Best Neighbourhoods In Istanbul For Young Professionals

In Istanbul, the new generation of entrepreneurs have taken hold, with many young people building their own businesses, from design firms to independent magazines and much more. We’ve taken a look at some of the top neighborhoods where you can really soak up the energy and check out the work of these young professionals.

Bomonti

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub

One of Istanbul’s trending neighborhoods, Bomonti’s newly built high rise apartments have influenced the opening of new restaurants and cafes, as well as offices. At Bomontiada you’ll not only find one of the city’s best concert venues, but also Atölye: a workspace, workshop, and events venue. Istanbul’s young professionals can be found taking part in a talk at Atölye or a workshop at the Leica Photography Gallery and then going to dinner at one of Bomontiada’s many restaurants. One of the standout events is the monthly Expat Spotlight at Atölye, which showcases the most dynamic projects by members of Istanbul’s international community.

Levent

Istanbul’s main business district is also one of the best places for young professionals who either have their offices in one of the many high rises or hang out at one of the co-working spaces. At Kanyon shopping center you’ll find Souq Dükkan, which sells the work of Istanbul’s many young designers, from clothing to ceramics, as well as hosting events such as art exhibitions or workshops. On Harman street, you’ll find Kolektif House, one of Istanbul’s most popular hangout spots for young professionals who want to work, meet, collaborate, and take part in events such as talks with successful creatives as well as lively concerts.

Souq Dükkan: Büyükdere Caddesi, Kanyon Shopping Mall, -2 Floor, Levent

Kolektif House Levent: Harman Sokak No.5 Levent +90 212 924 24 10

Karaköy

Karaköy has long since been one of Istanbul’s coolest neighborhoods with its many boutiques, restaurants, and cafes; and now many young professionals have opened offices in the area’s many historic buildings. You’ll find architecture offices such as Superpool, founded in 2006 by Selva Gürdoğan and Gregers Tang Thomsen whose work has been exhibited at renowned institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum in New York of the Danish Architecture Center in Copenhagen. At the historic Kurşunlu Han, young artists and designers are also setting up their ateliers in the abandoned Ottoman era working spaces, while design studio 333km is where designer Deniz Duru works his magic.

Superpool: Mumhane Caddesi 18, 3rd floor, Karaköy

Kurşunlu Han: Kardeşim Sokak, Karaköy

333km: Kemankeş Caddesi, No.53/C4, Karaköy

Galata

The area around the famous Galata Tower is a great place for young professionals to live, work, and play. The cool boutiques on Serdar-ı Ekrem, the offices belonging to independent magazines and design companies in beautiful neoclassical buildings, and the hidden art galleries and ateliers are all reasons why Galata is a young and dynamic neighborhood. Hang out at Mavra café to get to know the neighborhood’s locals, check out some contemporary art at Öktem & Aykut, or learn how to make jewelry in a modern atelier at Maden Istanbul.

Mavra: Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi No. 31/A, Galata

Öktem & Aykut: Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Portakal Sokak No. 2, Galata

Maden Istanbul: Tatar Beyi Sokak, Büğe Apartmanı No. 2/2, Galata