in Istanbul without dedicating at least a few days to shopping is simply impossible. Textiles, clothing, jewellery, gastronomy, cosmetics—they are all available at affordable prices, the main thing is knowing where to go to find them.
- Laleli — a microdistrict in Fatih, is considered the best place to buy wholesale clothing, leather and fur. Of course, there are also retail shops in Laleli, and, what's more, salespeople in many of them speak Russian quite well.
- Zeytinburnu is a district densely packed with industrial enterprises and textile factories. It's one of Istanbul's best districts for those looking to buy wholesale lots of items.
- Nisantasi is a district located in the Sisli region. A walk around this district is a delight, as you'll find yourself amongst the shining displays of fashionable boutiques. People come here to update their wardrobes with luxurious items.
- Osmanbey is a district worth visiting for clothes and textiles. You'll find local designer products, as well as renowned mass-market and high-end brands. Electronics, souvenirs, handmade leather goods, and much more are also sold here.
Residential districts of Istanbul
The answer to the question, which district of Istanbul is the best to live in, won't take long if you know exactly what you're looking for.
Of course, there are many amusements in the metropolis, but they also need rest. So for a life (permanent, not during a weekly journey), it's better to choose residential districts. There are such both in the European and Asian parts of the city.
The best residential areas of the European side:
- Silivri. A quiet district on the coast of the Marble Sea, 60 km west of the historic center. One of the new districts, so there are hardly any old, decrepit houses here, but many new buildings.
- Arnavutköy. The main advantage of this district is its ancient mansions. Beautiful forest parks surround the district, the air here is easy to breathe, there is a lot of space, and the construction is low-rise.
- Büyükçekmece. Another residential district by the Marble Sea, real estate objects here are mainly represented by villas, inhabited by Turks and Europeans.
Residential districts of the Asian side
Which district of Istanbul is the best to live in on the Asian side?
We recommend choosing between Pendik, Kartal, Beykoz, Sancaktepe or Umraniye.
In general, all these districts are similar: there are no noisy bars, large shopping centres, highways, but everything is there for a comfortable life.
Some consider these districts to be dull, as there are no special attractions, but most investors see good development potential in them.
There you can still buy an affordable apartment in Istanbul, knowing that its price will significantly increase in a few years.
Districts not quite suitable for living
Having told about which districts of Istanbul are best to live in, it's impossible not to mention those where it is not advisable to stay.
- Sultangazi. This district is populated by immigrants from different countries, in essence, it is a mini-city in the city, with its rules, customs, and traditions. It is not recommended for foreigners to visit it, and all the more not worth considering this district as a place to buy real estate.
- Gaziosmanpasha is a densely populated district, the development here is chaotic and devoid of logic. A large Roma diaspora lives in this district, which does not give it the best reputation.
- Tarlabaşı is considered the most dangerous district of the metropolis. Street workers of the sex industry have taken a liking to it, the streets here are quite dirty, and houses are old. In winter, you can see locals making fires in barrels right on the street.
- Güngören is an industrial district with less than optimal environmental conditions. Factories and plants occupy one part of it, while the other part is filled with unauthorised constructions.
Purchasing property in Istanbul and moving there will allow you to look at Turkey from a non-touristic point of view. Tolerance will help you find the perfect object for advantageous investments.
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