Istanbul

The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents - Europe and Asia. With a location on the Bosphorus Strait, this massive metropolis offers every kind of experience imaginable. The architecture and history are impressive, with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and palaces galore. The food is incredible, the culture strong and elements of the religious, modern, hipster, traditional and more create a unique and exciting atmosphere. It's also an affordable city, with low prices for a very good standard of big city living.

Monthly cost of living for remote workers

A remote worker can expect to spend an average of 11079 1506 1245 ${ selected_currency } per month in Istanbul, with an average rent of 5953 809 669 ${ selected_currency }.

Rent 1 bedroom apartment / modern / central / short term	${ selected_currency } 5953 809 669
Groceries Basic groceries	${ selected_currency } 742 101 83
Dining out 12 dinners and 8 lunches	${ selected_currency } 1360 185 153
Cafe 20 coffees / teas	${ selected_currency } 302 41 34
Coworking space 1 month membership / hot desk	${ selected_currency } 830 113 93
Mobile internet Prepaid SIM / 5 GB data / fast	${ selected_currency } 50 7 6
Public transportation 20 roundtrip journeys	${ selected_currency } 104 14 12
Taxis 5 short trips	${ selected_currency } 103 14 12
Shared bicycles and scooters 10 trips	${ selected_currency } 40 5 4
Sport and cultural events 1 event	${ selected_currency } 183 25 21
Museums and sights 3 sights / entrance tickets	${ selected_currency } 254 35 29
Nightlife 5 nights out / 3 drinks per night	${ selected_currency } 365 50 41
Gym 1 month membership	${ selected_currency } 158 21 18
Yoga 10 classes	${ selected_currency } 388 53 44
Massage 1 massage	${ selected_currency } 247 34 28
TOTAL	${ selected_currency } 11079 1506 1245

Latest tips

Valuable advice straight from the experiences of your fellow remote workers.

Do you have a tip about Istanbul? Please share and help the community!

Share a tip!

Lemonlu Bahce: Lemon Garden, a small hidden gardened cafe excellent for breakfast and lunch you can work from.

By Barret O. Workspaces

For cafes where you could work, we have TIYOP. Besides its cozy interiors that help you get some work done, it is close to the famous Galata Tower and the bridge. POIKÁ COFFEE is another great option. It is a non-touristy coffee shop and co-working cafe with good wifi, great coffee and delicious (cheap) sandwiches.

By Shaun C. Workspaces

Istanbul is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it that are considered somewhat dangerous. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too, but not something you would typically face if you're staying in any of the more central neighborhoods.

By Kerri T. Safety

If you want to exchange cash, plenty of currency exchange offices will do it for you. Currency exchange offices (Döviz Bürosu) are found in tourist, market and commercial areas. They offer better exchange rates than most banks, and may or may not charge a commission (komisyon). Just look around until you find one that doesn't charge commission.

By Kerri T. Costs

One of Istanbul locals' favorite escapes from the city, the Princes' Islands sit in the northeast corner of the Sea of Marmara offering serenely beautiful scenery just half an hour's ferry ride away from the city's bustle. Jumping on the ferry for a day trip to the islands allows travelers to soak up the gorgeous coastal scenery along the way.

By Tim J. Places to visit

View all tips

Population	15,520,000
Main airport	Istanbul Airport (IST)
Language	Turkish
Tap water	Not drinkable
Tipping	Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars
Taxi apps	BiTaksi