The 7 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has a dynamism born of a fusion of ancient traditions with vibrant contemporary culture. Old neighbourhoods such as Galata – Karakoy – and Balat were once the city’s Christian and Jewish quarters, home to ancient churches and synagogues. Now they’re blossoming with hip new spaces to explore. Before you decide where to stay on your trip to Turkey, read our guide to the coolest neighbourhoods in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet
Architectural Landmark
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
Architectural Landmark
Galata
Building
Balat
Architectural Landmark
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.
Besiktas
Architectural Landmark
Karaköy, Istanbul
Architectural Landmark
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).
Arnavutköy
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.