Making it easy to choose the neighborhood that suits your needs the most.
Fatih
Central
Considered the central district of Istanbul, this large area encompasses the main tourist neighborhood of Sultanahmet, which is home to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It also stretches into plenty of other neighborhoods as well, each with their own flavor, ranging from conservative to laid-back to diverse and more. Full of history around every corner, there are also markets, traditional restaurants, cafes, and no shortage of places to walk around and explore. You can reach the city center in 10 minutes through the tram from Capa-Sehremini to Sultanahmet which is one of the tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Kadıköy
Close to center
Sitting on the Asian side of the city, this district offers a good standard of living at very affordable prices. With endless cafes, pubs, bookshops, markets and historical buildings, there is a richness to life here that can be quite appealing. There's always something to do, whether it's taking a morning stroll along the waterfront or enjoying some of the best food in the city, and it's only a 20 minute ferry ride over to the European side,
Beşiktaş
Central
An ideal location for socializing and nightlife, with an abundance of cool cafes and simple restaurants centered around one of the city's major universities. A twisting maze of quiet streets lead up from the shore and are filled with local shops and residential buildings, creating a laid-back atmosphere that can be quite appealing in the midst of this huge metropolis. There are several peaceful parks to enjoy as well and the famous Dolmabahce Palace sits right on the coast. While it's not walking distance to the city center, it is about 15 minutes using the ferry from Beşiktaş İskelesi to Eminönü in Istanbul.
Kâğıthane
Away from center
A small district located on the European side, it has formerly a working-class district, it has become one of the largest real estate development areas in Istanbul. Although it takes 26 minutes via Piyalepaşa Blv., it offers a vicinity to wander around and look at the many magnificent houses in the area. You'll need to use public transportation particularly the metro (13 minutes) from Sisli-Mecidiyeköy to Vezneciler in order to reach the city center.
Beyoğlu
Close to center
Possessing an energetic vibe, this popular district is in the midst of rapid gentrification. European architecture is mixed with art galleries, museums, nargile cafes and great local restaurants. Tourist sites sit next to lively narrow lanes asking to be explored. Famous Taksim Square and the always busy pedestrian avenue of Istiklal Street are full of shopping, dining and nightlife options and everything from the purely bohemian to the purely local can be found. It only takes 8 minutes using the bus from Si̇sşhane 2 to Muze. From here, you go to Eminönü which is famous for its city's bazaars.
Üsküdar
Away from center
Located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, this sprawling residential district is known for its picturesque coastline and architecture. With tranquil areas that offer a village-like atmosphere, a bustling historic center, busy promenade full of cafes and plenty of parks, history and religious sites it's a neighborhood that encompasses it all. Frequent ferries run from the waterfront straight to the European side. To reach the European side, it will take a 15-minute ferry ride from Üsküdar to Eminönü Ferry Terminal.
Sisli
Close to center
Located on the European side, this is one of the most affluent neighborhoods to live in. Everything from shopping malls to museums, palaces to parks and fine global restaurants to great nightlife can be found here. Given the area's diversity, old mosques, churches and synagogues dot the landscape in between high rises and businesses that make up one of the main finance centers of the city. It is a 40-minute walk from Taksim Square, it is one of the major tourist districts. From Taksim Square, you can proceed to the city center through a bus from Omer hayyam to Muze. It will take you 14 minutes.
