Are you considering a move to Istanbul? We’ve compiled a list of the most livable neighborhoods in istanbul, based on research conducted by city authorities, universities, and other sources. These areas are known for their high education levels, welfare status, and overall livability.
In addition to these factors, we’ve also included our own picks for neighborhoods with good transportation options, a thriving expat or retiree community, and plenty of opportunities for food, drink, entertainment, and nightlife. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a retiree, there’s a neighborhood in Istanbul that will suit your needs.
Things to Know Before You Chose Your Place to Live
- Istanbul is a massive city with a population of over 15 million people, making it larger than many countries in the world. It’s important to note that living in Istanbul can be challenging.
- Traffic and parking are major issues, and even the transportation network can be overcrowded during rush hour. One option to consider is using the ferries, which can be a more comfortable mode of transportation.
- The Asian side of Istanbul tends to be more residential than the European side.
- If you are planning to rent an apartment or live in a residence, it’s a good idea to look for one with a security service and indoor parking. If you are working, it’s best to find a place to live that is within walking distance or easily accessible by public transportation from your office.
- For retirees, it may be more comfortable to live in a quiet neighborhood, possibly on the Asian side, and make sure you have good access to healthcare services.
Istanbul’s Districts by Status
- According to research on social welfare, education, health, social life, municipality services, and transportation levels, the top districts in Istanbul for livability are Besiktas, Kadikoy, Sisli, Kadikoy, and Maltepe in that order.
- Based on the number of museums, cinemas, theaters, and the quality of social and cultural services, the top districts in Istanbul for social life are Besiktas, Kadikoy, Beyoglu, Sisli, and Sariyer in that order.
- Based on the number of shopping malls, banks, and the housing market value, the top districts in Istanbul for welfare are Besiktas, Bakırkoy, Sariyer, Kadikoy, and Beyoglu in that order.
- Based on the availability of health services, the top districts in Istanbul for healthcare are Kadikoy, Sisli, Fatih, and Maltepe in that order.
- Based on the environmental performance of the district municipalities and services for street animals, the top districts in Istanbul for environmental sustainability are Sisli, Gungoren, Basaksehir, Bayrampasa, and Besiktas in that order.
Istanbul’s Top livable districts
Besiktas
Besiktas is a district located on the European side of Istanbul, at the entrance of the Bosphorus. It is well known for its lively and colorful daily life, including its bazaar, fish market, student population, cultural and artistic activities, nightlife, shopping centers, historical buildings, football club, seaside recreation, dining and drinking establishments, and ferry piers.
Some of the most livable neighborhoods in Besiktas include Bebek, Levazim, Akat, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme, Levent, and Etiler.
Kadikoy
Kadıköy is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul that is known for its vibrant atmosphere and city life. It boasts historical buildings, is an important transportation hub, has a large market, a young and student population, and offers cultural events and artistic activities, shopping centers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Located along the Bosphorus, Kadıköy is one of the most popular and colorful districts in Istanbul.
Some of the most livable neighborhoods in Istanbul, Kadıköy include Caddebostan, Fenerbahçe, Moda, and Suadiye.
Beyoglu
Beyoğlu is a large district known for its cosmopolitan city life and the remnants of its European architecture from over 100 years ago. It is home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Galata Tower, Istiklal Street, and Taksim Square. The neighborhoods of Galata, Asmalımescit, and Cihangir are particularly lively and desirable places to live, with their unique architecture, vibrant streets, and lively atmosphere.
The most livable neighborhoods in Istanbul, Beyoğlu include Galata, Cihangir, and Asmalımescit.
Sariyer
Sarıyer is a beautiful district located on the far end of the Bosphorus on the European side. It is known for its lively city life, dining establishments along the Bosphorus, natural beauty, and various historic places and museums. Some of the famous landmarks in Sarıyer include Emirgan Grove, Sadberk Hanım Museum, and Rumeli Fortress.
The most livable neighborhoods in Istanbul, Sarıyer include Istinye, Yeniköy, Baltalımanı, Emirgan, and Tarabya.
Fatih
Fatih is a very large district that encompasses Istanbul’s historical peninsula and is home to many of the city’s historical sites from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The area is known as the old Istanbul within the city walls, and it contains a concentration of top tourist attractions such as mosques, museums, palaces, and more. The neighborhoods of Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Fener, and Balat are particularly popular with tourists.
Bakirkoy
Bağcılar is a district located on the European side of Istanbul, along the coast of the Marmara Sea. It is known for its modern and vibrant daily life, markets, cultural and artistic activities, nightlife, shopping centers, seaside recreation, and good restaurants and shopping malls. The Istanbul Aquarium and Istanbul Atatürk Airport are located in Bağcılar.
Some of the most livable neighborhoods in Bağcılar include Yeşilköy, Ataköy, and Florya.
Atasehir
Ataşehir is a district located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is known for its newly built residential and home projects, well-developed network of roads, facilities for a high standard of living, and recreation areas, which make it a popular choice for locals and foreigners who want to live in Istanbul. Many people currently prefer to live in Ataşehir due to its high standard of city living.
Uskudar
Üsküdar is a district located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, across from Besiktas. It is known for its beautiful shoreline, the Maiden’s Tower, Camlica Hill, Fethi Paşa Grove, and various historic places such as 16th-century mosques, fountains, and more.
Some of the most livable neighborhoods in Üsküdar include Kuzguncuk, Beylerbeyi, and Çengelköy.