When moving to Istanbul, selecting the right neighborhood can make a huge difference. Whether you’re looking at buying property in Istanbul, this guide will cover the best neighborhoods for first-time movers, focusing on schools, hospitals, public transport, and local amenities.
1. Nişantaşı: A Hub of Luxury, Culture, and Shopping
Nişantaşı is known for its upscale living, luxury shopping, and refined culture. It offers access to some of Istanbul’s top educational institutions such as Işık Schools and MEF International School. The area is also home to top medical centers like American Hospital and Florence Nightingale Hospital.
Historic Landmarks
Walk through Abdi İpekçi Avenue, one of Istanbul’s most exclusive streets, lined with designer boutiques and cafés. The historic architecture adds to the neighborhood’s charm.
Major 5-Star Hotels
Key landmarks
- Metro: The M2 metro line is accessible from Osmanbey station, connecting Nişantaşı to Taksim and Levent.
- Metrobus: Mecidiyeköy Metrobus station is nearby, providing access across the city.
- Business district:Istanbul’s primary business districts of Sisli, Levent, and 4. Levent are a short metro ride away on the M2 metro line.
2. Atakent (Küçükçekmece): Suburban Comfort with Modern Amenities
Atakent is a well-planned suburban area, ideal for those seeking modern amenities. It’s home to excellent schools like Bahçeşehir College and Doğa College. Healthcare is well-covered with hospitals like Medipol University Hospital and Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Hospital. It’s also one of the closest decent areas to Istanbul’s new airport.
Check out our in depth guide to Kucukcekmece at this link : Kucukcekmece – what’s all the fuss about?
Check out our latest property for sale in the Kucukcekmece region
Public Transport
- Metro: Atakent will be served by the M1 (old city) metro line extension. It will also be served by the M7 city centre metro line extension.
- Marmaray: Access Marmaray via Halkalı station for citywide travel.
- Metrobus: Nearby Küçükçekmece Metrobus station provides quick access to central Istanbul.
- Highways: The TEM (E6) and E5 highways are closeby as is the crucial north-south highway known as media highway.
3. Beşiktaş: A Blend of Tradition, Luxury, and Vibrant Nightlife
Beşiktaş is a vibrant district full of history and modern amenities. Top schools like Kabataş High School and Galatasaray High School are located here. Healthcare is top-notch with facilities like Liv Hospital and Acıbadem Fulya Hospital.
Historic Landmarks
Explore stunning landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque, located by the Bosphorus.
Major 5-Star Hotels
Check out our in depth guide to Besiktas at this link : Besiktas – what’s all the fuss about?
Check out our latest property for sale in the Besiktas region
Nightlife and Museums
Beşiktaş boasts lively nightlife and cultural attractions like the Istanbul Naval Museum and the Museum of Painting and Sculpture in Dolmabahçe.
Public Transport
- Metro: The M7 metro line connects Beşiktaş to key business areas like Levent and Taksim. It is due to open in 2025, delayed follwing major archeological excavations.
- T1 Tramway: The nearby Katabas station provides access to the old city.
- Ferries: Besiktas ferry station connects to the Asian side with easy access to Kadikoy, Bostanci, Uskudar, and Cengelkoy.
4. Kağıthane: Urban Renewal and Affordable Living
Kağıthane is a rapidly growing area with a focus on urban renewal. It offers excellent educational institutions like Enka Schools and BİLFEN Schools. Hospitals such as Derindere Hospital provide quality healthcare. Additionally, it’s one of the closest decent areas to Istanbul’s new airport.
Key landmarks
- Metro: The M7 metro line connects Kağıthane to Şişli and Mecidiyeköy. The U line connects Kagithane to the business zone in Gayrettepe/Levent, as well as directly to the new airport.
- Vadi zone: Kagithane is a few minutes from the modern business and residential zone nowadays known as the Vadi region (Seyrantepe).
Check out our in depth guide to Kagithane at this link : Kaigthane Investment zone
Check out our latest property for sale in the Kagithane region
5. Eyüp: A Blend of Historic Charm and Modern Living
Eyüp is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods, known for its historical significance and serene atmosphere. It’s a great option for families and individuals looking to combine traditional charm with modern living. Notable schools in the area include İhlas College and Doğa College. For healthcare, you’ll find high-quality hospitals like Alibey Hospital and Avicenna Hospital.
Historic Landmarks
Eyüp is home to some of Istanbul’s most revered landmarks, such as the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the Pierre Loti Hill, offering stunning views over the Golden Horn. The M7 metro line connects Eyüp to Kağıthane and Şişli, offering fast access to the European side of Istanbul.
You’ll be pleased to know we have an in depth guide to Eyup at this link : Golden Horn Investment zone
Check out our latest property for sale in the Eyup region
6. Çengelköy: A Picturesque and Tranquil Waterfront District
Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Çengelköy is a charming neighborhood known for its quaint streets and beautiful views of the Bosphorus. It offers a peaceful lifestyle while still being close to the city’s hustle and bustle. Çengelköy is home to reputable schools such as Üsküdar American Academy and Acıbadem Schools. In terms of healthcare, it’s close to leading hospitals like Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital and Capa Hospital.
Historic Landmarks
Çengelköy is rich in history, featuring landmarks such as the Kuleli Military High School, which is one of the oldest educational institutions in Turkey, and the famous Çengelköy Pier, a popular spot for waterfront dining and leisure.
Public Transport
- Marmaray: Çengelköy is well connected via the Marmaray line, which provides access to both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
- Metro: The M5 metro line runs close to Çengelköy, connecting it to Üsküdar and Kadıköy.
- Ferry: Regular ferry services link Çengelköy to other parts of the city via the Bosphorus, making it a scenic commute option.
Guess what? We have an in depth guide to Cengelkoy at this link : A guide to Cengelkoy
Check out our latest property for sale in the Cengelkoy region
Food for thought
You may have noticed, we did not cover the world famous regions of Beyoglu (commonly referred to as Taksim), and the old city (commonly referred to as Sultanahmet). That’s because these regions are not liveable realistically on a long term basis. Particularly if one is moving to Istanbul with family and kids. For young singles, these areas may offer a picturesque lifestyle for a short term. In the long term, these areas are congested, are exceptionally busy, and can get tiring quite quickly!
