Districts - Istanbul's Diverse Neighborhoods

The Princes' Islands

Once a place for the exiled princes and empresses, now a getaway for those tired of the hustle and bustle of the city! Princes' Islands, in Byzantine times, were a punishment place for royal families. hence, it's called princes' island. consisting of 9 islands in the Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands have become very popular and have been one of the best destinations to break away from the city's rush. prince’s island consists of four larger islands, which are the most popular ones: Büyükada (Big Island), Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island), Burgazada (Fortress Island), and Kınalıada (Henna Island). if you are wondering which one you should start to visit, you should add all of them to your Istanbul travel guide!

Boyacıköy

One of Istanbul's most underappreciated areas is the old district of Boyacikoy, which is located in Sariyer. this area, with its distinctive design and stone streets, sheds light on the 19th century in istanbul by housing several historical buildings like houses and pavilions. here is everything you need to know about boyacikoy sariyer in case visiting it is already on your bucket list.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

For 1,000 years, the hippodrome was the focus of byzantine life, and for another 400 years, it was the center of ottoman life. this square formerly had two galleries, a central axis, beginning squares, and the semicircular southern end known as the sphendone, portions of which are still visible at the square’s south end.

Çengelköy

Overlooking the waters of the strait, çengelköy lays claim to fame not only with her succulent gherkins, but also with her historical seaside mansions…

Kinaliada

Kinaliada, the smallest of the prince islands, the flower of istanbul, attracts you with the sweetness of a little child.

Heybeliada

Heybeliada is the second biggest island of the prince islands and a must-see of istanbul!

Sultanahmet

Alternative exploration routes for sultanahmet.

Cihangir

A “bohemia” with its cafes, where debates take place about theater, cinema, literature, and philosophy. This is cihangir.

Bebek

One of the most enjoyable and rejuvenating spots to visit in Istanbul is Bebek, which is a part of the Besiktas municipality. It has a stunning shore and many other natural wonders for you to enjoy, and these wonders are accompanied by its opulent and peaceful neighborhood. Go to Bebek to experience one of Istanbul's most well-known neighborhoods in person if you need a break from the city's congested areas.

Moda

The majority of visitors mistakenly believe that Istanbul is mostly made up of the European side, oblivious to the fact that the Anatolian side also offers many wonderful attractions. The Moda Coastal Park is one of the most well-known and stunning areas on Istanbul's Anatolian shore. If you want to know what to do in Moda Istanbul to have a fantastic day, keep on reading as we explore this gorgeous district inside-out.

Tophane

Tophane, one of the highlights of istanbul's european side, holds the distinction of being the city's oldest industrial area during the ottoman era. this area ought to easily find its way onto the list of everyone who is going to visit istanbul since it is full of historic sites to discover and tourist-friendly locations to hang out in.

Yenikapi

Yenikapi is a port and a quarter in istanbul, in the district of fatih on the european side of the bosphorous, and along the southern shore of the city. yenikapi is notable for the ongoing excavations of its byzantine port discovered in 2004. this has become one of the largest investigations in europe, because of the size and the number of the shipwrecks found since the initial discovery.

Kavacık

Kavacik continues to be the go-to destination for those seeking an escape from city life, despite the fact that it is now crowded with plazas and business districts. it is one of istanbul's most well-liked picnic spots. it is situated in istanbul's beykoz neighborhood. after the construction of the fatih sultan mehmet bridge across the bosporus, it began to grow as one of the commercial and residential hubs for istanbul's asian neighborhood. the land was covered in a forest before construction started there in 1980, therefore it still has a natural feel to it.

Karaköy

When we think about istanbul, we consider a change—not just urbanization, but also the enlivening of social life, innovation, modernity, and the adornment of the streets with artwork. istanbul succeeds in preserving its historic structure while participating in this development. one of the towns where you can see both the modern and traditional sides of istanbul is karakoy.

Balat

Balat is probably the most photogenic district of istanbul. balat with its old narrow streets, and flamboyant bay windowed houses, once, has been home to the jew population. it has a cosmopolite nature that connects various religions and cultures with synagogues, mosques, and churches. the travelers wishing to experience istanbul’s old tissue and witness its history step by step before it is lost to modernization should definitely see balat. if you want to experience balat in its entirety and do not know where to start, this will be your guide to balat istanbul.

The Bosphorus

Thanks to its unique aspect of dividing europe and asia, the bosphorus stands as an must see landmark of istanbul with its bays, seaside mansions and fortresses.

The French Street

The French Street, known for its colorful cafés, loud music, and welcoming atmosphere, is a favorite of both visitors and residents.

Anadolu Kavağı

Anadolu Kavagi, with its pristine surroundings, fresh air, fishing boats, and captivating sea views, is istanbul's most charming village. after traveling ten kilometers through a forest on a road in beykoz, it can be found on the anatolian shore of istanbul, heading towards the black sea. even though it is not as well-known as other istanbul tourist attractions, it is nonetheless

Beyoğlu

Istanbul's west wind is a potent oriental fusion. Istanbul's Beyoglu neighborhood is the most vibrant and lively section of the city, and nostalgia, memoirs, tales, sepia-toned photos, and an antiquarian love for artifacts and memorabilia from the era have all become trademarks. Istanbul is a city with numerous areas, many masters, and countless lifestyles.

Haliç

Halic is among the first places that immediately springs to mind when one thinks of Istanbul. The intrusion of saline water that divides the ancient peninsula from the Beyoglu tableland is where the name of the place came from. The Golden Horn is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions thanks to its three thousand years of tolerance for ethnic diversity and breathtaking scenery.

Fener, Balat And The Golden Horn

Take a journey through the neighborhoods surrounding golden horn. it will particularly attract you with its fish restaurants located in renovated warehouses.

Ortaköy

Ortaköy has hosted different cultures for centuries. On the European side of the Bosphorus Bridge, it is the neighborhood and district of Beşiktaş district. Ortaköy Mosque is the symbol of the district. Ayios Fokas Monastery, built by the Byzantine emperor, gave Ortaköy its first known name. Let’s look at what’s in this neighborhood where Turkish, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities live together and leave traces of their own cultures.