The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Istanbul, Turkey

Want to explore Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar? Book Culture Trip’s 12-day group tour where you’ll get to haggle for souvenirs and sip Turkish tea in one of the largest covered markets in the world. If you’re short on time, join our food-focused five-day Mini Trip to experience the best of Istanbul.

A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without a visit to Sultanahmet. The social and political centre of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, this neighbourhood takes you through the rich history of Istanbul and some of the most stunning architecture is within walking distance of the main square, such as the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, which dominates the skyline with its vast dome. Other must-sees include the Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century Sultans’ residence transformed into a museum in 1924; the Blue Mosque, renowned for tiles and minarets, and the sixth-century Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul.

Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are lively year-round with premium shopping, places to eat, cafes, bars and clubs. Starting at the Republic Monument, built to commemorate the founding of the Republic in 1923, you can stroll down commercial Istiklal Street and see the novel Taksim Tram running its length, and end at cobblestoned Galip Dede Street. SALT Beyoğlu, the modern art museum, is a great place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in an exhibition. The ground floor hosts free film screenings each Wednesday, while the top floor houses the beautiful winter garden – an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

Part of the larger Beyoğlu district, Galata is most clearly identified by its tower, overlooking the cobblestoned streets and neoclassical buildings of the neighbourhood. The streets around Galata Tower are full of tiny, interesting shops and cafes, great for browsing. After admiring the city views, explore the Mevlevi Museum – the Whirling Dervish hall – and the Museum of Turkish Jews. For something nice to take home, stop by the Home Spa shop on Galip Dede Street for bath and body products including locally sourced soaps and oils. Venture down Serdar-i Ekrem Street for boutiques, galleries and gift shops. After sightseeing, enjoy a cocktail from the rooftop bar of the Georges Hotel with views over Galata.

Formerly a crucial city port, Karaköy was allowed to deteriorate until it started to become a hotspot around 2012. Today, maze-like streets offer a glimpse of the city history with churches and synagogues blending seamlessly into the newer parts. Home to the financial district in the 19th century, the SALT Galata building was formerly the Ottoman Bank headquarters, and is now a well-established art space. Venture down Mumhane Street and check out Pi and the Mixer Art Gallery. Along this street (and those running parallel to it) you’ll find plenty of fresh places to eat and drink, such as Karaköy Lokantasi serving traditional Ottoman food like Hünkar beğendi (pureed eggplant topped with lamb).

Besiktas, one of the oldest regions of Istanbul, is home to three major universities, and the students who frequent this neighbourhood give it a laid-back vibe. It’s the ideal place to socialise with friends, in coffee shops playing carefully curated music, dozens of pubs offering cheap beer on tap and plentiful food options. This district is also home to Besiktas Football Club and is a gathering spot on match day when it’s overrun with marching bands and fans waving flags and singing. Try a fish sandwich from the local market or a plate of chicken and rice from the tiny pilavci (rice vendors) around the square. Round it off with dessert at the popular halva cart that sells a sweet dish made from carrots and semolina with ice cream. The many bars and pubs make Besiktas an easy place to bar hop: Joker No.19 offers cocktails and space to dance, talk and eat, while the United Pub has a selection of local and imported beers. If you’re in the mood for caffeine, Black Owl Coffee and Bettys are popular options – though there’s no shortage of excellent coffee in the area. Pro tip: begin exploring at the Black Eagle Statue, which marks the centre of the market – from here you can head in any direction and find something good to do or see.

Formerly the Greek Orthodox and Armenian neighbourhood of Istanbul, Balat is full of colourful old houses and churches. Take a trip to the main market, full of vintage stores and craft workshops. There’s plenty to see here, particularly religious architecture including the prefabricated St Stephen Bulgarian Church, made of cast iron in Vienna and assembled on site. Further up the hill, stop by the Byzantine-era Chora Church for splendid examples of 14th-century mosaics and frescoes, and then visit the Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest in the city. You’ll find a lot of young businesses, including micro coffee roasters, ceramic ateliers, art galleries and vintage shops.

The heart of the nightlife scene in Istanbul, Arnavutköy is an upscale neighbourhood by the Bosphorus known for Ottoman waterfront mansions and fish restaurants. Nowadays, you’ll find a frenzy of cocktail and gastro bars have taken over, and during the evenings they get so full that punters spill out onto Bebek Arnavutköy Street, drinks in hand. During the day it’s great to wander round the picturesque neighbourhood, ogling the many beautiful houses that punctuate the banks of the glittering water.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Feride Yalav.